Your Name is Your BrandMake sure you own it.
We listen to your trademark needs and work with you to determine what works best for you. No pressure. No surprise bills. Just the answers you need to move forward.
Why registration matters
You get common-law rights just by using your name. Proving them, though, is slow and expensive. A Federal Trademark Registration is the only way to protect your mark across the whole United States.
Search before you invest
If you can't register yet, at least have a professional search the USPTO records. You want to know that your mark isn't infringing someone else's brand before you spend more on it.
- A search shows whether your name is genuinely available.
- A confusingly similar mark can put your whole investment at risk.
- Finding a conflict early is far cheaper than rebranding later.
What you get once it's registered
If your mark is available, we file the application. Once it registers, no one can force you to change your name. In most cases a cease and desist letter is all it takes to stop someone from using it — strong protection, without breaking the bank.
doing business as
since 2001, a trademark odyssey
A note from Ruth
“When you call, we take time to understand your trademark needs and talk through your options — from do-it-yourself filings to full representation. You receive a written estimate before work begins. No pressure, no surprise bills, and a chance to clarify the choices only you can make when you are ready.”
Ruth Mae Finch, Esq.
Call Ruth directly at 301-388-2252.
Trusted by brand owners we've protected
What we do
Comprehensive trademark services.
From the first clearance search to long-term policing of your mark, we handle the work that keeps your brand yours.
Trademark Registration
Comprehensive search, strategy, and filing with the USPTO, state, and Canadian registries — plus full prosecution through registration.
Explore trademark registrationCopyright Protection
Registration, licensing, DMCA takedowns, and infringement enforcement for books, music, software, photography, and creative works.
Explore copyright protectionEnforcement & Litigation
Cease-and-desist letters, USPTO opposition and cancellation proceedings, UDRP domain disputes, and infringement actions.
Explore enforcement & litigationDIY Coaching
Not ready for full representation? Start with our DIY guide and add targeted reviews at the riskiest moments.
Explore diy coachingGet started
Three ways we can help
Our Services
From clearance searches to enforcement, see everything we offer to protect your brand.
Explore servicesThe Process
See the step-by-step timeline from free consultation to federal registration.
See how it worksContact Us
Call Ruth directly or send a message for a free consultation with no obligation.
Get in touchTrademark Costs
USPTO fees vs. attorney fees — what a trademark really costs in 2026.
Read the guideFiling Checklist
Free 8-step checklist to run before you file with the USPTO — print it or have it emailed.
Get the checklistLocal roots
A Maryland trademark firm, filing nationwide.
Finch and Associates, LLC works from Silver Spring, Maryland, in Montgomery County just outside Washington, D.C. Our founder, Walter J. Finch, was born in Baltimore, and the firm has advised Maryland business owners on trademarks and copyrights since 1976.
Because trademark registration happens at the federal level, where you file from does not limit who we can help — clients across the country work with us by phone and email. Maryland and D.C.-area clients simply get the option of a local attorney who knows the region and answers the phone herself.
FAQ
Trademark questions we hear most
Client voices
Trusted by founders and brand owners.
A few words from the entrepreneurs and companies we protect.
“Finch & Associates is a breath of fresh air when it comes to the process of Intellectual Property. Ruth and Marcos make this process as easy as possible. I had nothing to worry about — they took over and made the whole process seamless. Consider yourself in good hands and care; Ruth took on a normally complicated exercise for us, which gave us time to spend on other aspects of our day-to-day business, with the comfort of knowing Ruth and her staff always had our best interest.”
“Individuals looking for a competent, compassionate trademark and copyright attorney need look no further than Finch and Associates. Ruth Mae Finch has knowledge of and passion for the law as well as a unique ability to communicate with her clients — a rare find in an attorney today. I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone seeking legal work pertaining to intellectual property.”
“Ruth has been doing trademark and related work for International Nutrition for years. She has a thorough knowledge of the subject and provides excellent work at a reasonable price. All of Ruth's work is produced in a timely manner. I would recommend her firm to any business.”
“Ruth Mae Finch has successfully filed and obtained many of our company trademarks over the past thirteen years. Ruth also won a very difficult legal suit against a large, well-known company that did not want us to be able to use our company name. Ruth is extremely efficient, dedicated, and easy to work with — which is the reason we have continued to do business with her firm.”
“Most people don't realize how important trademark registration and protecting their brand is. I encourage business owners to consult an experienced trademark lawyer because of the wealth of knowledge and experience they can provide. If you are looking for a top-notch trademark application attorney in Maryland who cares about giving you more than you expected, I recommend Ruth Mae Finch, Esq. After the initial consultation, I have the confidence that the services are absolutely top notch. I highly recommend Finch & Associates, LLC.”
“Ruth is insightful and responsive — two qualities I really appreciate in anyone, but don't generally expect from an attorney. She has been quite a nice exception to my expectations. One in a million!”
In 2001, Finch and Associates, LLC chose FinchMark as a domain name. Over time it became our brand name. FinchMark offers straightforward, expert legal advice to entrepreneurs, well-known brands, and creative founders who require registration, enforcement, or strategic IP advice from specialists serving clients since 1976.