TRADEMARKS

We handle all areas of trademark law, from filing trademark applications, responding to office actions, opposition proceedings, cancelation proceedings and trademark litigation in federal court.   We have taken our clients' cases all the way to the United States Supreme Court and won.

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EXPERIENCE COUNTS

Although it may be tempting for some to try to file a trademark on their own, we highly do not recommend it.   A trademark often becomes the foundation of one's business.  Much thought needs to go into deciding exactly what words, logos or pictures to select as the trademark, how to categorize or describe the goods or services associated with the mark, and even the selection of the entity name to use in applying for the mark.    Sometimes international trademark treaties apply that offer potential benefits.   Many factors should be explored before blindly filing an application with the U.S. Trademark and Patent Office.  

 

We offer advice on exactly what to trademark, what elements of a design or phrase to exclude, how to describe the goods and services associated with the trademark, the obstacles one might encounter, the future protectability of the mark, who to list as the applicant and international aspects of trademark law too.  The do it yourself websites don't cover any of these issues.  They assume you have ample experience and let you hope for the best.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADEMARKS

 

Most countries outside of the United States follow a first to file priority trademark system as opposed to a first to use system.  So it is possible to obtain protection overseas for your mark even though you haven’t used it yet. It is also possible for non-US Residents to obtain a US Registration without actually having used the mark in the US, something not possible for a US resident.

 

We file what are referred to as International Trademark Applications within the WIPO.  This allows one to file a single application and pay one set of fees to apply for protection in up to 116 countries. It's also possible to modify, renew or expand your global trademark portfolio through one centralized system.

 

We assist those living outside the US file US trademark applications as well as those living in the US file international trademark applications.