When I started Wanderonomy I learned a ton of stuff: legal, software programming, graphic design, editing, computer automation, and so much more.
It’s been an interesting journey, that’s not over. Last March I got to learn something new, Trademark applications. Shortly after I published my first T-shirt design I was alerted (thanks Google Alerts!) that someone else had published a T-shirt with Wanderonomy on it.
Wanderonomy is a word I made up. Every instance of it, everywhere, online and IRL is mine. Copyright is automatic from the moment of publication (tho’ you can register a copyright and need to if you want to dispute a legal claim). Trademark is not.
So I started the path to trademarking Wanderonomy and my logo. I also learned that registering the domain name isn’t sufficient to claim “use” on my trademark application.
16 months and a bunch of legal and application fees and I’m thrilled that I can now use Wanderonomy®! (At least for the next 5 years, when I can renew.) I could have used Wanderonomy™ after I filed but chose to wait (impatiently) until it was final. Basically I was too lazy to update everything on the website. 🙂
I’m so excited my trademark has been approved! This is a major milestone for my blog, and it means that I can now take steps to protect my brand and prevent others from using my name or logo without my permission.
Now it’s time to update some graphics with my new ®!
