Obtaining trademark protection for your business name, slogan or logo is very important, not only to protect your intellectual property and unique business identity, but also for shear business value. A trademark is often a key business asset.

Review the general requirements for obtaining a trademark in Oregon by reading page 40 of "How to Start a Business in Oregon," which can be found at

http://sos.oregon.gov/business/Documents/business-guides/start-business-guide.pdf

Then, download a trademark form from the Oregon Secretary of State's site at:

http://sos.oregon.gov/business/Documents/business-registry-forms/trademark-appl.pdf

Next, create something that would qualify for trademark protection (e.g. a logo or slogan). You do not need to be an artist-just make something up and provide a rough sketch if you are applying to protect artwork associated with your business (stick figures are okay!).

Describe how your trademark would be used in commerce. Otherwise fill out the application completely, using a fictitious company name. Be sure to include all words, designs and borders that comprise the mark on the form.

Submit the work using Moodle or in class-not to the state! It is due no later than the day of the final.

As always, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns, or just want to go over some ideas.