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 Chicago, IL.
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 Chicago, IL, 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 Chicago, IL.
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 Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, 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.
By K.P. LynneJam' n Java transforms ordinary Mondays into magnificent Fundays!Grab a steaming hot cup of your favorite Java and join all the loyal jammers for a night you won't forget!With Illinois' very own #1 Hypeddit recording artist and Hammond Organ guru Robby Robinson in charge of the festivities, you know the show is going to rock your world inside out!Watch & Interact Live on January 13, 20257 p.m. Pacific, 9 p.m. Central, 10 p.m. EasternYo...
By K.P. Lynne
Jam' n Java transforms ordinary Mondays into magnificent Fundays!
Grab a steaming hot cup of your favorite Java and join all the loyal jammers for a night you won't forget!
With Illinois' very own #1 Hypeddit recording artist and Hammond Organ guru Robby Robinson in charge of the festivities, you know the show is going to rock your world inside out!
Watch & Interact Live on January 13, 2025
7 p.m. Pacific, 9 p.m. Central, 10 p.m. Eastern
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamnJa...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamnj...
Every Jam' n Java kicks off with the multitalented Pastor Chuck leading the way with Java for the Soul...a spiritual devotion sprinkled with words of wisdom...to inspire, uplift and energize your soul for the week ahead! Pastor Chuck is a prolific and heartfelt speaker.
Jam' n Java provides an upbeat, positive, entertaining program jam-packed with a plethora of musical genres in a family-friendly format suitable for all ages,consistently lifting spirits with a unique genre-defying blend of popular music, rock-n-roll, jazz, Christian music, special guest stars, banter, pop-culture tidbits and informative segments.
"???????????????????????????? ???????? ????????????...???????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????? ????????! This week has been a reminder of how powerful music can be in keeping spirits high, no matter the challenges. Whether you’re near or far, join me tomorrow, ????????????????????????, ???????????????????????????? ???????? for a very special edition of Jam'n Java. Starting this week, ????????????’???? ???????????????? will now run ???????? ????????????????????????????—a tighter, more dynamic format to keep the energy flowing and the good vibes going!", said Jam' n Java host Robby Robinson."????????’???????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????, ????????????????????????????????????: Frankie Valli’s upcoming road schedule and his ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????? Highlights from the NAMM Show, where I’ll be demoing for Hammond Organ and showcasing my song ???????????????? ???????? ????????????????????” (with HamFam Brothers ???????????? ???????????????????????????????????? & ???????????????????? ????????????????????????????????!) Robby’s Records’ focus this month on Hammond Organ tunes ????????????????…The incredible ???????????????? ???????????????????????????????? will joining me as our special guest! Let’s kick off the week together with music, updates, and plenty of inspiration. Don’t miss the first ????????-???????????????????????? ????????????’???? ????????????????—it’s going to be a great one!"
Valentine’s Day is a time to treat your sweetheart ― or yourself! ― to something special. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back activity (like a romantic cooking class) or an over-the-top adventure (perhaps a luxe dinner cruise on Lake Michigan), we’ve got the perfect only-in-Chicago Valentine’s Day plans for you.Here are some of our favorite ideas for things to do for Valentine’s Day 2025 in Chicago.In this articleEnjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day dinnerOne of the best wa...
Valentine’s Day is a time to treat your sweetheart ― or yourself! ― to something special. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back activity (like a romantic cooking class) or an over-the-top adventure (perhaps a luxe dinner cruise on Lake Michigan), we’ve got the perfect only-in-Chicago Valentine’s Day plans for you.
Here are some of our favorite ideas for things to do for Valentine’s Day 2025 in Chicago.
In this article
One of the best ways to celebrate the most romantic day of the year is with an unforgettable Valentine’s Day meal. From candlelit restaurants to cozy hideaways to spots with sweeping city views, you’re sure to find the perfect place to celebrate with your sweetheart.
Explore more: Check out our guide to 35+ spots for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner in Chicago.
Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday in 2025, which is the perfect excuse for a long weekend getaway. Hotels all around Chicago are offering Valentine’s Day packages, featuring complimentary champagne, chocolates, and more — the perfect way to surprise your sweetheart.
Explore more hotel options in Chicago.
Make it a Valentine’s Day to remember with an only-in-Chicago activity. Set sail on a dinner cruise, stop and smell the flowers, or catch an exhilarating live show.
The best date nights offer something unexpected. So get outside your comfort zone and opt for a new experience, like a wine-making class or a luxe spa treatment in a unique space.
Explore more: Check out more things to do with our events calendar.
What’s more romantic than a glass of champagne with stunning skyline views? These all-season rooftops are decked out for winter, making them the perfect spot for a special-occasion date night.
Explore more: Find the best winter rooftop bars all around Chicago.
If you’re looking for the perfect after-dinner activity, nothing beats catching some live music in Chicago. Impress your date with tickets to a show at one of the city’s most intimate music venues, showcasing Chicago-style blues, jazz, piano, and beyond:
Explore more: Find more music, comedy, and nightlife options.
Chicago’s stages are offering a bit of everything for your Valentine’s Day date, whether you love comedy, improv, drag, burlesque, or beyond. Check out what’s playing for Valentine’s Day weekend.
Explore more: Check out more events and shows with our events calendar.
If you’re looking for breathtaking views of Chicago’s iconic skyline, you’ve got plenty of options. Choose from a spin on a lakefront Ferris wheel to an all-glass observation deck inside one of the tallest buildings in the world.
It’s not Valentine’s Day without a treat to share with your sweetheart (or to enjoy all on your own). A variety of Chicago spots are offering sultry, shareable desserts to end your Valentine’s Day on a sweet note.
Check out top Chicago dessert destinations for more sugary inspiration.
If you and your Valentine are ready to bundle up and embrace the cold, Chicago offers plenty of great reasons to get outside. Grab a good coat and make the most of mid-February with one of these outdoor activities.
Explore more: Check out our full guide to winter activities in Chicago.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Chicago|Local EventColin Barnes, NeighborWed, Jan 8, 2025 at 7:00 PMThe Original Mother's, 26 W Division St, Chicago, IL, 60610...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Chicago|Local Event
Elvis Fest will kick off on Wednesday, January 8, on what would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday. The King’s Cocktail Party begins at 7pm and promises to be a dazzling opening night event featuring performances by a talented Elvis impersonator, themed cocktails, an Elvis costume contest, light bites including the King’s iconic peanut butter and banana sandwiches, photo opps, and fun activations throughout the evening.
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Jan8
Wednesday, 9:00 amChicago, IL
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Jan8
Wednesday, 12:15 pmChicago, IL
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Jan8
Wednesday, 2:00 pmChicago, IL
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Jan8
Wednesday, 6:00 pmChicago, IL
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Jan8
Wednesday, 6:00 pmChicago, IL
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Jan8
Wednesday, 7:30 pmChicago, IL
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Jan11
Saturday, 9:00 amOak Park-River Forest, IL
ShareThe South Loop Farmers Market heads indoors for the season, bringing more than 75 vendors each Sunday to the fourth level of Water Tower Place. Shop for fresh produce, preserved veggies, cheeses, meats and more while enjoying live entertainment. Guests can also check out a kids' play zone, capture special moments with family and pet photography, and play some virtual reality games.Event website:...
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The South Loop Farmers Market heads indoors for the season, bringing more than 75 vendors each Sunday to the fourth level of Water Tower Place. Shop for fresh produce, preserved veggies, cheeses, meats and more while enjoying live entertainment. Guests can also check out a kids' play zone, capture special moments with family and pet photography, and play some virtual reality games.
Sun, Jan 12, 2025
Water Tower Place | Chicago, IL 12:00 PM
Free
Sun, Jan 19, 2025
Water Tower Place | Chicago, IL 12:00 PM
Free
Sun, Jan 26, 2025
Water Tower Place | Chicago, IL 12:00 PM
Free
Sun, Feb 2, 2025
Water Tower Place | Chicago, IL 12:00 PM
Free
Sun, Feb 9, 2025
Water Tower Place | Chicago, IL 12:00 PM
Free
Sun, Feb 16, 2025
Water Tower Place | Chicago, IL 12:00 PM
Free
Sun, Feb 23, 2025
Water Tower Place | Chicago, IL 12:00 PM
Free
Sun, Mar 2, 2025
Water Tower Place | Chicago, IL 12:00 PM
Free
Sun, Mar 9, 2025
Water Tower Place | Chicago, IL 12:00 PM
Free
A massive winter storm is set to hammer a wide swath of the United States on Sunday and into Monday, while lake-effect snow could impact Chicago’s commute.According to the National Weather Service, winter storm warnings are in effect for central and southern Illinois, along with central and southern Indiana, ...
A massive winter storm is set to hammer a wide swath of the United States on Sunday and into Monday, while lake-effect snow could impact Chicago’s commute.
According to the National Weather Service, winter storm warnings are in effect for central and southern Illinois, along with central and southern Indiana, beginning Sunday evening and carrying into Monday.
Heavy snow is expected downstate, with 6-to-12 inches of snow possible in the hardest hit areas, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
What’s more, ice accumulations could occur in areas in southern Illinois and Indiana, which could snarl traffic for days as cold weather makes it difficult to melt ice from power lines and roadways in the region, leading Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to activate the state’s National Guard for emergency response assistance.
As for the Chicago area, the winter storm will not impact the region, but lake-effect snow is expected to develop Sunday night and to persist into Monday morning, with winds howling down Lake Michigan and creating a large snow plume that could extend into Will and Kankakee counties in Illinois, as well as Lake and Newton counties in Indiana.
The heaviest accumulations of snow are expected in areas closer to the lake, with the city of Chicago, parts of Will and Kankakee counties, and parts of Lake, Porter and Newton counties getting up to three inches of snow before the plume shifts east, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
Other areas to the south of Chicago could see minor accumulations of around one inch of snow, according to forecast models.
Areas west of Chicago are expected to see little-to-no snow accumulation due to the wind direction.
As for temperatures, they’ll continue to be slightly below normal, with highs in the mid-20s on Sunday, a pattern that will largely continue throughout the week. A brief dip in temperature is expected midweek, with highs in the low-20s, but then a slow warming trend will boost temperatures back toward their seasonal averages of around 30 degrees by the weekend.
Forecasters with the NBC 5 Storm Team are monitoring another chance for accumulating snow at the end of the week, with several inches of snow possible across the Chicago area on Friday and into Saturday, depending on the ultimate track of the next storm system.
Stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team for all the latest news on this weekend’s winter storm, along with live radar feeds and updated forecasts throughout the day.