Reviewed by Thomas Phung, Esq., trademark attorney · Updated October 2026
Short answer: Whether you sell on Amazon, Etsy or TikTok, run a restaurant or nonprofit, or launch an app or podcast, the basics are the same: clear the name, file in the right class and own it in the right entity. These guides cover the details that matter for each type of business.
Online sellers and creators
- Trademark for Amazon Brand Registry — Amazon Brand Registry requires an active registered trademark. Get your trademark filed correctly the first time — from a Minnesota attorney who knows what…
- Etsy only checks if your shop name is unique. Not whether it’s yours to keep. — Your Etsy shop name isn’t a trademark — and copycats know it. Here’s when handmade and craft sellers should register, how it helps with Etsy’s IP takedown…
- Your TikTok handle is not a trademark. It just feels like one. — Your TikTok handle isn’t a trademark — anyone can copy your brand name for their own products.
- Can You Trademark a Podcast or YouTube Channel Name? — Yes, if the name is used as a brand for an ongoing show. Here is how podcast and YouTube trademarks work, which classes to file in, and what gets refused.
- How to Trademark a Clothing Brand (and Avoid the Ornamental Refusal) — Clothing brands are often refused because the name is printed as decoration. Here is how to file in Class 25 and show your mark the way the USPTO expects.
Startups and tech
- Trademark Checklist for Minnesota Startups — Seven trademark steps every Minnesota startup should take before launch and fundraising, from clearing the name to owning it in the right entity.
- How to Trademark an App or Software Name — App and software names usually belong in Class 9, Class 42, or both. Here is how to pick the right classes, avoid refusals, and protect your name at launch.
- Can You Trademark an AI-Generated Logo? — Usually yes. Trademark rights come from using a logo as a brand, not from who drew it. But copyright is a different story. Here is what to know before you file.
Local businesses and nonprofits
- How to Trademark a Restaurant or Food Truck Name — Restaurant and food truck names are among the most copied brands. Here is how to clear and register yours, which classes to choose, and what to avoid.
- Should a Nonprofit Trademark Its Name? — Nonprofits rely on their names for donations and trust. Here is why registering a nonprofit trademark matters, which classes fit, and how to protect events and programs.
- Can You Trademark Your Own Name? — You can trademark your name if it is used as a brand, but surname and personal-name rules apply. Here is how name trademarks work for founders and creators.
Growing, selling or expanding
- Trademark Assignments and Licensing When You Sell a Business — Selling a business or bringing in partners? Learn how trademark assignments and licenses work, what must transfer with the mark, and why recording matters.
- How to Protect Your Trademark Outside the U.S. — A U.S. registration only protects you in the U.S. Learn how Minnesota businesses extend trademark rights abroad through the Madrid Protocol or national filings.
- Should I file as an individual or a business entity? — The USPTO requires the true owner’s name on your application — get it wrong and your registration can be invalid.
More trademark guides
- Trademark Costs & Hiring a Trademark Attorney
- Trademark Basics, Search & Filing Process
- Trademark Office Actions & Rejections
- Trademark Disputes, Enforcement & Scams
- Trademark FAQ (75+ questions)
- Service areas
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Questions about your own mark? Call (651) 222-3776 or book a free consultation.