Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get mentioned enough when launching a new brand: your domain name and social media handles.

As trademark professionals, we often work with clients who are excited to protect their brand name. They’ve picked something unique, they’re ready to grow their business, and they come to us to file their trademark. But surprisingly often, they haven’t secured the matching domain name or social media handles yet. And unfortunately, by the time the trademark is filed, it’s sometimes too late.

Here’s why it matters more than you think.

Once You File a Trademark, the Name Is Public

The moment a trademark application is submitted, the name becomes publicly searchable in the USPTO (or other trademark office) database. That means anyone can see it—including people who track new filings and buy related domains or social media handles before the business owner gets around to it.

Yes, this really happens. Some people make a business out of it. They’ll register your name as a .com or grab the Instagram handle, hoping you’ll come knocking and offer to buy it back for a few hundred—or a few thousand—dollars. Others just like collecting domains with potential value.

“But I Have the Trademark… Doesn’t That Give Me the Domain Too?”

Unfortunately, no. A registered trademark protects your brand name in connection with your products or services—but it doesn’t give you automatic rights to a domain name or social media handle, unless you secure them separately.

Domains are first come, first served. The same goes for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms. If someone gets them before you do – even if they’re doing nothing with the name – it’s theirs.

Reclaiming a domain name can be expensive and time-consuming. And when it comes to social media handles, it’s even trickier. Platforms aren’t always helpful unless there’s clear trademark infringement. If the person using your handle isn’t impersonating you or harming your reputation, they usually won’t do anything.

We’ve Seen It Happen

Just recently, we had a client who had her eye on a specific domain for months. It was available, but she didn’t buy it because she thought it could wait. As soon as we filed her trademark application, someone else scooped up the domain. It was just bad timing and, sadly, a missed opportunity.

She now has to use a different domain—and no, the original owner isn’t willing to sell. It’s frustrating, and we understand why. But it could have been avoided with one small step early on.

What You Should Do Before Filing

Here’s what we recommend to every client before we submit a trademark application:

1. Buy the domain.
   As soon as you settle on a name you like—even if you’re not 100% sure—go register the .com version (and any others you want). You can buy a domain for $10–$20, and it’s worth every penny just for peace of mind.
   

Pro tip: It’s also smart to grab a few common misspellings or sound-alike versions of your name. For example, we own both trademarkangel.com and trademarkangle.com because people often mistype our name. If your brand is called “Sunny Sips,” you might also want to buy sunnysip.com or sunisips.com—just in case. Redirecting those to your main site helps catch any lost traffic.

2. Grab your social handles. Even if you’re not ready to launch on Instagram or TikTok, go ahead and claim the usernames that match your brand. It’s free and takes just a few minutes.
3. Be consistent. Try to keep your domain and handles as close to your brand name as possible. The more consistent you are across platforms, the easier it is for customers to find you.
4. Act fast. Don’t wait for your trademark to be approved. The moment you’ve chosen a name, start locking things down. Delays can cost you.

This Is Part of Building a Brand

Filing a trademark is an important step—but it’s just one part of protecting your brand. Your online presence is just as important these days. Imagine launching a business and having to explain to customers that your website is the-real-brandname.com because someone else took the clean, simple version.

The truth is: securing your digital presence early makes everything smoother later. It avoids confusion, keeps your brand professional, and protects you from unnecessary costs.

At Trademark Angel, we’re here to help you register and protect your trademark. But domain names and social handles? Those are in your hands. Take action early—it’s one of the best decisions you can make when starting or rebranding a business.

Need help with your trademark strategy? We’re always happy to help—just reach out.