A curated collection of practical, in-depth trademark guides published on mekiplaw.com. These resources reflect more than 25 years of USPTO practice, over 3,000 trademarks and patents secured, and a consistent focus on helping businesses, entrepreneurs, bands, and creators build protectable brands.
All guides are written by Michael Kondoudis, USPTO-Registered Trademark Attorney and Principal of The Law Office of Michael E. Kondoudis (Trademarks Made Easy®).
Guides on Trademark Strength & Selection
What Are the Different Types of Trademarks? (Format + Strength Explained): The definitive guide covering both trademark formats (word marks, logos, slogans, sound, color, trade dress, etc.) and the five levels of the Abercrombie distinctiveness spectrum (Fanciful ? Arbitrary ? Suggestive ? Descriptive ? Generic). Includes a comparison matrix, real-world examples, registration implications, and a practical 5-step framework for choosing a strong mark.
Simple Trademark Rules: An Easy Guide: Ten clear, actionable rules every brand owner should follow to preserve trademark rights, avoid common pitfalls, and keep a mark enforceable over time.
Guides on Logo & Visual Mark Protection
Are Logos Trademarked? YES! – How to Register Yours: A practical explanation of how logo and design marks are protected, what makes a logo registrable, and the steps required to secure federal rights in a visual brand identity.
Rolling Stones Tongue and Lips Logo Guide: Case study of one of the most famous logos in music, with lessons on visual distinctiveness, enforcement, and long-term brand protection for artists and bands.
The Metallica Logo Guide:Analysis of another iconic band logo, focusing on how strong visual marks are built, registered, and defended in the music industry.
Guides on Registration Strategy & USPTO Practice
Supplemental Register Explained: Benefits, Limits, and the Path to the Principal Register: Clear guidance on when the Supplemental Register is useful, what protections it does (and does not) provide, and how marks can later move to the Principal Register after acquiring secondary meaning.
How to Use These Resources
These guides are written for business owners, startups, musicians, and in-house counsel who want accurate, practical information without unnecessary complexity. Each article is designed to help you make better branding decisions early — before expensive rebrands or USPTO refusals become necessary.
This resource page is maintained as a public service on Patentably Defined. All linked guides are published and updated on www.mekiplaw.com.