Welcome to Rock Solid IP, where we deliver expert strategies to help you maximize the value of your creativity and innovation. In this episode, host Kevin Rosenquist is joined by attorney Rob Wells of Rock IP Law Firm in Washington, DC, to kick off the Trademark Bootcamp series.

This first episode lays the foundation for understanding trademarks, answering key questions every business owner needs to know. Rob explains what trademarks are, why they matter, and the different types—including character marks, design marks, and some unexpected forms like scent, sound, and color trademarks. They also discuss how businesses should determine which trademarks to prioritize and the requirements for federal registration.

If you're looking to protect your brand and navigate the trademark process with confidence, this episode is for you.

00:08 – Introduction to Rock Solid IP and guest Rob Wells 00:52 – What is a trademark and why does it matter? 02:03 – Types of trademarks: character marks vs. design marks 03:27 – Which type of trademark offers the broadest protection? 04:49 – Requirements for trademark eligibility and registration 06:18 – Can you trademark a podcast or YouTube channel before launching? 07:34 – How to determine if a mark is too generic to be registered 08:35 – Unusual trademarks: sounds, scents, colors, and trade dress 11:48 – How trademark protection works for scents like Play-Doh 12:24 – Trademarking colors: examples from Tiffany & Co., Louboutin, and UPS 13:40 – What types of trademarks are easiest to secure? 15:16 – How to determine if a brand element qualifies for trademark protection

Rock Solid IP is your go-to podcast for expert insights into intellectual property law. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring legal professionals like Rob Wells, each episode breaks down complex IP topics to help businesses and creators protect their valuable ideas.