Your brand is one of your most valuable business assets. Your name, logo, slogan, and product identifiers represent your reputation, your credibility, and your market presence. Without proper protection, they are vulnerable.

The DIY Trademarks for Entrepreneurs course is designed to help business owners understand the trademark process from start to finish and approach it strategically.

In this self-paced course, Attorney Lerae Funderburg walks you through the fundamentals of federal trademark registration, the practical steps required to file properly, and the common pitfalls that cause costly delays or denials.

This course is for you to understand ownership, protection, and long-term brand security.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Why Trademarks Matter

• What a trademark actually protects

• What qualifies (and what does not qualify) for federal protection

• The difference between common law rights and federal registration

• The long-term value of securing your brand

Navigating the USPTO System

• A visual walkthrough of the updated USPTO website

• How to locate and use the trademark database

• Understanding trademark classes and application types

• What information you need before filing

Comprehensive Search Strategies

• How to conduct a thorough clearance search

• Identifying conflicting marks

• Avoiding rejected applications

• Reducing the risk of cease and desist letters

Application Preparation & Filing

• Selecting the correct filing basis

• Choosing appropriate descriptions

• Completing the application accurately

• Understanding filing fees and timelines

What Happens After You File

• The examination process

• Responding to Office Actions

• Publication and opposition periods

• Post-registration maintenance requirements

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

• Entrepreneurs building a new brand

• Business owners preparing to expand

• Creators launching products or services

• Founders who want to understand the trademark process before investing in legal representation