If you're an entrepreneur, you know that protecting your intellectual property should be high on your list when it comes to safeguarding your company. However, as a successful business owner, you also know the steps and costs of filing a trademark in the U.S. can be expensive and arduous.
This conundrum can be even more overwhelming for new business owners who want to do everything possible to minimize the price of securing trademarks. They try to handle complicated tasks like trademark registration on their own, which can be a big mistake - especially when juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a business. You may be thinking, "But what about those set-it-and-forget-it services you can find online? All you have to do is plug in your info, and you're done." Using pre-made templates for trademark filing can be tempting, but doing so can leave you with inadequate protection and hurt you in the long run.
So, what is the easiest, most cost-effective route to consider that also minimizes legal risk? The truth is, before you spend money on an online filing service, it's best to consult with a trademark attorney working with clients in Arlington, TX.
At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with U.S. trademark filing, U.S. trademark responses, and U.S. trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.
Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.
Using a trademark attorney for filing in Arlington, TX, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The U.S. government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.
In terms of filing a U.S. trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:
1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.
2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the U.S. Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.
3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your U.S. trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.
The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.
The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.
Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:
Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.
Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.
Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.
Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.
Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.
Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.
Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.
Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.
Online services, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in Arlington, TX.
Although online filing services offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. Online filing services' disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, online filing services cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.
In other words, online filing services can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.
For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.
Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Arlington, TX can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.
The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.
Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.
During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.
After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.
It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.
By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in Arlington, TX, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.
In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.
In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.
If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.
To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.
It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.
Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.
It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.
When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.
Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.
In summary:
Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.
With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.
If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.
The 20th annual Holiday Lights Parade in Downtown Arlington is set for Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, with activities starting at 2 p.m. and ending around 9 p.m.Reindeer Games/Pictures with SantaThe Downtown Library is the place to be before the volunteer-organized parade, offering visitors crafts, games, balloon artists, face painting and pictures with Santa. Visitors can also sign up for a library card. The Downtown Library is located at...
The 20th annual Holiday Lights Parade in Downtown Arlington is set for Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, with activities starting at 2 p.m. and ending around 9 p.m.
Reindeer Games/Pictures with Santa
The Downtown Library is the place to be before the volunteer-organized parade, offering visitors crafts, games, balloon artists, face painting and pictures with Santa. Visitors can also sign up for a library card. The Downtown Library is located at 100 S. Center St., just north of Arlington City Hall.
Pre-Parade Entertainment
Family friendly activities, hosted by More Church, will also start at 2 p.m. on the First Baptist Church’s North Lawn, where the Dream sculpture is located. The Arlington Fire Department will also be on hand to create magical memories with snow machines.
Then at 4 p.m., activities coordinated by Levitt Pavilion Arlington will begin at Founders Plaza, located just south of City Hall. The schedule includes:
Holiday Lights Parade
The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Lampe and South streets. The parade route will then head north on Oak street, east on Abram Street, north on Center Street, west on Main Street, south on West street, and then west back to Abram St. The route will end at College and West streets. More than 100 entries, including floats, equestrian teams, drum lines and classic cars, are expected. Be sure to check your Waze app for road closures.
Announcers will be stationed throughout the route. Handicap parking is available in the lot at South Street and Oak Street.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
At the conclusion of the parade, Mayor Jim Ross and Santa Claus will flip the switch to light up the Downtown Christmas Tree, a spectacular 65-foot tree designed especially for Arlington. The tree was funded through an Arlington Tomorrow Foundation grant in 2019.
Pictures with Santa
Following the Tree Lighting, bring your camera and take pictures with Santa after the parade at the Levitt Pavilion in Founders Plaza. A special appearance will be made by Mrs. Clause. DJ Gurrl will spin holiday beats.
Stay Up-to-Date on Parade Event Schedules
Please note that all times are approximate and are subject to change. The parade will continue as planned even if there is rain or snow, but not during icy conditions, lightning or other safety concerns. The event has only been canceled three times since it first began in 2002, including during the coronavirus pandemic.
Be sure to visit the Holiday Lights Parade website, holidaylightsparade.com and Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/LightsParade for the latest and most up-to-date information.
By Office of CommunicationThe most wonderful time of the year is here, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays in The American Dream City. View a list of all the celebrations and events below.Pictures with Santa at The Parks Mall ArlingtonNow – Dec. 24, 2024Santa Claus is in town at The Parks Mall at Arlington! Embark on an enchanted adventure to take pictures with Santa. Join him to create magical memories you and your family will always remember! You can book an appointment ...
By Office of Communication
The most wonderful time of the year is here, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays in The American Dream City. View a list of all the celebrations and events below.
Pictures with Santa at The Parks Mall Arlington
Now – Dec. 24, 2024
Santa Claus is in town at The Parks Mall at Arlington! Embark on an enchanted adventure to take pictures with Santa. Join him to create magical memories you and your family will always remember! You can book an appointment at The Parks Mall at Arlington’s website.
The Light Park
Now – Jan. 5, 2024
The most exciting and electrifying Light Show south of the North Pole! Head out to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor for the most exciting drive through light show at The Light Park. Eat, drink, and watch as they electrify the night with millions of Christmas lights and festive music. For tickets and event times, click here.
Texas Christkindl Market
Nov. 22 – 24, Nov. 29 – Dec. 23, 2024
The Texas Christkindl Market is a free, family friendly market in Arlington featuring a unique shopping experience for holiday gifts, decorations, and one-of-a-kind finds. This year's event is scheduled from Nov. 22 – 24. Nov. 29 - Dec. 23 at the North Plaza at Globe Life Field. Learn more about the Christkindl Market.
Coca-Cola Classic Christmas
Nov. 22- Dec. 29
Step into the magic of Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas. This all-new holiday light festival at Choctaw Stadium brings larger-than-life cheer with dazzling displays, ice skating, snow slides, Santa photos, festive food, shopping, and more – a celebration of real holiday magic. Learn more about Classic Christmas.
Miracle
Nov. 23 – Dec. 24, 2024
An over-the-top holiday pop-up experience unlike any other. Located inside Miller Tavern at Texas Live! Miracle at Live! features an explosion of tinsel & twinkling lights, specialty holiday cocktails & tasty small bites, instagrammable photo moments, themed nights, and more! Learn more about Miracle.
Holiday in the Park
Nov. 24 – Dec. 31, 2024
Experience enchanting holiday magic for the entire family at Holiday in the Park! Featuring musical shows, twinkling lights, holiday treats, Santa, and much more at Six Flags Over Texas. Holiday in the Park will take place weekends and select weekdays Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, 2024.
Pet Photos with Santa at the Parks Mall Arlington
Nov. 25 & 26, Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10
Need a new holiday tradition or just want your pets to get in the Christmas spirit? Don’t miss pet photos with Santa on select Mondays and Tuesdays at the Parks Mall Arlington. Book your appointment here.
Downtown Arlington’s Letters to Santa
Dec. 5, 2024
Save the date for Downtown Arlington Texas' Letters to Santa event on Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Levitt Pavilion Hospitality Center! Santa will be surrounded by cheerful Library elves eager to help your little ones write their letters to Santa. They'll guide them through the joyous process of crafting their wishes and addressing the envelopes, ensuring every letter is ready mail to the North Pole.
First Thursdays: Cricut Holiday Cards and Ornaments
Dec. 5, 2024
Get into the holiday spirit with First Thursdays at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library! Join us for a creative session from 5 to 8 p.m., where you’ll learn about the Cricut process and make beautiful, personalized cards and ornaments.
Holiday Inn
Dec. 6 – 22, 2024
Theatre Arlington presents Holiday Inn starting Dec. 6, 2024. The beloved film classic comes to the stage in a charming crowd-pleaser featuring one glorious Irving Berlin number after another. Filled with song and dance, it’s a perfect Holiday treat. More information and ticket prices can be found on the Theatre Arlington website.
UTA Holiday Glass Sale and Fundraiser
Dec. 7, 2024
Prepare to jingle all the way into a world of glassy wonders and festive cheer! UTA's Department of Art and Art History is thrilled to announce their Holiday Glass Art Sale and Fundraiser, happening Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy live glassblowing demonstrations, plus there will be hundreds of handmade glass items for sale. Learn more about this event.
Old Towne Christmas Craft Fair
Dec. 7, 2024
The much-loved Annual Olde Town Christmas Craft Fair hosted by Dottie Lynn Recreation Center is back on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Join Arlington Parks and Recreation for photos with Santa, craft stations, treats, and more as you enjoy some holiday shopping with the family. A wide variety of local vendors will offer handcrafted one-of-a-kind pieces, so you’re sure to find something you love!
Kringle Village
Dec. 7 & 8
Come visit Kringle Village at the 3rd Annual Front Street Christmas Market. This 2-day gift market takes place in front of Knapp Heritage Park in Downtown Arlington. The village will be open from 12 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 8. Learn more about Kringle Village.
Brunch with Santa
Dec. 8, 2024
Enjoy a festive brunch at Live! By Loews’ Cut & Bourbon with traditional menu favorites and gingerbread cookie decorating. Kids may bring their lists for the man in red and let him know if they’ve been naughty or nice.
Pancakes & Pajamas (50+ yrs)
Dec. 10, 2024
Seniors, join in on the holiday fun at East Library and Recreation Center by having breakfast with us in your favorite PJs! Arlington Parks and Recreation will serve pancakes, orange juice, and play festive games together from 8:30 - 10 a.m. We will also have the opportunity to donate pajamas to those who are less fortunate through SafeHaven of Tarrant County. Pre-registration is required. Sign up here.
Cricut for Beginners: Gift Tags
Dec. 10, 2024
Learn to design and cut with Cricut Design Space in this introductory class where you will create gift tags for the gift giving season. The class will be at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library from 6 to 8 p.m. This class is limited to the first 8 in attendance and is appropriate for ages 13+.
Paws & Claus
Dec. 13, 2024
Bring your best-dressed pets and take a picture with Santa himself at Dottie Lynn Recreation Center! Call or register online to secure your spot. Dottie Lynn staff will contact and confirm your time slot. Pictures are scheduled every 5 minutes starting at 6:30 p.m. Click here to register.
Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 14, 2024
Are you ready to kick off the holiday festivities with one of Arlington’s biggest celebrations! The Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting in Downtown Arlington will be Saturday, Dec. 14. All the fun starts at 2 p.m., with pre-parade entertainment at Founders Plaza before the Holiday Lights Parade kicks off at 6 p.m., followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
DIY Holiday Ornaments
Dec. 14, 2024
In this come and go class from 2 to 4 p.m. at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library you will create paper ornaments perfect for the holiday season. This class is appropriate for ages 9+. We ask that adults with children 9-12 attend the class.
Cookies with the Clauses
Dec. 14, 2024
The Clauses are in town and they’re visiting East Library and Recreation Center on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Everyone is invited to come decorate cookies, play festive games, and make some holiday crafts with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at this special holiday event. Don't forget your camera for pictures with the Claus family! Families are welcome.
Interlochen Lights
Dec. 14 – 26, 2024
The Lights at Interlochen, one of the largest and longest running holiday traditions in North Texas, is back for the 2024 season. Each year, more than 200 homeowners in this northwest Arlington neighborhood celebrate the season by decorating their homes with festive lights and holiday-themed displays. Admission is free. The public is invited to drive through the neighborhood from 6 to 10 p.m. each night.
Winter Pajama Storytime
Dec. 16, 2024
Brr! It’s getting chilly! Wear your comfiest pajamas into the Southwest Branch Library for a cozy winter story with Mrs. Dawn! Enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and a craft from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. before heading to bed! The storytime is ideal for children ages 3-8. No registration is required, but will be open on a first come, first served basis and space is limited.
3D Printing for Beginners: Cookie Cutters
Dec. 17, 2024
Learn the basics of the TinkerCAD software and watch your design take shape in the 3D printer. The class will be at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library from 6 to 8 p.m. This class is limited to the first eight in attendance and is appropriate for ages 9+. The Arlington Public Library asks that adults with children ages 9 – 12, attend the class with them.
Laser Cutter for Beginners: Wood Ornaments
Dec. 19, 2024
Learn about the many things you do with the Glowforge Laser Cutter in this introductory class from 6 – 8 p.m. at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. Materials will be provided. This class is limited to the first eight in attendance and is appropriate for ages 13+ to adult.