You may have heard of some of the benefits of registering your trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. However, which of these benefits apply to a pending trademark? Is there any advantage you gain by filing a trademark application? Additionally, what is the difference between filing for federal registration versus a state […]

While you may be preparing your child for heading off to college by teaching them how to do their laundry and buying things to make their dorm feel more comfortable, there are also important legal implications once your child turns 18 and moves out. This deadline could quickly arrive, which can sever your ability to […]

The intellectual property 30 percent rule is a common myth that suggests a piece of intellectual property can be copied if 30 percent of the content is changed. In reality, intellectual property protections differ drastically from this myth. Copying the copyrighted material of another party will often result in legal action for copyright infringement. If […]

Individuals make wills to ensure the correct distribution of their assets to their loved ones after they die, but there are specific things to avoid including in a Last Will and Testament (will). For instance, certain property types transfer automatically to an individual’s beneficiaries outside of their will. Due to this, it is advisable to […]

Estate planning is the process of deciding how your assets will be managed and distributed if you become incapacitated or die. Traditionally, this process focuses on how tangible assets like bank accounts, investments, real estate properties, cars, and other valuable assets will be distributed. However, intellectual property rights owners must also consider what will happen […]

Securing a trademark is a necessity for companies and individuals looking to protect their intellectual property. When applying for a trademark, it is critical to determine that all of the requirements of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have been met. Errors during the trademark application process can create unnecessary delays in receiving […]

Estate Planning And Charitable Giving Incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan may allow you to save money on taxes while allowing you to contribute to a cause you are passionate about. Before donating, it is important to understand the various strategies involved with estate planning and charitable giving. Ideally, your financial needs, and the […]

Can You Trademark A Catchphrase? A strong catchphrase can be a powerful branding tool. Catchphrases can help make a brand more recognizable and boost a company’s profile in the public eye. But can you trademark a catchphrase like you would an image or design? Fortunately, the answer is yes, a catchphrase may be trademarked by […]

Last week on Jeopardy, in the category of “That Used to Be a Trademark” the program demonstrated several trademark names that were determined to be generic. Remember the trademarks BANDAID, JET SKI, KLEENEX, and ASPRIN? Over time, a brand can be so famous and so ubiquitous that people associate that brand name with an entire […]

If you’ve recently moved, you likely have a lot on your mind, whether its packing and unpacking, purchasing furniture, or finding a new plumber.  One thing you should not let fall through the cracks is your estate plan.    Like other major life changes —the birth of a child, a divorce, or a partner’s death —  […]