Following the Super Bowl last week, I decided to look back over trademark filings the Patriots have made. In this video, I show a trademark registered by the Kraft Group LLC (presumably a company owned by Robert Kraft) for “19-0.” You’ll notice that the trademark was filed just days before the 2008 Super Bowl when the Patriots were supposed to […]
If your company filed an “intent to use” application and received a “Notice of Allowance” then, congratulations, the USPTO has initially approved the application for registration and no third-parties have opposed the application during the Opposition Period. The final step is to file proof of use in the form of a ‘Statement of Use’ filing. However, before your company files […]
Today is our very first video from our new studio here at the office. I hope you are going to enjoy some of the videos we will be producing about trademark issues that come up in the future. For our very first video, I wanted to discuss how important registering for a trademark in China has become for U.S. businesses. […]
When filing a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) you must file for specific goods and/or services in specific classes (called “International Classes”). Sounds simple enough, right? However, complicating this is the fact that the USPTO has 45 different classes (and two special designations for certification marks). Depending on the goods and/or services that you are currently […]
Your trademark is a valuable asset to your business. It represents your brand and distinguishes you from your competitors. The legal rights that come with having a registered trademark are essential to your long-lasting success in the marketplace. Consider how to protect your trademark with these 6 strategies. Choose a Strong Mark from the Start Your trademark is often the first […]
Filing for trademark registration in another country may seem like a daunting task, but it could be one of the most critical decisions you make as a business owner. Your U.S. trademark offers you protection from infringement and counterfeiting in the United States, but those same protections do not apply in China unless you register your trademark there as well. Whether […]
As a business owner or entrepreneur, you understand the importance of having a federally registered trademark in the United States. You are aware of the protections it provides your brand, and the value it holds as an asset to your business. In today’s global marketplace, it is often critical to protect your brand, not just in the United States, but internationally. […]
Many business owners know that names, slogans, and logo can act as trademarks and can give the owner exclusive rights to use that phrase in connection with their products and services. But how can business owners protect the design and look of their product or product packaging to stop competitors from making similar packaging? Protecting the “look and feel” of a […]
Alfonso Ribeiro has sued the creators of Fortnite and the NBA 2K series for using the “Carlton Dance” as an unlockable (i.e. purchasable) character celebration dance. Ribeiro is best known for his portrayal of uptight “Carlton Banks” on the 90’s sitcom the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” In one episode, Banks starts doing a dance move that is now known as […]
In today’s digital world, board games are still thriving. There has been a boom in the board game industry over the past ten years and with new funding streams as well as a growing consumer base, the board game industry looks to continue its renaissance. At the heart of the boom has been new game designers and companies exploring new […]
Many in-house attorneys overpay outside counsel for trademark services. I have spent the last ten years winning client work from firms that overbill and watching opposing counsel fleece their corporate clients. So how are in-house counsel overspending for trademark services? Here are the top three areas where most “traditional” law firms are overbilling: 1. The trademark search Most law firms do […]
As trademark attorneys, we face a common question from potential clients: “Why should I hire you when I can do it through a service online that costs less?” At first glance, a trademark application may seem like filling out a government form– something you can do yourself. In reality, a trademark application involves dozens of legal decisions at every step, starting […]