The United States Patent and Trademark Office has enacted a new program that requires some trademark registrants to go beyond the normal requirements of renewing their trademark and prove continued use of the items listed in their trademark applications. The USPTO’s audit program requires trademark registrants and their attorneys to be extra vigilant when renewing [...]
The U.S. Supreme Court held that the addition of “.COM” to a generic word could function as a protectable trademark, despite the generic word being incapable of acting as a protectable trademark. While this decision opens the door for brands like BOOKING.COM to potentially qualify for trademark protection, proving those rights could be incredibly difficult [...]
On June 15, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced the COVID-19 Trademark Prioritized Examination Program. The new initiative allows entities with certain COVID-19-related goods or services to file a petition to the Director to fast-track their trademark applications. The United States Patent and Trademark Office recently introduced a new program that allows [...]
Licensing a brand from another company can be a great way to show affiliation and benefit from the recognition that the existing brand already has. When a business enters into a licensing agreement with a major company, they are allying themselves with not just the brand, but its reputation and goodwill as well. What happens when the brand you license no longer reflects your company’s values?
Quantum computing has opened up possibilities for new research and analysis that could resolve previously unsolvable problems. The industry is full of innovators, like you, who want to make a difference while building a company that can compete in the marketplace. While the focus of any technology company will first be on the tech, it [...]
Copyright law is one of the three major forms of intellectual property, along with trademark law and patent law. Unlike trademark law, which primarily deals with brands, and patent law, which deals with inventions, copyrights protect “creative works,” and give authors and creators protection for their writings, photos, drawings, sculptures, movies, and more, like computer [...]
There is no 30% Rule and you should think twice before using someone else's content.
The U.S. House and Senate recently introduced the "Trademark Modernization Act of 2020" proposing streamlined procedures for eliminated unused trademark registrations. Could the new proceedings help your business reduce the risks and costs of developing a new brand?
The craft beer industry has grown exponentially over the past 10 years and continues to grow with new brands and products entering the marketplace every day. However, it has also become a highly litigious area as everyone tries to carve out their own beer names within the industry. With disputes becoming more and more frequent, [...]
On August 3rd, 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office implemented a rule requiring foreign companies and individuals domiciled outside of the United States to use a licensed U.S. attorney to file trademark applications, renewals, and almost any other document before the USPTO. This affects every company and individual outside of the U.S., but it can [...]
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 [...]
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.
Josh uses his extensive trademark knowledge and experience to provide readers with insight into a variety of trademark issues.
Eric's experience in office action responses, trademark protection, and a variety of other issues gives him a unique viewpoint in the field of trademark law.
Colleen's keen insights in the business community allow her to counsel clients from the beginning stages of the application to in-depth enforcement matters.