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Can individuals apply for a trademark?

Senior Trademark Attorney

Yes. Individuals can apply for and own trademarks in any jurisdiction. There is no requirement to hold a company or business license.

If an individual owns a trademark that is used by a company (their own or a third party), a license agreement between the individual owner and the company user is typically needed to formalize the arrangement. Where the individual later incorporates, the trademark can be transferred to the company through a trademark assignment.

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