News & Resources

Many companies take the time to protect their logos with US trademark registration, but certain logos with original artwork can benefit from another level of protection: a US copyright registration. A copyright is also something to consider if the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) refuses to register your trademark. It’s possible that US copyright law may still be able to provide legal protection. Let’s take a look at which logos are eligible and why […]

Two of my clients recently encountered incidents involving domain name disputes. One of my clients received an email from China stating that a Chinese company was going to purchase domain names that included my client’s company name. The company also stated that they intended to file a trademark application that included my client’s company name, as well. The Chinese company wanted to know if the international trademark application and domain names would cause my client […]

Crystal Broughan, Esq. March 2017 Trademark owners who have multiple products and services listed in a single class may now have to prove that their products or services are actually being used in commerce.  The newly published final rule recently issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) establishes a permanent random audit program for: 1- Statements of Use filed after a Notice of Allowance is issued for Intent to Use Applications; and […]

Often, I receive telephone calls from clients who have received a document through the U.S. mail that looks like official correspondence from a government agency telling the client that there is a deadline to file a document with the Trademark office or offering to manage their trademarks. These solicitations are scams…If you have a pending trademark application or you own trademarks that are registered through the U.S.P.T.O. be careful to read any correspondence you may receive pertaining to the application or registration.

By Crystal Broughan, Esq. Marks Gray, P.A. Business owners often believe that once they obtain a trademark registration from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) their trademark is protected.   But they need to actively protect their trademarks on an ongoing basis. The company should have a protocol in place for the use and protection of their trademark. The certificate of registration is just one form of protection. The strength and distinctiveness of the […]

Businesses often overlook a simple but critical step in establishing a new brand for a company, product or service, a trademark search.  The first step in a trademark strategy for the adoption and protection of a new word or design mark should be the search process.  Often, clients do not budget for a trademark search or ask for a scaled down search process to save money.  In today’s business environment, the value of establishing a […]