Trademarks With Chelsea | A Trademark Law Basics Business Podcast

Chelsea Fournier, J.D. US federal trademark attorney for business owners & thought leaders

Trademarks with Chelsea is a podcast for business owners, experts, and thought leaders who've built something real and want to protect it the right way. If you're a coach, consultant, speaker, therapist, practitioner, or product-based business owner wondering whether you need a trademark, this show gives you clear, plain-language answers, without the legal jargon or the DIY guesswork. Hosted by Chelsea Fournier, a US trademark attorney who has helped hundreds of businesses protect their brand names, logos, and taglines with the USPTO. Chelsea was sworn in as a lawyer at 24, spent years practicing trademark and IP law, and has built several businesses of her own, so she knows what it takes to build a brand and what it costs to leave it unprotected. I'll answer questions like: How do I trademark my business name? How much does it cost to trademark a name? How long does it take to get a trademark? Do I need a trademark if I already have an LLC? What's the difference between a trademark and a copyright? Should I trademark my name, my logo, or both? How do I do a trademark search before I file? What happens if someone else is already using my business name? Can I trademark my podcast name, course name, or signature program? Do I need a trademark lawyer, or can I file it myself? This podcast covers the full trademark process for small businesses in the US: trademark searches and clearance, filing a trademark application, USPTO office actions, intent-to-use applications, cease and desist letters, trademark registration, and keeping your registration alive for the long run. You'll also hear why DIY trademark filing services and AI tools often miss what matters, and how to build a brand protection strategy that fits your business goals and budget. If you're a business owner who wants to protect your brand, understand intellectual property, and feel confident your business is built to last, you're in the right place. This podcast is for educational purposes only and isn't legal advice.

  1. Oct 20

    Q: How Much Does It Cost To Register a Trademark in 2026?

    How much does it really cost to register a trademark? If you've been thinking about protecting your business name, brand, or product, you may have seen prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. So what's the difference, and what should you actually budget for? In this episode, I'm breaking down the cost of registering a trademark in 2026, including current USPTO filing fees, DIY applications, online filing services, and working directly with a trademark attorney. I'll explain what you should look for when comparing prices, what's often included (or left out), and why the cheapest way to file isn't always the most cost-effective option in the long run. I'm also sharing my own flat-fee pricing, so you can see exactly what it costs to work with me and what you get at each stage of the process. From a trademark strategy session to a clearance search and report to preparing and filing your application, I'll walk you through the options and help you understand where to start. Explore Working With Chelsea Book a Free Consultation Explore Services offered by Trademarks with Chelsea (including flat fee schedule) 👉 Find the Full Show Notes Here Find Chelsea on: TikTok, Instagram, Threads + LinkedIn Explore more about the podcast on our site! --------------------- how much does it cost to register a trademark, cost of trademark application, cost of trademark registration, federal trademark protection, trademark fees 2026, USPTO filing fees, trademark attorney fees, trademark clearance search, trademark application cost, trademark protection, business name protection

    Q: How Much Does It Cost To Register a Trademark in 2026?
  2. Sep 29

    Q: When to Trademark Your Name — Before or After Launch?

    You’ve picked the name. You’re excited about the launch. Maybe you’ve already invested in the branding, website, packaging, or inventory. But what happens if you discover that someone else is already using a confusingly similar name? In this episode, I’m talking about when to think about trademark protection when you’re launching something new — whether that’s a business, podcast, product line, new location, or rebrand. I’ll walk through when it makes sense to do a knockout search or full clearance search, when you might consider filing a US trademark application before launch, and how your investment in a new name can affect that decision. I’ll also talk about how the USPTO timeline can fit into your launch plans and why some businesses may want more certainty before investing heavily in a name, while others may choose to launch first and pursue trademark protection once they know they’re committed. Explore Working With Chelsea Book a Free Consultation Explore Services offered by Trademarks with Chelsea (including flat fee schedule) 👉 Find the Full Show Notes Here Find Chelsea on: TikTok, Instagram, Threads + LinkedIn Explore more about the podcast on our site! --------------------- when to trademark a business name, trademark clearance search, trademark knockout search, US trademark application, trademark before launch, trademark after launch, business name trademark, trademark registration, trademark strategy, trademark attorney

    Q: When to Trademark Your Name — Before or After Launch?
  3. Sep 22

    Q: Do I Need a Trademark If I Have an LLC For My Business?

    Do you need a trademark if you have an LLC? Maybe you’ve already registered your business name, gotten your EIN, built your website, and started using the name. So isn’t that enough to protect your business? In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between an LLC, a business name registration, and a trademark—and why having an LLC doesn’t actually give you trademark protection. I’ll walk you through the different levels of rights you can have in your business name, from common law rights all the way to federal trademark registration, and explain what each one actually protects. I’ll also help you understand how to protect your business name based on where your business is today and where you’re headed. If you’re building an online business, planning to expand, hoping to sell your business someday, or creating a brand you want to protect nationwide, there are some important factors to consider. But that doesn’t mean every business needs to file a federal trademark immediately. Explore Working With Chelsea Book a Free Consultation Explore Services offered by Trademarks with Chelsea (including flat fee schedule) 👉 Find the Full Show Notes Here Find Chelsea on: TikTok, Instagram, Threads + LinkedIn Explore more about the podcast on our site! --------------------- do i need a trademark if i have an llc, do you need a trademark if you have a llc, how do you protect your business name, how to protect a business name, LLC vs trademark, business name vs trademark, LLC and trademark registration, business name and trademark, trademark vs registered business name, trademark vs business registration

    Q: Do I Need a Trademark If I Have an LLC For My Business?

About

Trademarks with Chelsea is a podcast for business owners, experts, and thought leaders who've built something real and want to protect it the right way. If you're a coach, consultant, speaker, therapist, practitioner, or product-based business owner wondering whether you need a trademark, this show gives you clear, plain-language answers, without the legal jargon or the DIY guesswork. Hosted by Chelsea Fournier, a US trademark attorney who has helped hundreds of businesses protect their brand names, logos, and taglines with the USPTO. Chelsea was sworn in as a lawyer at 24, spent years practicing trademark and IP law, and has built several businesses of her own, so she knows what it takes to build a brand and what it costs to leave it unprotected. I'll answer questions like: How do I trademark my business name? How much does it cost to trademark a name? How long does it take to get a trademark? Do I need a trademark if I already have an LLC? What's the difference between a trademark and a copyright? Should I trademark my name, my logo, or both? How do I do a trademark search before I file? What happens if someone else is already using my business name? Can I trademark my podcast name, course name, or signature program? Do I need a trademark lawyer, or can I file it myself? This podcast covers the full trademark process for small businesses in the US: trademark searches and clearance, filing a trademark application, USPTO office actions, intent-to-use applications, cease and desist letters, trademark registration, and keeping your registration alive for the long run. You'll also hear why DIY trademark filing services and AI tools often miss what matters, and how to build a brand protection strategy that fits your business goals and budget. If you're a business owner who wants to protect your brand, understand intellectual property, and feel confident your business is built to last, you're in the right place. This podcast is for educational purposes only and isn't legal advice.