Law-Forums.org

[spengler]

I want to trademark a team name for a group of friends and I that want to compete in (yes, I know) video game competitions. The problem is, I have no idea how to do it. Is there a cost? Can I do it as a minor? Is a trademark correct for a team name?

Thanks in advance for any help

[wilbart]

Depending upon whether you're in a common law country, like the USA or Canada, you may automatically acquire limited trademark rights by simply being the first to use a distinctive brand in association with your particular goods or services. For sports, the services are generally called "ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES IN THE NATURE OF <name of sport> EXHIBITIONS".

There is also the possibility of using a "membership" mark, meaning that only people on the team are allowed to display or use the mark (like "Boy Scouts of America" membership, in addition to all the trademark clothing and other merchandise).

You can optionally register a trademark or membership mark in one or more states, or file for a national registration (more complicated and expensive) at the USPTO.gov/trademarks website.

First thing you need to do, however, is make sure nobody else is already using a similar name for anything related to competitions, video games, or the like.