James Hart, Trademark Lawyer

Husband, Father, Lawyer, Entrepreneur, YouTuber and Die-Hard Cleveland sports fan. I love helping founders build and protect their intellectual property and brand names with trademarks, copyrights, and contracts. #gobucks

Author: James Hart, Trademark Lawyer

can I use a dead trademark

The Abandoned or Dead Trademark – Should You Use It?

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

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When can you use a trademarked name

Can You Use a Trademark BEFORE it is Registered?

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

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trademark symbols explained

3 Trademark Symbols Explained: ®, TM, SM – The Ultimate Guide

As a trademark attorney, one of the most common questions I get from both my trademark clients and potential clients alike is how to properly use the trademark symbols both before and after your trademark has registered. This post will demystify how to properly use the trademark symbols in a simple and easy to understand

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how long does it really take to get a trademark (women patiently waiting)

How Long Does it Take to Register a Trademark? [2024]

In this blog post we will cover how long it takes to register a trademark, from the initial idea phase through to final trademark registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (i.e. USPTO).  The entire process can take anywhere from 12-18 months on the short-end to multiple years if you receive multiple office

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7 common business mistakes beginner entrepreneur

7 Common Business Mistakes Beginner Entrepreneurs Make

I talk to a lot of entrepreneurs at every stage of the business life cycle and am getting better and better at spotting their business mistakes. I talk to beginner entrepreneurs and small business owners that are just getting started and aren’t sure what to do next, I talk to CEO’s of million dollar companies,

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5 benefits of trademark registration

Top Benefits of Trademark Registration… Is it Worth It?

There are a number of benefits of trademark registration, and in this blog post and corresponding video, we will review 5 of the important benefits that I hope will persuade you to take your trademarks seriously.  As a business owner, protecting your intellectual property by obtaining the exclusive rights to your trademarks is a critical

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how to register your trademarks

How to Register Your Trademarks (4 Options)

Many entrepreneurs are confused about the trademark process, specifically how to register a trademark. They either think it is way too complicated for them and their business, or they believe it is as simple as just submitting a trademark application.  Neither of these answers is correct. Trademark registration plays a vital role in safeguarding the

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Why you need a virtual address for your LLC

Virtual Business Address for Your LLC (You Need it)

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. That means that although it won’t cost you any more money to purchase the products we link to, it will support our channel financially if you choose to do so. Thank you in advance for your support! Incorporating virtual business addresses into your overall

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