When I first started my law firm back in 2005, things were very different. There weren’t YouTube tutorials, step-by-step startup checklists, or online business formation tools. And there definitely was no such thing as an “AI tool for entrepreneurs.” There was just me… a licensed attorney no less… staring at government websites, trying to figure
If you’re trying to figure out how to file a trademark application with the new USPTO system, then this video is for you. Earlier this year, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) launched a brand new online trademark filing system which has lawyers and entrepreneurs alike scrambling to figure things out. Which is
Protecting your brand with a registered trademark is one of the most important legal steps you can take as a business owner and entrepreneur—but only if you do it right. Today I want to talk about some of the top trademark mistakes I see in my law practice. As a trademark lawyer, I’ve seen entrepreneurs
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.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links that follow are affiliate links. This means that my company may receive a commission for any purchases you make on the linked websites. Starting your own business can be both exciting and overwhelming. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking to replace your day job with your dream business, starting
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
