 Starting October 28th, I'll host a monthly Business Breakfast Seminar at
the Ritz Carlton 10Arts Bistro. Join me in the Reserve, a private dining room for breakfast and a business seminar. What can you do now to plan for a hugely successful year in 2015? Want to double your revenue for next year? Find out what actions you can take between now and the end of the year to make 2015 your most successful year yet. Spaces are limited and advance registration is required. Date: Tuesday, October 28th Time: 7:30 to 9:00am Cost: $80, includes breakfast Location: The Ritz Carlton Philadelphia, 10Arts Bistro, The Reserve dining room
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 Excited to be an organizer of Philly Maker Week! Please support all the local makers and check out some of the Maker Week events happening this week!
 If you own a business, you know what it's like to have that nagging feeling sometimes that something just isn't working in your business. It's usually not cause for alarm, but it should be a gentle prod that some kind of action needs to be taken. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to become paralyzed by indecision and fear of change.
Probably the worst thing to do when you start to feel that something is off is to do nothing. Don't confuse that with taking a bit of time to sort your thoughts out, but be careful not to wait too long. Whether the issue is an employee that is just not performing up to standards, a product line that is lagging in sales or low returns on advertising and marketing investments, taking swift action is key. Part of being a great business owner is listening to your gut when it's trying to tell you that something isn't right. Inaction can end up costing you far more money, time and negative feelings the longer you let an issue get away.  Trademark registration is always a hot topic with my clients. If you're an entrepreneur, oftentimes you think you should figure something out by yourself to save money and just so you "know" how to do it. I do not believe in fear-mongering my clients, but trademark DIY is one area where you can get yourself into a whole heap of trouble.
There are a number of fine nuances involved in trademark law. First, there is the trademark search. A thorough search needs to be done to determine whether there is already a business out there with a same or similar name registered. Where does one search? In short, everywhere. Start with TESS, the federal database. A comprehensive, general search also needs to be done. Start with google, check your state trademark database and corporation name database. After you search and conclude that no one is yet using your proposed name in your same category of goods or services, it's time to start thinking about what kind of application you will submit. There is an actual use basis or an intent-to-use basis. What's the difference? Well, luckily the folks at PTO are pretty literal, so the difference is exactly how it sounds. Actual use means you have actually been using the mark in connection with your goods or services. Intent-to-use means you have not started using it, but have a bona fide intention to do so. Each basis has different requirements in terms of what you need to submit to show your mark. Intent-to-use has some additional fees and paperwork to be completed. Then, you'll need to choose which class or classes of goods or services your mark falls into. Also, is it a design mark or plain word mark? You'll need to prepare a specimen to submit. Make sure it complies with any file format requirements and properly shows the mark. Is your head spinning yet? Don't you have better things to do, like running your business? Money spent for an attorney to handle your application is money well spent and allows you to focus on getting more business. Still want to go it on your own? Be prepared to reply promptly to any action letters from USPTO. What's an action letter? Hint: it's definitely time to call an attorney! |
AuthorSarah E. Holmes is a Philadelphia business attorney and strategist that helps start ups and established businesses looking to expand, protect their assets and increase their profits in an approachable, down-to-earth way. When you're looking for a business lawyer in Philadelphia, the Main Line or New Jersey, we can help. Categories
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