Xavier Morales is a licensed trademark attorney who represents businesses from across the country in their trademark applications and disputes. While Morales is admitted to practice law in the states of New York, California and Texas, the nature of his legal practice allows him to represent clients from all states. Morales has amassed significant experience in assisting business clients with their trademark applications and has filed more than 6,000 with the United States Trademark and Patent Office. In 2010, he was designated as the number one attorney in the nation by Trademark Insider because of the sheer number of applications that he filed on behalf of his clients during that year. Morales completed his Juris Doctor at the Harvard Law School and served as its editor-in-chief of the Harvard Latino Law Review. He regularly prosecutes trademarks before the USPTO and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
Detroit Businesses We’ve Helped
We’ve helped numerous businesses in Detroit protect their brand names and other marks. Here are a few examples of companies we’ve worked with:
PTL LIGHTCLUB u0026amp; CINEMA™
Our Goal, With God’s Help. Is to Build “A Clean Safe, Bully Free, Drug Free, Godly Entertainment Center and Health Club That Promotes Traditional Family Values.”
Arandas Tire
Founded in 1987, Arandas Tire has spent the last 30 years delivering extensive auto repairs to satisfied customers throughout the Detroit Metro area. We focus on building strong customer relationships and providing the highest quality of workmanship on each and every automotive repair.
Arandas Tire began as a single location. We added the other two sites and added automotive repairs beyond just tires and wheels as we grew through the years with the help of our loyal customers.
Common FAQs from Detroit Business Owners
1. What is the difference between SM, TM and ®?
It is common for businesses to use the notations SM, TM or ® following the symbols, names, devices or words that they use to differentiate their services or goods from those that are offered by other businesses. Businesses cannot use the circle-R designation following their claimed mark until and unless they have secured registration of them from the USPTO. Registering a trademark with the USPTO gives businesses the power to enforce their trademarks on a national basis.
2. What does a trademark application cost?
You will have to pay the USPTO’s filing fee of $350 for each type of products or services that are included in your trademark application. In addition, your attorney’s fees that are associated with the time he or she spends researching and preparing your trademark application will also need to be paid. If any substantive objections or challenges are made by the USPTO or third parties to your application, you should be prepared to pay more to have your attorney defend against them. In some cases, we are willing to negotiate flat fees for our services.
3. How long will it take to receive your registered trademark?
After you submit your application, it can take an average of 13 to 18 months for the registration process. The length of the process may result from delays and office actions that sometimes happen while your application is pending. If your application is completely error-free, your examining attorney may refer it for publication in about six months. Then, third parties will be allowed time to file any objections to your application that they might have. If your application does not receive any challenges, you may receive your registration in just nine months.
Working with a Trademark Attorney
Filing a trademark application can be done online on the USPTO website without the help of an attorney. If you choose a trademark that is too similar to one that has already been registered or make mistakes in your application, it will be denied. The application is very complex, and it is easy for you to make mistakes on it. If you are denied, you will not receive a refund of your fees and will have to start the process over again. Most businesses choose to get the help of experienced trademark attorneys because they are 50 percent likelier to succeed when they have experienced legal help.
When you work with your trademark attorney, he or she may research your mark to ensure that it is not too similar to a previously registered trade or service mark. Your attorney will also help you to make certain that your mark complies with all of the regulations governing trademarks. After completing the research for you, your attorney will file your application on your behalf. If there are any challenges to it, your attorney can then litigate on your behalf before the USPTO or the TTAB. Contact the Law Office of Xavier Morales today for help with your trademark application.