Tips for Business Owners: Registering Your Company Name as a Trademark – The Importance of Classes
Crystal Broughan, Intellectual Property Attorney Jul 8, 2021 in Intellectual Property
Clients often tell me they just want to “trademark” the name of their company — using trademark as a verb. I explain that the company name is the trademark, and that they need to register the trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). During the trademark application process, the client must tell me what product(s) or service(s) they are providing in commerce using that trademark. Sometimes, the client responds, “I just want […]
Continue ReadingWorld Anti-Counterfeiting Day: INTA Updates Their Publication Regarding Counterfeits on the Internet
Crystal Broughan, Intellectual Property Attorney Jun 10, 2021 in Intellectual Property
The International Trademark Association (INTA), celebrated World Anti-Counterfeiting Day on June 8, 2021, by publishing an update on their publication Addressing the Sale of Counterfeits on the Internet. This guide was prepared by volunteer members of the INTA Anti-Counterfeiting Committee, the Enforcement Committee, and the Internet Committee. Included were representatives from brand owners, online marketplaces, search engines, and intellectual property legal practitioners from around the world. The guide includes best practices for brand owners, search […]
Continue ReadingTip for Business Owners: Do Not Select a Similar Name for Your Business as a Competitor
Crystal Broughan, Intellectual Property Attorney Jun 4, 2021 in Intellectual Property
A trademark is defined as a symbol, word, or words legally registered or established by use as a source identifier of a company or product. The name of your business most often will serve as a trademark for your business. In other words, if you provide a good product or service and stay in business long enough, consumers will look at the name of your company and think about the product or service you sell. […]
Continue ReadingWhat Does Coca-Cola Have to Do With Concealed-Carry?
Crystal Broughan, Intellectual Property Attorney May 27, 2021 in Intellectual Property
A few weeks ago, we witnessed a rare ruling in the trademark world. Some say a precedent was established, but the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) disagrees. To set the scene: in March 2020, Robert Troy Hoff of Chicago applied to register a trademark for a stylized depiction of the words “Concealed Carry: Registered Handgun”. Mr. Hoff considered the phrase unique enough to merit a distinct mark. However, if you look it up, you […]
Continue ReadingUSPTO Trademark Application Filing Issues You Need to Know About
Crystal Broughan, Intellectual Property Attorney May 20, 2021 in Intellectual Property
I received a phone call from an attorney this week asking me if I had recently encountered any problems filing trademark applications with the USPTO. She proceeded to explain that she had filed a trademark application with the USPTO via the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) on April 15, 2021 and received the email filing receipt from the USPTO with an assigned serial number. However, the trademark application never appeared in the Trademark Status & […]
Continue ReadingTips On Consistency For Trademark Owners
Crystal Broughan, Intellectual Property Attorney Feb 25, 2021 in Intellectual Property
Consistency in the use of a trademark is extremely important to building a strong brand in commerce. It helps consumers immediately identify your business, products, and services. It creates the impression of a professional, well-organized, trustworthy company. In short, it is absolutely something you want to do. But how exactly do you do it? Consistency Starts with the Creation and Registration of the Trademark Itself When you develop a trademark – either on your own […]
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