What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a trademark monitoring service?

Question

Our company has registered trademarks with the USPTO and we have now received solicitations asking us to order trademark monitoring services. What are the reasons for using such a service, and what are the downsides?

Answer 1

It's every applicant's responsibility to ensure that their trademark is not being infringed upon and one of the ways to accomplish this is by hiring a monitoring service.

I'd suggest either hiring a monitoring service (look into it though, it shouldn't be that expensive at all!) or just have comprehensive research done every 2-3 years. Either way, this shows that you are taking the proper steps in protecting your trademarks.

There aren't really any downsides that I can think of -- sure, there are expenses. But losing customers to someone using your same or similar name is far worse!

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!