November 19, 2024 Hello Reader, I recently had a bit of a nostalgic momentâI saw a DeLorean, the famous car from Back to the Future. If youâve seen the movie, you know itâs all about time travel and the importance of making the right decisions to protect your future. Seeing that iconic car reminded me how, in business, just like in the movie, the decisions we make today can have a lasting impact on the future of our brands. In Back to the Future, Marty McFly had to fix the past to ensure a...
1 day ago â˘Â 1 min read
November 18, 2024 Hello Reader, I often get the question: âWhat else can be trademarked other than words, logos, and slogans?â Itâs a great question because trademark protection actually extends beyond those basics. Hereâs a quick overview of some other elements that can be trademarked: Sounds: Think of the famous NBC chimes or the roar of the MGM lion. Unique sounds that represent your brand can be trademarked. Colors: Some brands are instantly recognized by their signature color, like the...
2 days ago â˘Â 1 min read
November 11, 2024 Hello Reader, A client asked about the possibility of trademarking a domain name. The answer is yes, but it depends on how you're using the name. To trademark a domain name, it needs to function as more than just a website addressâit has to act as a brand that people recognize. For example, a domain like "Amazon.com" is more than just an address; it represents the company itself, which makes it eligible for trademark protection. The U.S. Supreme Court made an important...
9 days ago â˘Â 1 min read
November 5, 2024 Hello Reader, I recently attended the Acquisition.com Scaling Workshopâa transformative two-day event designed to equip business owners with strategies for aggressive growth. The experience was truly enlightening, and I wanted to share some key insights that not only apply to business growth but also tie directly into the importance of protecting your brand through trademarks. 1. Identifying and Overcoming Constraints One of the key lessons was the Theory of Constraints,...
15 days ago â˘Â 1 min read
November 4, 2024 Hello Reader, We wanted to inform you about a recent update from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that could impact your trademark registrations during the post-registration maintenance process. As you may know, the USPTO previously conducted "random" audits of section 8 and section 71 filings. However, recent communications confirm what weâve suspected for some timeâthese audits are no longer random. Instead, the USPTO is moving toward directed audits...
16 days ago â˘Â 1 min read
October 28, 2024 Hello Reader, I hope this email finds you well! As your business continues to grow and expand beyond U.S. borders, it's essential to think about protecting your brand internationally. Securing a trademark in the United States provides valuable protection, but it doesn't extend to other countries where you may do business, sell products, or have plans to grow. Here's where international trademark registration comes in. If you're expanding into international markets or even...
23 days ago â˘Â 1 min read
October 21, 2024 Hello Reader, I hope youâre doing well! I wanted to take a moment to explain something that sometimes surprises trademark applicantsâthe Trademark Office Action. If youâve received one, donât worryâit's just part of the process. What exactly is a Trademark Office Action?An Office Action is a letter from the USPTO outlining issues with your trademark application. It could be something minor, like clarifying details, or more significant, such as a potential conflict with...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 1 min read
Sept 9, 2024 Hello Reader, Trademark Registration is easier with a strong Trademark. How do I choose a strong trademark? Are you worried that customers won't know the goods/services you are providing? You can always add a tagline to explain and not compromise a strong Trademark. Here are the three things to look at: 1. Select a unique and distinctive name, logo, or symbol. Why this matters: Stronger the trademark, the more likely it will get registered and easier to protect and enforce. There...
2 months ago â˘Â 2 min read
August 22, 2024 Hello Reader, Avoid Trademark Audits The government is auditing trademarks. When it comes time to renew your trademark registration, the USPTO has been selecting specific trademarks to audit. I'm going to show you what the USPTO looks for when selecting a trademark to audit. 1. The trademark registration renewal is file timely AND then a combination of either one or the other: Trademark includes at least one class with four or more goods or services. For example, your...
3 months ago â˘Â 1 min read
August 15, 2024 Hello Reader, J.J. here, we have something special for you today! Due to the many misleading letters and scams out there, we're providing you your own Trademark Registration Renewal Timeline Worksheet so you can record, document and keep something on file for reference. Here is a quick video on how to use it: Trademark Registration Renewal Timeline Worksheet Video Click on this link to the USPTO's document form search and then enter your Registration Number or Serial Number:...
3 months ago â˘Â 1 min read