Christmas List 101: International Registrations, Costly 501c3 battles, and more!
Greetings friends,
This week on TMtelegram, we discuss the trademark infringement case against a non-profit, reveal one of the most common mistakes made on trademark applications, and give tips on avoiding busywork and procrastination. So sit back, relax, and read on!
This edition is a 4-minute read
TMTelegram Breakdown:
Branding Battles: The Costly Journey of '501cTees' and the Levi Showdown 👖
Trademark Tips & Tricks: All we want for Christmas are international trademark protections! 🎄
Check out our FREE PDF RESOURCE outlining the ins and outs of international registration. 🎁
Congratulations to these newly registered trademarks. 🎉
Use these tips to get productive in your workplace. 💡
Meet Erin C. Bray: Trademark Attorney 💼
STITCHING SUCCESS
Check out this cautionary tale of a local business's uphill battle to safeguard its name in the face of trademark warfare against Levi Strauss & Co. What started as a clever play on the non-profit designation evolved into a six-month showdown with the denim giant. Don't miss this eye-opening account – click the link below to delve into the world of branding struggles!
In this video, we'll dive into the intricacies of international trademark protection. Discover if your USPTO trademark enjoys global coverage and learn the essential steps for safeguarding it in other countries.
Congratulations to these newly registered trademarks! 🎉
Every Tuesday, we receive a list of registered trademarks from the USPTO. Let's dive into some noteworthy trademarks from the batch dated July 4, 2023.
1. WOLVERINE TAX AND FINANCIAL (7101412) Congratulations on registering your trademark for income tax preparation services! Your brand is now protected and ready to make a significant impact in the field. 📊
2. THE PUBLIC ADJUSTER TIMES (7101142)Congratulations on trademarking your magazines in the field of public insurance claims adjusting! 📰
3. DESERVING DESTINATIONS (7096692) Congratulations on registering your trademark for travel agency services, specializing in reservations and bookings for transportation! ✈️
We are so honored to work alongside dedicated clients such as these. You are protecting your brands one trademark at a time. Way to go! 🙌
Your trademark could be next! Reach out to the TLLF team today to explore the possibilities of applying for a new trademark. Excellence is our forte, and efficiency is our passion. Together, let's empower your brand to achieve remarkable success!
GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT
Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Don't worry; you can tackle it more effectively by implementing prioritization techniques.
Although it may sound simple, properly prioritizing can be challenging, but it's essential for reducing stress and increasing productivity. Instead of just organizing tasks by the time they were assigned or their urgency, consider prioritizing them based on their true value and impact on your goals.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prioritize your tasks and make the most of your time and energy:
List all your tasks📝 : Start by making a comprehensive list of all the tasks you need to complete. Include both short-term and long-term obligations.
Evaluate task importance📈: Assess the value and impact of each task in relation to your business goals. Determine which tasks contribute the most to your objectives and are critical for your success.
Consider urgency ⏰: While true value is crucial, also consider the urgency of certain tasks. Some tasks might have impending deadlines, which could affect their priority.
Estimate time requirements⏳: Realistically evaluate how much time each task will take to complete. Avoid underestimating the time needed! This may lead to uneffective planning.
Break tasks into manageable chunks🔨: If any task appears overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more achievable sub-tasks. This approach will make it easier to track progress and maintain momentum.
Create a schedule🗓️: Allocate specific time slots for working on each task according to their priority and your peak productivity hours.
Be flexible🔄: Understand that priorities can change, and unexpected tasks may arise. Stay adaptable and adjust your schedule when necessary, while ensuring that high-impact activities remain a priority.
Properly prioritizing will empower you to achieve meaningful results and avoid the trap of busy work and procrastination. Go get it done!
Erin C. Bray
Meet Erin C. Bray, one of our brilliant Trademark Attorneys. Ms. Bray handles client consultations, trademark and copyright filings, office action responses, ex parte appeals, and enforcement proceedings. She represents clients in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
Let's dive into some fun facts about Ms. Bray:
I’ve lived in Australia and Germany. 🌏
I have an apiary in my backyard. 🐝
My kids compete in figure skating and I love being on the ice with them. ⛸️
When I was younger I was a professional cake decorator and still do the occasional wedding cake. 🎂
My husband and I have a huge vegetable garden and can our own salsa, jams, and other sauces. 🍅
I have used these guys for years. They are great. They take care of all. My Trade Mark needs and totally keep up with me to make sure nothing expires. They are fast, efficient and professional. I have found the prices to be great as well. You can’t go wrong using this company.
Wait, is it over? I guess we're off until next week. Thanks for joining us for this TMtelegram edition. It wouldn't be the same without you.
As always, our team is here for all of your trademark needs. Don't hesitate to reach out with inquiries, or perhaps schedule a free consultation! We'd love to get started on protecting your brand.
Until we meet again!
Warm regards,
J.J. Lee and the Trademark Lawyer Law Firm Team!
PS. Be Sure to Add Us to Your Contacts 📞
To ensure that you never miss an important update or exclusive offer from us, please add our email address to your contacts. This way, you can rest assured that our newsletters will always land safely in your inbox, ready to be explored.
"I have dealt with Trademark Lawyer Law Firm, PLLC, for several years. This time I needed to have my trademark renewed within a week as a deadline was approaching. As always, they prepared the paperwork professionally and in an expedited manner. Our communication to confirm details was smooth and quick. In a matter of days, they submitted the trademark renewal request. The service of this group of professionals is excellent." O. Garcia
Trademark Lawyer Law Firm
3300 Washtenaw Ave. 2nd Floor #277
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (888) 505-5102
Suspensions are when your application is on hold. There are various reasons a trademark application can be suspended. However “likelihood of confusion” with prior application(s) filed and submission of foreign application are the most common reasons the USPTO may suspend an application. During a trademark suspension period, your lawyer will provide guidance on the next steps and whether it might be best to file an argument or pursue a coexistence agreement.
What are Disclaimers for Trademarks?
A disclaimer usually refers to a statement which indicates that you are not claiming exclusive rights to use the word(s) or a design element in your trademark application. A disclaimer allows for registration without creating a false impression of the registrant’s rights. A good example of this is disclaiming “café” if your services are for a café.
What is the Supplemental Registry?
If a trademark is not eligible for the Principal Registry, there is sometimes an option to register on the Supplemental Registry. In cases where the USPTO finds the trademark application is merely ornamental, merely descriptive, or primarily geographically descriptive, the USPTO may allow the application to be registered on the Supplemental Registry. However, over time, the mark may acquire distinctiveness and possibly become eligible for the Principal Registry.
What is the Date of First Use?
Two dates must be specified in a trademark application: Date of First Use Anywhere: The “anywhere” refers to use in the U.S. or elsewhere. This is the date the goods were first sold or transported, or the services were first rendered under the mark. The use must also have been bona fide and in the ordinary course of trade. Date of First Use in Commerce: This is the date when the goods were first sold or transported, or the services were first rendered under the mark in interstate or international commerce. The use of the mark must have been bona fide and in the ordinary course of trade.
What is the Renewal Timeframe for a Trademark?
The renewal timeframe for a trademark is between the 9th and 10th year anniversary of the trademark registration, and then in ten-year intervals. It is important to be aware that the USPTO also requires a registrant to provide an affidavit at the 5th and 6th years of ownership stating that the trademark is still being used in commerce. Failure to comply with the renewal timeframes or the affidavit requirements will result in the cancellation of the trademark registration.
Meet Your Team
J.J. Lee
Principal and Founder
Erin C. Bray
Trademark Attorney
Experienced Trademark Attorneys Committed to Protecting Your Brand
Founded by J.J. Lee, the Trademark Lawyer Law Firm, PLLC has successfully registered more than 6,500 trademarks with the USPTO. Dedicated to ensuring that your mark is protected from misuse or theft, our attorneys and staff work closely with clients, taking the time to understand the specific needs of their businesses. Professionally handling each matter with integrity, efficiency, and the personalized attention it deserves, you can rest assured that you have a team on your side who is committed to safeguarding your unique brand.