In the September 2021 edition of the BPP, we asked Small and Medium Enterprises six questions on their brand protection programs, specifically on trademark registrations.* From the responses, we identified a need to broadcast some help for SMEs in the form of the National Intellectual Property Rights Center — IP Protect Program. Here you can find out some of the basics on how to register your trademark and how to seek help with enforcement issues, among other forms of assistance.

*The results, though “small” in number are revealing: Unique trademark filings ranged from 1-3; 2 of the 3 SME respondents had not registered those trademarks with U.S. Customs; 2 of 3 had not increased their TM filings in the year; budgets dedicated for brand protection ranged from 0% to 5%. SME respondents were from apparel/footwear/fashion, services and electric heating systems. Note: there were eight total respondents but five did not consider themselves SMEs.