Trademarks are used to protect brand names, business names, product names, logos, and slogans. They ensure that a brand can use its assets to build recognition and differentiate itself.

While you gain some protection as soon as you start using your brand name and logo, you need to register a trademark with the USPTO to really protect your brand which and allows you to take legal action.

A trademark must be renewed after the first five years and then every ten years to remain active. As long as these renewals are filed on time, the trademark will not expire.