As a trademark attorney, you might think I’m the last person who would ever tell you not to register your trademark. But here’s the truth: registering a trademark isn’t always the right move—at least not for some entrepreneurs who may wonder when not to register a trademark. Too many entrepreneurs rush into the trademark process
When building a brand, one of the most important legal steps you can take is registering your trademark. But should you register your brand name or your logo first? In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between word marks and logo (i.e. design) marks, and help you decide which one to file first.
Are you embarking on an NC trademark search? Employing accurate search strategies are essential if you are looking to protect your brand in North Carolina. In this article, you will discover the essential steps to ensure your state trademark is clear of potential conflicts. While the Secretary of State’s office plays a crucial role in
Securing a trademark will take you a minimum of one year, but I typically tell my clients it will take between 12 to 18 months… and that is if things go smoothly. Factors such as application volume and the USPTO’s response times play a critical role in answering the question, “how long does it take
Are you looking to protect a unique phrase that represents your brand’s identity? Understanding how to trademark a phrase is key to securing your intellectual property rights and preventing others from profiting off your creativity. This article serves as a practical guide to navigate the trademark registration process, from ensuring your phrase is eligible for protection, to
In order to register a trademark at the Federal level, you must show proof that you are using your trademark in commerce. In this regard, understanding how, when and why you must file a statement of use in connection with your trademark application is crucial. Filing a Statement of Use confirms that your trademark is
In this episode of The Legal Jim, we interview Alexandra Watkins about what makes a great name for your business, as well as how to avoid a bad name. We talk about her signature SMILE and SCRATCH methods for picking amazing and memorable brand names. Don’t miss this episode! Learn More about Alexandra Watkins Alexandra
I get so many clients that have done a search of the USPTO database and found dead trademark filings that they are interested in using as their own trademark. In this post we will talk about what a dead trademark is, how a trademark “dies”, and whether you should attempt to revive a dead trademark
So many entrepreneurs ask me about when can you use a trademarked name and how they can use their name, logo or slogan in commerce. In today’s post I’m going to talk about how and when you should start using your trademark in commerce. My answer to this question may surprise you. There are two main situations that frequently
