What firms and approaches do founders use to protect trademarks and intellectual property, and what should we consider when filing?

Members recommend engaging specialist IP law firms early to guide trademark applications and ensure broad category coverage for future product development.

**Recommended IP law firms:** - **McDaniels Law** — described as very reasonable; seek a direct introduction from community members - **Howes Percival LLP** — praised as super helpful; ask them for a pre-filing report on whether your mark is trademarkable, and be clear upfront on all product categories you want to cover now and in future - **IP21** — members' go-to firm; multiple endorsements

**Key considerations when filing:** - Get a trademarkability report *before* submitting your application to avoid wasting time and money - Be very clear and broad about the product categories you want to cover, thinking ahead to any future product development—this prevents having to refile later.

Members emphasise that taking time upfront to define your category scope properly can save significant hassle down the line.