Should You Register Your Logo or Brand Name First?
You’ve done the work. You have:
● ✅ A powerful brand name
● ✅ A beautiful logo
● ✅ A brand that’s gaining traction
Now the question hits:
Should I register my name or logo first? Does it matter?
Spoiler: Yes, it matters—and here’s how to make the best legal move based on your stage and goals.
Name vs. Logo: What’s the Difference?
● Registering your name protects the phrase or business identity (e.g., “Mami Means
Business”)
● Registering your logo protects the visual design (colors, font, shapes, etc.)
You don’t have to register both at the same time—especially if you’re on a budget.
Which Should You Register First?
Priority #1: Register the Brand Name
This is what people say, search, and remember.
Register your name if:
● You use it on social media, your site, or courses
● It’s your business or flagship program name
● You plan to license, franchise, or scale
● You’re worried someone else might use or register it
Priority #2: Register the Logo
Logos change often. Name = identity.
Register your logo if:
● You have a finalized design
● It appears on packaging or products
● It includes unique visual elements
● It’s used as a signature image (badges, seals, etc.)
What If Someone Uses Your Name and You Didn’t Register?
● It’s much harder to defend your brand legally
● Owning a domain or social handle doesn’t prove legal ownership
● Only a registered trademark gives exclusive commercial rights
Where to Register?
● In the U.S., register through USPTO.gov
● In Latin America: IMPI (Mexico), SIC (Colombia), INPI (Argentina), etc.
● For international sales: WIPO or Madrid Protocol
Checklist: Should You Register Your Name First?
● Are you making sales under that name?
● Do you own the domain and social handles?
● Are you launching ads or expanding?
● Will your logo evolve, but the name stay the same?
If you answered “yes” to most of the above:
🔐 Start with the name.
Want to protect your brand before someone else does?
Watch our free Legal Shields Webinar and get clarity on what to trademark first—your name or your logo—and why it matters.
We break down:
● The legal difference between name vs. logo
● What’s worth registering (and what can wait)
● How to protect your brand in 2024
Get the legal clarity your brand deserves.
Save your seat (it’s free):
Watch the Webinar Now »
