Gerben IP’s Trademark Blog

How To's, The Basics, Trademark Filing, Trademark Search, Trademark Search

How to Protect a Business Name

Your business’s name will be at the forefront of everything that you do, so it is crucial that every necessary precaution is taken to protect such an important aspect of your brand. As you grow and expand, make sure to take all the steps needed to protect your business name and all it represents. Perform a trademark search A federal trademark […]

In The News, Pop Culture

Drake and Nike Collab: “FORZA NOCTA” Trademark

In past few weeks, there has been increased speculation that Drake and Nike will be dropping a clothing collaboration. Thanks to trademark applications that have been filed with the USPTO, recent documents may provide some clues about what will be included in the collaboration. The first interesting filing noted is a “FORZA NOCTA” application that was filed in January of […]

General, In The News, Sports

Carnival’s “KING JAMES” Trademark Blocked By LeBron James

LeBron James has filed formal documents to oppose a trademark application for “KING JAMES” that was filed by Carnival Cruise Lines. LeBron’s company, LBJ Trademarks, filed the formal opposition with the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) on November 18. The opposition stops in its tracks a trademark application filed by Carnival Cruise […]

General, Industries, Medical

Registering Trademarks for CBD, Full Spectrum Hemp Oil, and Other Cannabinoids

The demand for cannabidiol, or CBD, has skyrocketed in the last few years and with it, a huge boom in CBD brands. However, there are still significant challenges to registering CBD brands with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. A few highlights as you read below: USPTO trademark applications for CBD, CBG, Full Spectrum Hemp Oil, and other cannabinoids […]

General

New USPTO Fees Coming In January 2021

Effective January 2, 2021, the USPTO will be implementing a revised version of its trademark and TTAB fees. If you are considering registering your trademarks with the USPTO or if you are a current trademark owner, it is crucial to understand and prepare for the forthcoming increase in most fees, as well as the introduction of a few new ones. Why […]

Patents, The Basics

Can You Patent an Idea?

For many inventors, a patent is one of the most worthwhile investments one can make, as they can often provide different layers of protection for those seeking exclusive rights to their inventions and products. Without a patent, a competitor may be able to make and profit from your product or invention. To prevent this and to protect your inventions, patents are […]

General, Trademark Infringement

How to Handle A Trademark Infringement Notice

If you receive a cease and desist letter in the mail, it means that another company or individual believes you are infringing on their trademark, regardless of whether or not the allegations are true. While a notice of trademark infringement can be unsettling, it’s important not to panic or take immediate action. This article goes over the appropriate ways to […]

Copyrights, General

Copyright Protection – Why Should You Register Your Copyrights?

Copyright protection gives creators (whether individuals or companies) the ability to stop others from (among other things) reproducing the creator’s content without permission. In a digital world where anything can be reproduced, stolen, and sold with only a few clicks, it is essential that creators protect their copyrights. We will go into more detail below, but to start, here are a […]

General, Industries

Top 10 US Retailers – Trademark Statistics

According to Kantar’s 2019 Top 50 US Retailers report, the top 10 US retailers combined achieved over $1.3 trillion US sales in 2019. Ranking first was Walmart with over $400 billion sales, followed by Amazon with $155 billion. As such dominating forces in the marketplace, how much does branding impact these companies’ sales? One clear indicator of the importance of […]

General

Four Seasons Trademarks

The trademark “FOUR SEASONS” may never be the same after the 2020 Presidential campaign. But Four Seasons Total Landscaping and the Four Seasons Hotel are not the only businesses that go by the name “Four Seasons” in the United States.  Here is a list of all the different “Four Seasons” trademarks that have been registered in the United States.   Serial […]

General, Sports

Shaquille O’Neal Files Trademark Application for “SHAQPOT”

Shaquille O’Neal filed a new trademark application for “SHAQPOT” on October 22. The application indicates that O’Neal and Authentic Brands Group intends to use the “SHAQPOT” trademark in association with betting services, gambling services, and wagering services. The filing also includes a website featuring online betting, gaming, gambling and wagering services related to sporting events. Over the last year or […]

General, Sports

Russell Wilson Files Trademark Application for “LET RUSS COOK”

Russell Wilson has filed a new trademark application for “LET RUSS COOK.” The “LET RUSS COOK” phrase originated from week 3 of the 2019 NFL season, where a Seattle Seahawks fan posted a tweet suggesting the Seahawks just “let Russ cook.” As documented by The Athletic, the idea of letting Wilson have more control over the game was not a […]

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