When business owners say, “I need to trademark my brand,” they’re usually thinking of just one thing: either the name or the logo. But if your goal is to build a brand that will actually stand the test of time—one you can confidently market, scale, and maybe even sell—the smarter move is often to protect both: Think of […]
Why Smart Brands Protect Both Their Name and Their Logo Read More »
You finally file your trademark application, hit “submit,” and breathe a sigh of relief. Your brand is officially on its way to being protected. Then, maybe that night—or a week later—you look back over the filing and notice it: A mistake. Maybe you chose the wrong owner, your goods and services description does not really
Can You Fix Your Trademark Application? Read More »
If you’re an online influencer, coach, consultant, e‑commerce owner, or community builder, you’ve probably wondered at some point: “Do I really need a trademark… or am I too small for that right now?” In this post (and video), I walk you through a simple framework to help you decide whether you should register your trademark
Should You Register Your Trademark? Read More »
If you recently attempted to prepare and file your own trademark application, then there is a good chance that you will (or already have) received a non-final trademark office action from the examining attorney who was assigned to your trademark file. While this might cause you a little panic and anxiety as you are wondering
Nervous after receiving a Trademark Office Action? Do this NOW! Read More »
Today I wanted to review 5 of the biggest trademark myths I hear from potential clients all the time. If you’re an entrepreneur, coach, creator, or small business owner, one of the first things you’ll do when starting a business is come up with a name you love. And while choosing a business name feels
5 Costly Trademark Myths That Could Ruin Your Brand Read More »
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
Feeling Overwhelmed Starting a Business? This AI Assistant Makes It Easy Read More »
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
How to File a Trademark Application with the newly updated USPTO System Read More »
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
Top 10 Trademark Mistakes I See as a Lawyer (And How to Avoid Them) Read More »
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 NOT to Register a Trademark: 5 Mistakes to Avoid Read More »
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.
Should I Trademark My Business Name or My Logo First? Read More »
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
What EVERY Entrepreneur Needs To Know Before Starting An LLC in 2025 Read More »
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
NC Trademark Search: A Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Brand in North Carolina Read More »
