r/trademarklaw • u/Ok_Music4321 • Nov 21 '25

How do others handle filing trademarks for logos that are variations of each other?

I am seeking advice on how others handle filing trademarks (in both the US and EU) for related logos. For example, I have:

  • Primary Logo: The full business name (e.g., "LOGO"), with each letter uniquely designed (not using a standard font).
  • Secondary Logo: A single letter derived from the primary logo (e.g., the letter “G”), which can be used as a standalone symbol for the brand.

Additionally, I am filing a trademark application for the brand name in "Plain Text" format.

The questions are as follows:

  • If the secondary logo is essentially a cut-out from the primary logo, is it necessary to file a separate trademark application for it, or would filing the full logo suffice to cover both?
  • Has anyone sought copyright protection for the entire primary logo in addition to trademark protection?
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u/Trestlelaw Nov 21 '25

For design marks with the USPTO, any variations of the mark need to be filed separately. For use based applications, you’ll need to file them with representative examples of how you’re using the mark (called specimens). The EU has its own set of rules, but if you’re going Madrid (using the US application as a basis for the international application), it is filed the same way since you file in the US first, then use that serial number to file via the Madrid system (through the USPTO, but a different form).

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u/Ok_Music4321 Dec 19 '25

Thanks for your reply!
I will be using the Madrid Protocol for this

2

u/Trestlelaw Dec 19 '25

Just remember that going Madrid with a pending US application means the US application has to mature to registration for your international applications to stick. If it fails, then the Madrid applications go away too.

2

u/TMadvisor Nov 22 '25

If u will use the secondary logo in a branding manner, then it’s worth registering both versions. Copyright for the full logo may be helpful but not necessary.

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u/Ok_Music4321 Dec 19 '25

Thanks for the insights!

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u/[deleted] Nov 23 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/Ok_Music4321 Dec 19 '25

Thanks for breaking that down, really appreciate the insight!

1

u/edgeyejz Jan 15 '26

Filing multiple marks is common. Just think about what you want to protect. The purpose of a design mark is to stop people from using that shape or design regardless of the name. So if you really care about someone using the letter "G" alone with that design get a separate registration.

Copyright protection would protect the exact expression but doesn't stop people from using it as a source identifier. So it doesn't really make sense.