When launching a new brand, it’s easy to look to successful businesses for ideas. While drawing inspiration is common, mimicking a brand too closely can lead to legal trouble. A recent example highlights this risk: the ongoing trademark dispute between Texas-based rest stop chain Buc-ee’s and a small Missouri café known as Barc-ee’s. This case […]
April 4, 2025

Mariah Carey’s holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is a Christmas staple—but did you know it was at the center of a recent copyright lawsuit? The case involved the band Vince Vance & The Valiants, who claimed that Carey copied their 1989 song of the same name. However, the court ultimately ruled […]

When designing a logo or brand graphic, you might assume there’s little risk of intellectual property (IP) infringement—after all, there are countless ways to create a visual design. However, infringement isn’t limited to words; visual elements can also violate IP laws. That’s why conducting a thorough search, ideally using the USPTO trademark database, is crucial […]
March 21, 2025

When it comes to intellectual property (IP) rights, many business owners assume that any overlap between brand names will lead to legal trouble. However, that’s not always the case. Under the right circumstances, two businesses can legally coexist—even if their names are similar. Understanding when IP infringement occurs is crucial, but just because two things […]

In today’s blog update, let’s talk about something that’s been brewing in the world of intellectual property—grab your favorite tumbler (maybe a Stanley Cup?) and settle in. Here’s the scoop: Stanley Cups, the insulated drink sensation, are facing off against none other than Stanley Black & Decker, the long-standing tool and gadget experts. These two […]
March 7, 2025

As an Arizona estate planning law firm, our team at Mindful Counsel® knows estate planning is a critical aspect of securing your legacy and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It’s a process that involves thoughtful consideration, legal documentation, and, often, the guidance of an experienced attorney. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll […]

Here at Mindful Counsel®, our job is to educate our clients on the important things they need to know about protecting their brands and their legacies. Enter: The Corporate Transparency Act. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), enacted by Congress on January 1, 2021, is a pivotal piece of legislation with profound implications for business owners […]
December 14, 2023

Trademark monitoring plays a crucial role in preserving the sanctity of your brand in an ever-evolving market. In today’s competitive business landscape, where brands are constantly vying for consumer attention, trademarks emerge as the linchpin of identity and trust. As your business grows, it’s important to make sure that you are putting the right protections […]

Estate planning is a vital component of securing your financial future and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you’re gone. But amid the legal fees, paperwork, and consultations with professionals, a common question often arises: “Is estate planning tax deductible?” In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of […]
November 10, 2023

Does an LLC Trademark Your Business Name? In the world of business, protecting your brand is paramount. One crucial aspect of brand protection is trademarking your business name. Many entrepreneurs opt to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for their businesses, but does an LLC automatically trademark your business name? Let’s explore this important question: […]
