You've got a fantastic business name, a catchy logo, and a killer vision. Now comes the biggest question: Is your brand name strong enough to actually be protected? At Hit the Mark, we're here to cut through the confusion. Not all names are created equal in the eyes of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The strength of your trademark is determined by where it falls on the Trademark Spectrum . Understanding this spectrum is the difference between filing wit

You've poured your soul into building a unique online presence. Every scroll, every like, every subscriber is a testament to your hard work. But have you ever stopped to think about how you’re protecting that hard-earned brand? Your digital identity deserves the same rock-solid protection as any physical product. It’s time to move beyond the "hope for the best" strategy and secure your space in the digital universe. The Cold Hard Truth: Your Handle Isn't Enough You might thin

The headlines are loud, the politics are messy, and once again, the government has hit pause. But what does a shutdown actually mean for your trademark  and your brand protection strategy ? Is the USPTO Still Operating? Short answer: Yes. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is still open and processing trademark applications. Because the USPTO is funded by filing fees—not Congress—it can keep operating on reserve funds for now. But here’s the part nobody sho

If you’re here, chances are you’ve built something worth protecting — and you’re smart enough to know it. Whether you’re a bold startup, a creative making waves, or a business on the rise, trademarks aren’t just legal tools… they’re your brand’s armor. Securing your trademarks isn’t optional—it’s essential. Yet, let’s be real. The trademark world can feel like a maze of confusing terms, government forms, and enough legal jargon to make your head spin. That’s exactly why we cr