From rugged hiking gear and trail-ready footwear to GPS navigation tools, paddleboards, eco-conscious apparel, and guiding services, the outdoor recreation industry is booming.
As innovation and competition grow across both physical and digital channels, a strong intellectual property (IP) strategy is vital to protecting your position and supporting long-term success. We can help with both trademarks and patents.
Trademark Protection in Outdoor Recreation
Protectable Brand Elements
Company & Product Names
Signature names, house brands, or product line labels
Logos & Design Marks
Visual identity, icons, and stylized branding
Slogans & Taglines
Marketing phrases and positioning language
Trade Dress
Packaging, container shapes, retail display aesthetics
Trademark Types
Word Marks
Text-based brand and product names
Design Marks
Logo symbols, graphic identifiers
Service Marks
Marks for adventure guiding, tours, and outdoor experiences
Trade Dress
Look and feel of products or physical environments
Trademark Process Overview
1. Search & Clearance
U.S. federal and state database searches
Social media and web audit for potential conflicts
2. Application Preparation
Identify appropriate classes (e.g., apparel, gear, services)
Drafting for current or intended commercial use
3. Examination & Prosecution
Responding to USPTO office actions (conflicts, descriptiveness, etc.)
4. Registration & Ongoing Management
Monitoring for infringement
Maintaining and renewing your registration
Patents
Types of Outdoor Recreation Patents
Utility Patents
Protect the functionality and methods behind your invention (up to 20 years from filing)
Design Patents
Cover the visual appearance or aesthetic design (15-year term from issue)
Provisional Patents
Provide a 12-month window to secure an early filing date while refining your invention