Intellectual Property Attorney Crystal T. Broughan to Speak at INTA Panel Discussion
Marks Gray P.A. Oct 6, 2017 in Announcement
Shareholder Crystal T. Broughan will be speak at the International Trademark Association’s (INTA) Career’s in Trademark Law: A Panel Discussion for Law Student event on October 11, 2017 at Florida State University College of Law, in Tallahassee. Legal professionals will share their thoughts and advice about the numerous career opportunities in the field of trademark law.The panel discussion is designed specifically for law students. Shareholder Crystal Broughan’s practice focuses primarily on intellectual property matters such […]
Continue ReadingBeyoncé Files Trademarks for Newborn Twins’ Names
Crystal Broughan, Intellectual Property Attorney Sep 22, 2017 in Intellectual Property
In June of 2017, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s holding company, BGK Trademark Holdings, filed trademark applications with the USPTO for the names of her newborn twins – Rumi Carter and Sir Carter – in 15 classes of products, including fragrances, cosmetics, key rings, baby teething rings, buggies, mugs, water bottles, hair ribbons, playing cards, bags, sports balls, rattles, and novelty items. If you are familiar with the pop superstar, you may wonder, “What about Blue Ivy?” Well, […]
Continue ReadingWhen Not to Register a Trademark
Crystal Broughan, Intellectual Property Attorney Sep 7, 2017 in Intellectual Property
Trademarks are a fantastic way to secure your brand. But how do you know if you really need to invest the time and expense in registering a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)? There are at least four reasons a trademark registration may not be necessary. Use is limited. Is your product use limited to a certain location? Is the trademark needed only for a brief period? If you can answer […]
Continue ReadingTrademark Co-Existence Agreements in an Internet World
Crystal Broughan, Intellectual Property Attorney Aug 31, 2017 in Intellectual Property
Have you ever noticed on the internet two businesses functioning under the same or similar trademarks? This is not an uncommon occurrence, but if each business is producing different products or services, there is usually no problem. If the businesses are selling similar products and services in different geographical areas, there may not be a problem. The trademarks are still able to maintain their main function: to distinguish a company’s goods or services from its […]
Continue ReadingTrademark Tip: Why to Register in Black and White
Crystal Broughan, Intellectual Property Attorney Aug 10, 2017 in Basics of Intellectual Property
Consider registering your trademark in black and white. This protects trademark use in all colors, rather than only limiting protection to the colors provided in a color image. If color is vital to your brand, consider two applications: one in black and white and one in your brand colors.
Continue ReadingKISS’ Gene Simmons – and the Importance of a Proper Trademark Search
Crystal Broughan, Intellectual Property Attorney Jun 29, 2017 in Intellectual Property
Recently, The Hollywood Reporter wrote that rock star Gene Simmons of KISS filed a trademark application to register the “devil horns” hand symbol. He claimed that he first used the hand gesture in commerce on November 14, 1974. Unfortunately, the hand gesture may be considered generic, since it is used by many musicians, including being featured on the album cover of the Beatles’ 1966 single, Yellow Submarine/Eleanor Rigby. The gesture is also similar to the […]
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