Trademark Infringement: Don’t Let Someone Steal What’s Yours

Trademarks aren’t just logos or catchy names—they’re the identity of your business. When someone else tries to profit off your hard work, it’s frustrating, unfair, and potentially devastating. Trademark infringement happens more often than you’d think, and if you don’t take action, it can damage your reputation and bottom line.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our trademark attorneys help businesses fight back against trademark violations. Our attorneys understand what’s at stake and know how to protect your brand. Whether you need to send a cease-and-desist letter or take a case to court, you deserve one of the best law firms in America at your side to aggressively to defend your rights.

Are They Ripping Off Your Brand? Here’s How to Tell

Not every similarity is infringement. But when another business uses your trademark—or something confusingly close—it can lead customers to believe you’re connected. That’s when the law steps in.

Trademark infringement typically involves:

• Unauthorized use – Someone uses your trademark without permission.
• Likelihood of confusion – Customers might mistake their product or service for yours.
• Competing businesses – The infringer operates in the same or a related industry.

For example, if a local bakery starts selling “Starbux Coffee,” that’s a clear attempt to trade off a well-known brand. But even less obvious cases—like similar packaging or slogans—could still be infringement. If you notice another company using a name, logo, or design that’s eerily close to yours, it’s time to contact the intellectual property lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP.

Fight Back: Legal Weapons to Stop Trademark Thieves

If someone is infringing on your trademark, you have legal tools to shut them down. The right course of action depends on the severity of the infringement and the damage it’s causing.

Here are some of the key legal remedies:

• Cease-and-desist letter – A formal demand to stop using your trademark.
• Negotiation – Sometimes, the infringer is unaware and will comply voluntarily.
• Opposition or cancellation proceedings – If the infringer has applied for a trademark, you can challenge it.
• Lawsuit for damages – If the infringement is intentional and harmful, legal action may be necessary.

If the infringer refuses to back down, the next step is taking them to court through civil litigation.

Cease-and-Desist Letters: Your First Strike Against Copycats

A cease-and-desist letter is often the fastest way to stop an infringer without going to court. This letter formally warns the other party that they’re violating your trademark and demands they stop immediately.

A strong cease-and-desist letter should include:

• A clear statement of ownership – Prove that you hold the trademark rights.
• Evidence of infringement – Show how they’re misusing your brand.
• A demand for action – Specify what they must do to comply.
• A deadline – Give them a set timeframe to respond.

Sending this letter signals that you’re serious. Many businesses don’t want legal trouble and will stop immediately. But if they ignore it, you may need to escalate. The attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, can guide you through the entire process of sending documents to put an end to the infringement.

Lawsuits & Legal Battles: When to Take It to Court

Sometimes, a cease-and-desist letter isn’t enough. If an infringer refuses to comply—or if their actions have already harmed your business—you may need to file a lawsuit.

A trademark lawsuit can seek:

• An injunction – A court order forcing them to stop using your trademark.
• Monetary damages – Compensation for lost sales or harm to your brand.
• Seizure of infringing goods – Courts can order counterfeit products to be destroyed.

Litigation can be complex, but it may be necessary to protect your brand’s future.

Horn Wright, LLP: The Legal Team That Protects Your Brand

When your brand is under attack, you need experienced attorneys who know trademark law inside and out. At Horn Wright, LLP, we fight aggressively to protect businesses. If someone is infringing on your trademark, we’ll take action—whether it’s sending a cease-and-desist letter or taking them to court. 

Your brand matters. Let’s defend it together. Contact our office today to protect your rights.