Gerben Law Firm's Trademark Blog

As of June 2019, the cost to register a trademark in Canada has increased.  Registrants will now pay $330 for basic online trademark registrations, including one international class.  For each additional class of goods or services, the cost is $100.  For those filing through paper applications, a charge of $100 will be added. If you’ve […]

Clients are often surprised by the various types of things that can be protected under trademark law. From color combinations to product names, there are many different things that can be protected with a trademark. Here is an interesting filing that shows the depth and limits of trademark protection, specifically when it comes to the […]

For many inventors, a patent is one of the most worthwhile investments one can make—the patent laws ensure that anyone who “invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor.” Without a patent, an opposing or competing party […]

There are four critical steps to trademark the name of your construction company.  First, take the time to choose a strong mark from the start.  Next, be sure similar trademarks don’t exist by conducting a comprehensive trademark search.  Then, file your trademark with the USPTO.  Once your trademark is registered, actively police its use and […]

The XFL has made new trademark filings on potential team names for the new Seattle team that’s going to be part of the relaunch of the XFL. There are filings for Seattle Wild, Seattle Force, Seattle Fury, Seattle Dragons, and Seattle Surge. So, overall, the XFL has filed for five trademarks, which all contain the […]

July 4, 2019 (Original Post) The day after the 2019 NBA Draft, both Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans filed trademark applications for “Let’s Dance.” Zion Williamson filed four separate applications. The applications filed by Zion indicate that the top pick in this year’s NBA draft has an intent to offer “computer games, video […]

The PGA Tour filed a brand new trademark application on June 19th for “The Skins Game,” suggesting that the PGA Tour is bringing back the once popular event. Looking at the trademark application, you can see that the application states the PGA Tour plans to offer “entertainment services, namely conducting professional golf tournaments” using “The […]

Effective August 3rd, 2019, the USPTO will require foreign applicants, registrants, or parties to a trademark proceeding to be represented by a U.S. attorney.

The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty designed to simplify the international trademark registration process.  Using this process, registrants are able to complete a single application, in their home language, that can then be applied to over 90 member countries.  It is important to note, however, that this application will not grant global trademark protections.  […]

Obtaining an international trademark is an effective way to protect your brand.  If your international trademark strategy includes Canada, be sure to conduct a search on the Canadian trademark database before you file your application.  The Canadian Intellectual Property Office, or CIPO, provides a detailed tutorial on their website.  Read below to learn about the […]

The number of international trademark filings in the United States has increased significantly over the last several years. In the past, foreign registrants were able to apply for a U.S. trademark without U.S. legal representation, but that may soon change. The USPTO has issued a new proposal, effective in July, that will require foreign trademark […]

 One of the biggest questions we get from clients is, “How do I register my trademark internationally?” Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t a single way to register your trademark in every country around the world. Each individual country is its own sovereign and requires its own trademark application. So, regardless of how you […]