Yes. A logo can be protected by copyright and trademark at the same time, and the two protections do different jobs. Copyright protects the logo as a piece of original artwork. Trademark protects the logo as the signal customers rely on to know who they are buying from. The catch is that not every logo […]
Your copyright exists automatically, and no law forces you to register it. But if someone copies your work and you want to take them to federal court, registration is the step that makes that possible. Skipping it does not cost you ownership. It costs you leverage. That gap between owning a copyright and being able […]
Trademark infringement occurs when another party uses a mark that is likely to confuse consumers about the source of goods or services, not simply whenever two businesses have similar-sounding names. If you have just found a competitor, a copycat, or a former partner using something close to your brand, the first question is not “how […]
TM and SM are symbols anyone can use to signal a claim to a brand, with no government filing required. The ® symbol is different. It can only be used once the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has actually issued a federal registration, and using it before that point is a legal misstep, […]
As of 2026, a straightforward trademark application typically takes about 10 to 14 months from filing to registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). That range assumes a clean application with no legal objections, no third-party opposition, and no delays in gathering proof of use. Applications that run into any of those […]
Yes, in most cases you still need to trademark your business name even after forming an LLC. Registering an LLC in New York and registering a federal trademark are two separate legal processes that protect two different things, and having one does not automatically give you the other. This is one of the most common […]
The key reason for creating a trademark is to have a product or service that stands out in the marketplace, making it unique enough for identification by consumers. If this is done correctly, then the trademark accumulates what is known as goodwill (value of the trademark). In most cases, if not all cases, this translates into […]
Trademark Ownership Trademark Filing Basis Extension of Foreign Registration to the United States Trademark Infringement – Meaning Trademark Infringement – Element Trademark Infringement – Defenses Trademark Infringement – Remedies JACK DANIEL’S PROPERTIES, INC. V. VIP PRODUCTS LLC. VIP Products LLC, produced a dog toy shaped similarly to the Jack Daniel’s whiskey bottle, but had the […]
We have highlighted some of the notable developments in the Trademark protection world in 2023. If you require more information or have any questions on any of the points highlighted, please do not hesitate to reach out using the contact details provided below. Meanwhile, your trademark is federally protected and gives you the right to […]
The name of your company is the name used to identify your company and usually used for all tax purposes. This is registered on the state level meaning the same name may be available for use in another state.
