姓名 vs Logo: What Should You Register?
One of the most common questions we get: "Should I register my name, my logo, or both?" The honest answer for most businesses: both. But here's why — and how to prioritize if budget is tight.
Why Word Marks Are Usually More Valuable
A word mark protects the name itself, regardless of font, color, or design. If you redesign your logo (and you will), your word mark still applies. Word marks are the most flexible long-term protection.
When to Register a Logo
Register your logo when the design itself has distinctive value — the Nike swoosh, the Apple silhouette, the McDonald's golden arches. If your logo is just your name in a custom font, a word mark is usually enough.
Both = Maximum Protection
The strongest strategy is to register your name as a word mark AND your distinctive logo as a separate mark. This costs more upfront but gives you the broadest legal coverage.
If You Can Only Afford One
Choose the word mark. It protects the most important thing — your brand name — in any visual form. You can always add the logo registration later.
Our experts can review your specific brand assets and recommend the right combination of filings. The wrong choice can cost you years of protection.