What Is a Trademark and Why Every Woman of Color Building a Brand Needs One
You’ve put in the work. You’ve got the name, the vibe, the audience, and the sales. Whether you're an influencer, a small business owner, or a content creator—your brand is the blueprint for something bigger. But let me ask you this: is it legally protected?
Because if you’re not securing your brand with a trademark, you’re building your empire on shaky ground.
Let’s break it down.
So... What Is a Trademark, Really?
A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, logo, or even a sound that identifies and distinguishes your brand from others in the market. It’s what makes your brand yours. Think Nike’s swoosh. Think the McDonald’s golden arches. Think Beyoncé’s name.
When you legally register a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), you’re not just claiming a name—you’re claiming ownership. You’re saying: this belongs to me.
Why Trademarks Matter for Women of Color Entrepreneurs
If you're a woman of color building a business, you've probably poured your heart, your creativity, and your culture into your brand. That originality deserves legal protection.
Too often, we see our ideas duplicated, stolen, or misused—especially when they're not protected. A federal trademark gives you the legal tools to stop copycats, fight back, and keep control over what you’ve built.
Trademarks are also one of the first steps to building generational wealth. Your brand’s name, logo, or slogan can become a valuable asset. Imagine licensing your brand one day or selling your business for six or seven figures. Without a trademark? That brand equity could vanish.
What Can You Trademark?
You can trademark things like:
Your business name
Your logo
A tagline or slogan
A product name or program name
But here's the key: what you’re trademarking must be unique and used in connection with your goods or services. That’s why doing a proper trademark search (not just a quick Google) is so important.
What a Trademark Is Not
Let’s be clear: a trademark is not the same thing as an LLC or a copyright.
An LLC gives you business structure and legal separation from your personal assets.
A copyright protects original creative works (like photos, blog posts, music).
A trademark protects your brand identity.
If you want full legal protection, you need all three working together.
Peace of Mind Hits Different When Your Brand Is Secured
The truth is, trademark protection is often skipped by entrepreneurs because it feels intimidating or expensive. But what’s really expensive? Rebranding after a cease-and-desist. Or losing the right to your name after someone else trademarks it first.
Securing a trademark means you can confidently grow your business, pitch to brands, sell your products, and scale—knowing no one can legally snatch your identity.
You didn’t come this far just to get copied.
Ready to Legally Protect Your Brand?
If you're building a brand with vision, purpose, and long-term goals, a trademark isn’t optional—it’s essential.
I help women of color protect their brands from copycats and legal headaches so they can build confidently and profit boldly. Whether you need a trademark search, application, or guidance on where to start—I’ve got you.
Click here to download the FREE Ultimate Trademark Checklist or book a consultation to get your trademark journey started today.
