Back to Trademark ownership

Do I have to have a company to apply for a trademark?

Written by Jan Buza

Co-founder of Trama

No. A trademark can be registered by an individual without a company. Individuals, sole proprietors, legal entities, and associations can all apply.

For most business owners, having the company own the trademark is advisable: it simplifies licensing, transfer, and enforcement, and ties the asset to the commercial entity that uses it. However, filing as an individual is entirely valid, particularly if the company is not yet incorporated. Ownership can be transferred to the company later through a trademark assignment.

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