In recent years, trademark registration has become increasingly popular among online coaches, therapists and influencers. In recent years, the USPTO has seen a marked increase in trademark applications related to the online coaching and influencer industry. As a matter of fact, they report an approximate 63% increase in the overall number of applications between 2020 and 2021. This trend can be attributed to the increased number of people1 entering the online coaching industry during the Pandemic along with a growing importance of personal branding and the need for businesses to protect their intellectual property rights.
Personal branding is the practice of creating a unique image and identity for oneself in order to establish credibility, attract followers, and build a loyal audience. Influencers use personal branding to differentiate themselves from their competitors and establish themselves as experts in their respective fields, even when those fields were non-existent just several short years ago.However, even niche markets get crowded when the global market is one’s potential customer base.Many online coaches and influencers sell their products and services through online marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy, and Teachable, which are also growing at a record rate.
The Coaching Industry has Exploded
Many online coaches and therapists are facing the issue of saturation. As the online coaching and influencer industry is highly competitive, it is important for businesses and individuals to differentiate themselves and stand out from the crowd. This can be achieved through effective branding, which includes the use of unique and memorable trademarks, logos, and slogans. However, the process of creating and registering an effective trademark can be challenging, which is why many businesses and individuals are turning to trademark registration services for help.
By registering their trademark, influencers can protect their intellectual property rights and prevent others from using their trademark without permission. This is particularly important in the influencer industry, where content is often shared and reposted without attribution or compensation.
Another reason for the growing popularity of trademark registration among influencers is the potential financial benefits. A strong personal brand can lead to lucrative sponsorships, partnerships, and endorsements, which can generate significant income and by registering their trademark, influencers can ensure that they have exclusive rights to their marketing persona, thus increasing their bargaining power when negotiating with sponsors and partners.
Think of a trademark as a business asset that can be sold or licensed to other companies. This can provide influencers with a new source of income and allow them to leverage their personal brand in new and innovative ways.
One of the key trends in the trademark registration industry as it relates to the online coaching and influencer industry is the increase in the number of trademark applications related to personal names. As the online coaching and influencer industry has grown, more and more individuals have started using their personal names as trademarks. This has led to an increase in the number of trademark applications filed with the USPTO for personal names, particularly in the areas of health, fitness, personal development, and lifestyle.
USPTO Trademark Rules
The USPTO has implemented certain regulations that have affected the online coaching and influencer industry. For example, the USPTO has clarified that, for a mark to be registrable, it must be used in commerce, which can be defined as a traditional has also started to reject some mark application that appears to be used for exclusively online business, as it considers them not yet used in commerce. Additionally, the USPTO has also implemented stricter rules for the use of hashtags in trademarks.
However, the trademark registration industry as it relates to the USPTO and the online coaching and influencer industry is also facing some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the high cost of trademark registration, which can be a barrier for many small and medium-sized businesses and individuals. Additionally, the process of trademark registration can be complex and time-consuming, which can also be a deterrent for businesses and individuals looking to protect their brands and intellectual property.