Sausser Summers, PC

Providing U.S. trademark services throughout the U.S. and across the globe.

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File a Trademark for $399 + $250 Government Filing Fee

Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Charlotte, NC

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 Charlotte, NC.

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.

Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the U.S. Trademark Process

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 Charlotte, NC, 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.

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.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Charlotte, NC?

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.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Call us (843) 654-0078

Additional Benefits of Using a Trademark Attorney

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.

What About Online Filing Services?

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 Charlotte, NC.

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.

Understanding Trademarks Over Time

Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Charlotte, NC 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.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Call us (843) 654-0078

Steps to Renew Your Trademark

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 Charlotte, NC, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Abandonment

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.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Inappropriate Licensing

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.

How to Avoid Having to Refile Your Trademark

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.

What Makes an Online Trademark Attorney Great?

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.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

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:

Be sure you're using a licensed trademark attorney helping clients in Charlotte, NC.
It's best to work with a trademark lawyer who has years of experience filing trademarks.
Ensure that your trademark lawyer is willing to provide ongoing notifications relating to your trademark application process.

Trademark Registration Lawyer Charlotte, NC

Trademark Attorneys Working Hard for You

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.

Charlotte faces ‘dangerous’ wind chills & low temps from Arctic blast, weather service says

Charlotte faces “dangerous” low temperatures and wind chills from an approaching Arctic air mass, National Weather Service meteorologists said in an alert Saturday.“Confidence is high that it will be very cold,” forecasters said earlier on the social media site X.The NWS also is monitoring the chance of...

Charlotte faces “dangerous” low temperatures and wind chills from an approaching Arctic air mass, National Weather Service meteorologists said in an alert Saturday.

“Confidence is high that it will be very cold,” forecasters said earlier on the social media site X.

The NWS also is monitoring the chance of a wintry mix from a separate weather system, according to the NWS office in Greer, South Carolina.

Charlotte has a slim, 20% chance of snow showers on Tuesday and a 50% chance Tuesday night and early Wednesday, according to the NWS forecast at 4 p.m. Saturday.

The larger concern is the wind chill, predicted to be 5 to 8 degrees in Charlotte Monday night and early Tuesday and again Tuesday night and early Wednesday, NWS meteorologist Ashley Rehnberg told The Charlotte Observer.

Wind chill is what the temperature feels like, including wind.

“This prolonged cold period meets the definition of a ‘cold wave,’” NWS meteorologists said in a special weather statement early Saturday. “Its duration sets it apart from cold snaps of the kind we see multiple times each winter, and the associated impacts are expected to be more significant.”

High electricity demand could case outages, forecaster said.

“Those who require electricity for heating or medical equipment should consider backup heat or electrical sources,” according to the NWS.

Temperatures 15 to 20 degrees below normal are forecast in the Charlotte area, the mountains, N.C. foothills and Upstate South Carolina late Monday through Wednesday morning, according to the NWS.

A low of 21 degrees is forecast for Charlotte on Sunday night and early Monday; 16 degrees on Monday night and early Tuesday; 17 degrees on Tuesday night and early Wednesday; and 14 degrees on Wednesday night and early Thursday, according to the NWS.

Expected lows barely improve on Thursday and Friday nights, at a respective 21 and 22 degrees.

Frigid highs are likewise forecast after Sunday’s predicted high of 55 in Charlotte: 33 on Monday and Tuesday, 32 on Wednesday and 36 on Thursday.

Highs should edge up to 42 on Friday and 44 on Saturday, the forecast showed.

Those temperatures would represent the lowest of the winter season so far in Charlotte and elsewhere in the Carolinas, Rehnberg said.

Limit time outdoors, check on the elderly and other vulnerable people, and bundle up your pets, too, NWS urged.

This story was originally published January 17, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

HGTV just named this NC beach getaway as one of the ‘most charming’ small towns in America

A North Carolina beach destination was recently recognized as one of the most charming small towns in the country.HGTV included Ocracoke Island, at the southern tip of the state’s Outer Banks region, on its 50 most charming small towns in America list.“Residents of Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, like to say their town is the ‘cure for the common beach.’...

A North Carolina beach destination was recently recognized as one of the most charming small towns in the country.

HGTV included Ocracoke Island, at the southern tip of the state’s Outer Banks region, on its 50 most charming small towns in America list.

“Residents of Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, like to say their town is the ‘cure for the common beach.’ The beach is accessible by ferry and sits beside Silver Lake, a scenic harbor. It’s popular for its shops and restaurants, historic British cemetery and its light station, the oldest still operating in the state,” HGTV wrote.

“Like a good scare? Take a ghost walk with a descendant of Blackbeard’s quartermaster, or catch a short boat ride to Portsmouth Island’s so-called ghost village.”

The HGTV list is the latest in a string of accolades the region has received. Last year, Southern Living named the Outer Banks as the most beautiful place in North Carolina, The Charlotte Observer reported.

CharlotteFive readers also named Ocracoke Island among their favorite beach destinations in the Carolinas last year due to its “laid back” feel and lack of crowds.

Ocracoke Island remained largely untouched by early English settlers due to dangerous sailing conditions until the late 1600s, when a port was established that connected the island to mainland communities, according to outerbanks.com.

The port quickly became successful, attracting pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard, who used the island’s geography to launch surprise attacks on passing ships. Blackbeard made the region his base of operations until his death in 1718, when the island returned to being a bustling port.

In the early 1900s, tourism began to grow due to the island’s excellent hunting and fishing, with further development in the 1950s and ‘60s when ferry service was introduced, the town’s tourism website says.

By the 1970s, Ocracoke had become a popular tourist destination, with its unique history and remote location attracting many visitors.

There are plenty of things to do on Ocracoke Island, according to visitocracokenc.com:

Ocracoke Island is only accessible by car ferry, visitocracokenc.com says. There are three ferry options:

Online reservations for ferries are currently not available, but you can call 1-800-293-3779 to book a reservation or for assistance.

‘I just wanted to help my community’ | Charlotte-area teen donating warm items to unhoused neighbors

Jaylan Henderson said he used his birthday money, received donations, and got “some help from mom” to collect everythingMore VideosHARRISBURG, N.C. — With temperatures dropping this weekend, one Charlotte-area teen is stepping up to help those in need.15-year-old Jaylan Henderson, the creator o...

Jaylan Henderson said he used his birthday money, received donations, and got “some help from mom” to collect everything

Trash pickups will change in Charlotte for MLK Day. Here’s when yours will be collected

The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County will delay trash services for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday.During the whole week of MLK Day (which is Monday, Jan. 20), all trash and recycling collection services will operate on a one-day delay starting Monday, according to City of Charlotte Solid Waste Ser...

The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County will delay trash services for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday.

During the whole week of MLK Day (which is Monday, Jan. 20), all trash and recycling collection services will operate on a one-day delay starting Monday, according to City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services.

This means, for example, collections regularly scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 22 or Thursday, Jan. 23 will also receive service the following day.

▪ Mecklenburg County solid waste centers will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Hazardous and flammable items such as batteries, gas containers and chemicals, should not be placed in garbage and recycling carts, the city says. Instead of throwing hazardous items in the trash, take them to one of the county’s full-service centers.

More information is available on the City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services website, charlottenc.gov. For questions, call the city at 704-336-7600.

Mecklenburg County towns, including Cornelius, Davidson, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville and Huntersville, will operate on normal trash pickup schedules this week.

You can also place your real Christmas tree at the curb after removing all of the decorations, including lights, ornaments, tinsel and tree stands.

Artificial trees and all wreaths should be scheduled for bulky item collection. You can schedule bulky items by calling 311, visiting curbit.charlottenc.gov or using the CLT+ app.

You can find your collection day by visiting the GeoPortal. Just type in your address to be reminded of what day of the week you receive service and if you are an orange or green recycling week.

Have a question about your community you’d like answered? Or maybe a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.

Hundreds honor MLK's legacy through United Way service event in Charlotte

The United Way hosts an annual event where snack kits serve residents throughout the Charlotte community.CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of volunteers gathered in north Charlotte on Saturday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through United Way of Greater Charlotte's annual MLK Call to Service event, assembling thousands of snack kits for local nonprofits and after-school pr...

The United Way hosts an annual event where snack kits serve residents throughout the Charlotte community.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of volunteers gathered in north Charlotte on Saturday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through United Way of Greater Charlotte's annual MLK Call to Service event, assembling thousands of snack kits for local nonprofits and after-school programs.

The event, hosted at Northside Charlotte, brought together people from various backgrounds to pack more than 3,000 snack kits for community distribution.

"We want to pull people together from all walks of life," said Kathryn Firmin-Sellers, Interim President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Charlotte. She emphasized that the day's service activities were meant to spark ongoing community engagement.

"We want people to engage with them and really learn about them, so that the active service we start today doesn't end today, and we can continue this service year-round," she added.

The event also served as a platform for emerging nonprofits to connect with the community. Project Outpour, one such organization, showcased its mobile shower and hygiene services for unhoused residents.

"Today's opportunity allows us to expand that reach and also creates opportunity for our community to get involved and volunteer with our neighbors," said MaShana Hughes, Chief Dignity Officer at Project Outpour.

United Way leaders emphasized the importance of individual participation in community improvement efforts.

"The one thing I want everyone to know is that they are part of the solution," Firmin-Sellers said. "They are part of and can actively help create the world we all want to see."

The event drew participants from various local organizations, including WCNC Charlotte team members, all working together to support the community's needs.

Contact Myles Harris at [email protected] and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, just download the free WCNC+ app to get the news that impacts you.

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