Is the USPTO Judging My Creativity? What Trademark Examiners Actually Look At **Attorney Advertising**
Clients ask me some version of this all the time: “Will the examiner like my name? It’s really clever.” And I get why people think this way. You spent weeks brainstorming. The name feels inspired. Surely that counts for something. Here’s the truth: the USPTO is not grading your creativity. There’s no points system for […]
Your Trademark Registration Isn’t Forever. Here Are the Deadlines That Keep It Alive **Attorney Advertising**
There’s a persistent myth that once your trademark registers, you’re done. Certificate on the wall, brand protected, case closed. Not quite. A federal trademark registration can last forever, but only if you maintain it. Miss a deadline, and the USPTO cancels your registration, no matter how long you’ve used the mark or how much you’ve […]
The USPTO Is Using AI to Review Trademark Filings. Here’s What That Means for Your Application **Attorney Advertising**[1]
I talk a lot about how AI is changing the way businesses build brands. Now the government agency that registers those brands is getting in on it too. The USPTO has been quietly rolling out AI tools across trademark operations this year, and this month, examiners themselves are expected to get access to an internal […]
The “Spelling Hack” Myth & The Trademark Traffic Jam: A Guide to Likelihood of Confusion
Attorney Advertising You have the perfect name for your new brand. Before launching, you do the smart thing: you go to the USPTO database and type it into the search bar. Here is an instruction video and use the below link to search for registered trademarks: USPTO’s TESS: https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/search. Also, we suggest you conduct Google, […]
Trademark “Naked Licensing”: How Being a Good Partner Can Cost You Your Brand **Attorney Advertising**
In business, we’re constantly told that “flexibility is key.” If you have a franchisee, strategic partner, or subsidiary using your logo, you might think letting them “do their own thing” is a sign of a healthy, low-friction relationship. It shows trust. It shows you’re not a micromanager. It shows you’re easy to work with. From […]
The “Canva” Trademark Trap: Why Your DIY Logo Might Be Un-Protectable **Attorney Advertising**
In the age of “design-it-yourself” platforms like Canva, Adobe Express, and Squarespace, creating a professional-looking logo has never been easier or cheaper. For many startups and small businesses, these tools are a godsend, as they are quick, affordable, and surprisingly polished. But there’s a significant legal pitfall hiding in those drag-and-drop libraries that can leave […]
The Psychology of Copying: Why Imitators Love to Flatter And What You Can Do About It**Attorney Advertising**
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But when someone copies your product, design, or brand name, it rarely feels flattering; it feels personal. Why do people copy, and what can you realistically do about it? Understanding the psychology behind imitation can help you protect your business with both confidence and strategy. Why […]
Your Trademark Got Approved… Now What? Understanding the Publication Process **Attorney Advertising**
Congratulations! The USPTO examining attorney has approved your trademark application for publication. If you just received this news, you’re probably wondering what happens next. Let me walk you through this crucial phase that stands between your approval and your actual trademark registration. Welcome to the Official Gazette Your trademark is about to be published in […]
What Is a Demand Letter? Your Guide to Understanding Cease and Desist Letters **Attorney Advertising**
You open your mail and see an official-looking letter from a law firm. The subject line mentions “demand letter,” “notice of prior rights” or “cease and desist,” and your heart starts racing. What exactly did you receive, and what should you do about it? Take a deep breath. A demand letter isn’t a lawsuit, and […]
The Beatles vs. Apple: How a Fruit Became the Most Famous Trademark Feud in History **Attorney Advertising**
Most trademark disputes don’t involve rock legends and billion-dollar tech companies, but this one did. The Beatles vs. Apple saga remains one of the most fascinating (and expensive) trademark battles of all time. What began as a seemingly harmless overlap between a record label and a computer company turned into a decades-long lesson in how […]
