Xavier Morales Clients often call me to register a trademark for their business. However, sometimes they need a “service mark” instead of a trademark. Definition of a service mark Technically speaking, a “service mark” or “servicemark” is a word, phrase, symbol or logo that is used to brand, identify and distinguish a service. This is in contrast … Read more
Trademark disputes are inevitable. Every year, the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) processes hundreds of thousands of trademarks applications. The fact that the country isn’t currently engulfed in an epidemic of legal trademark disputes is a testament to how efficient the application screening process at the Trademark Office is. Contrary to popular belief, … Read more
It’s been a long, hard slog, but after weeks of all-nighters, countless cups of java, and a brilliant idea or two, your mobile app is finally ready for deployment. However, before you gather up your final build and submit to your distribution platform, there is one other thing you need to consider—app trademarks for your new software … Read more
The trademark registration process might involve many steps, but it need not be complicated. If you take the proper steps before submitting your application, you will greatly increase your chances for approval on the first attempt. Since the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) does not issue refunds for rejected applications, first-time approval becomes … Read more
In the following article, we will outline a trademark infringement case involving a coffee shop and agents for the New York State Department of Economic Development. The purpose of this case study is to help illustrate what can happen to businesses and business owners who neglect to conduct a trademark search before deciding to use … Read more
Many business owners fail to take the time to determine whether the name they have chosen for their product or business is actually available for them to legally use. In the following article, we will outline a trademark infringement case involving two educational institutions. The purpose of this case study is to help illustrate what … Read more
Registering a trademark takes time. If all goes well, you could have the entire process done within 10-12 months. But if you make mistakes during the application phase, it could take longer than a year to complete. This is why the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) encourages applicants to work with trademark attorneys. … Read more
It happens so often. A client will come to me with a name ready for a trademark application. “Can you help me file this?” they ask. Of course I can. But there’s always a question I have to ask first. “Have you searched to make sure that this mark isn’t confusingly similar to an existing … Read more
In the music industry, a name is a more than just a name. It’s a brand. As with any brand, owners will protect their rights at any cost. There’s a tacit significance in crafting a band name because it has the potential to be iconic, like the Ramones or the Beatles. People in bands spend … Read more
In this article, we will discuss the trademark conflict between Cadbury, international confectioners who sought to trademark their signature purple packaging, and Nestlé, who sought blockage of the registration. The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate the importance of clearly identifying and explicitly articulating a strong, durable trademark when seeking registration, in order … Read more
In short, a trademark is any word, phrase, name, logo, slogan, symbol or design that serves to distinguish the products or services of one business from those of another business. The key here is the word distinguish. If the word, phrase, name, logo, slogan, symbol, or design that you choose does not distinguish your products … Read more
Tesla, Inc. has had an interesting history so far – not only with its products and founder, but also with its trademarks. In fact, the company was almost named something completely different, as CEO Elon Musk revealed in a tweet: Tesla was almost called Faraday, as original holder of Tesla Motors trademark refused to sell … Read more
Freelancers are rapidly taking over a major segment of the American economy. The idea of working in the office from 9 to 5 is giving way to flexible employment opportunities where individuals are free to shape their own schedules and pick their projects. The heady freedom isn’t exclusive to freelancers, though. Employers can now handpick writers, … Read more
At any point after filing a trademark application you might receive correspondence from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In some cases this might be an Office Action, which can delay the application process. Others are standard to certain types of applications. After receiving any of these notices, you the applicant will likely have … Read more
For many business owners, the idea of registering a trademark can be a bit intimidating. In the article below, we’ll provide some basic information about trademarks, explain the benefits of registering a trademark to protect your intellectual property, outline what the first steps are that you need to take in order to get started, and … Read more
Establishing a trademark is important for any business, but the competition is particularly fierce in the tech industry. With competitors fighting over everyday words that have been in use for centuries, it’s no wonder tech start-ups are so eager to snag trademarks. If you’re just starting out, however, applying for trademark registration isn’t your first … Read more