Your Brand Name: Perfect Isn’t Required, But “Legally Available” Is Kind Of Important.

Alright, confession time: I start most mornings with Seth Godin’s daily email. They’re consistently thought-provoking, challenging conventional wisdom in the best way. His recent post, “The name doesn’t matter (that much),” really struck a chord – especially from where I sit in the world of intellectual property. Seth’s point is brilliant and, frankly, a relief […]

Should You License Your Patent? Pros and Cons to Weigh Before You Sign**Attorney Advertising**

You finally have that coveted patent number in hand. Champagne corks pop, friends cheer, and almost immediately, emails start landing from companies that would “love to put your invention on shelves worldwide.” Though collecting royalty checks while someone else handles factories and freight sounds tempting, licensing is not always the easy‑money path it seems. Before […]

Celebrity Kids and Trademarks: More Than Just a Famous Name **Attorney Advertising**

The entertainment world is always buzzing when they hear that celebrities are trademarking their children’s names. An interesting question many of my clients ask: “Why would anyone trademark their child’s name in the first place?” It’s actually more common and practical than you might think, especially for families in the public eye. Why Trademark a […]

5 Copyright Facts Every Creator Should Know **Attorney Advertising**

As an intellectual property attorney, I find that copyright is often the most misunderstood form of IP protection. Myths abound, from the infamous “poor man’s copyright” (mailing yourself your work, which doesn’t actually provide legal protection) to confusion about what exactly copyright covers. Let me clear up some confusion with five essential facts about copyright […]

Before You Sue: Smart Alternatives to Trademark Litigation **Attorney Advertising**

You’ve just discovered someone using a trademark that’s uncomfortably similar to yours. Your first instinct might be to call a lawyer and file a lawsuit. But hold that thought; litigation should usually be your last resort, not your first response. There are several effective (and less costly) ways to handle trademark disputes before heading to […]