UCF Business Incubation client company showcases the importance of protecting company branding
Orlando, Fla. (April 14, 2025) — The naming of a company and the design of a logo may seem like a regular step in any business, but many companies starting out forget to take this step.
Not SharpShell Digital Consulting.
This month, ShellSharp Digital Consulting received protection from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, being awarded a service mark for its name and logo, creating a layer of legal protection against anyone trying to use its brand.
“We help companies grow and magnify their brands, so it was essential to us to show our clients an essential step in any brand’s growth,” says Raul Nazario, CEO, SharpShell Digital Consulting. “As we continue to expand our client base and offerings, we believe it is critical to protect our brand – and our success.”
SharpShell was formed in 2021 by Nazario under the name SharpShell Solutions. However, Nazario realized the name of the company needed to be more aligned with its offerings and changed its name late in 2023 and started the process to acquire a service mark about a year ago.
This is the second service mark for the company. Last year, it acquired Audaxis and its service mark, too.
Settling on that branding can be a significant task to ensure that it has the right feeling, that it’s not confused with other brands, and that it is something that resonates with your customers and clients.
That’s why protecting that brand is essential to ensure that others may not accidentally or purposefully use the company’s brand.
It is one of the steps the UCF Business Incubation Program looks at when reviewing its clients’ businesses. If they haven’t protected their brand, client companies are encouraged to start the process.
“For new companies, they may not realize the need to register for a service mark for a logo and a name until it is too late and someone else has started using the company’s brand,” says Carol Ann Logue, director, Innovation Districts Programs & Operations, University of Central Florida. “SharpShell should be applauded for taking this step and showing why it is an important for all businesses to protect their brand.”
ShellSharp Digital Consulting is a client company of the UCF Business Incubator on East Colonial Drive in Orlando.
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UCF Business Incubation Program: Alan Byrd, Alan Byrd & Associates, 407-415-8470, Alan@ByrdConnections.com
About SharpShell Digital Consulting: SharpShell Digital Consulting is an award-winning digital marketing agency and business automation firm. It helps ambitious clients solidify their brand, find their voice, engage with customers and reach growth goals in today’s digitally dominated marketplace. As a hands-on, collaborative marketing agency in Orlando, Florida, SharpShell functions as a full-service digital partner. The firm offers powerful Fortune 500 analytics and expert digital professionals, and is always learning and updating its strategies. With SharpShell, clients get the benefits of a full marketing team without the stress. Visit SharpShellDigital.com for more information.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program: The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high-growth/impact enterprises. Since 1999, this award-winning program has provided vital business development resources resulting in over 300 local startup companies reaching their potential faster and graduating into the community where they continue to grow and positively impact the local economy.
With nine facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Eustis, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs. In 2023, current incubator clients supported over 1,000 employees and generated over $120 million in revenue. Nineteen companies graduated from the program and remained in the local community. For more information, visit www.incubator.ucf.edu
