Online Trademark Attorneys
Sausser Summers, PC
- Lower Cost
- Faster Process
- Experienced Trademark Attorneys
File a Trademark for $399 + $250 Government Filing Fee
Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Chicago, IL
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.
- Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Chicago, IL
- Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the U.S. Trademark Process
- Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Chicago, IL?
- Additional Benefits of Using a Trademark Attorney
- What About Online Filing Services?
- Understanding Trademarks Over Time
- Steps to Renew Your Trademark
- Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Abandonment
- How to Avoid Having to Refile Your Trademark
- What Makes an Online Trademark Attorney Great?
- Trademark Attorneys Working Hard for You
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 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.
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.
Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Chicago, IL?
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.
Call
us (843) 654-0078Additional 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 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.
Understanding Trademarks Over Time
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.
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 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.
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.
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 Chicago, IL.
- 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 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.
Latest News in Chicago, IL
Thursday Night Bingo- Chicago South Elks 1596
Beverly-MtGreenwood, IL Patchhttps://patch.com/illinois/beverly-mtgreenwood/calendar/event/20250206/fc2d73d3-5ec2-41f6-87da-ee2e936fa084/thursday-night-bingo-chicago-south-elks-1596
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Beverly-MtGreenwood|Featured EventVicki Downs, NeighborFeb6Thu, Feb 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM4428 Midlothian Turnpike, Crestwood, IL, 60445...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Beverly-MtGreenwood|Featured Event
Feb6
- Thu, Feb 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM
- 4428 Midlothian Turnpike, Crestwood, IL, 60445
Come out and join us Thursday Nights for Bingo!!
All American Progressive Pot Game is worth 12K+
Early Bird Game 6:30
Regular Bingo 7:00
Chicago South Elks 1596 Lodge
4428 Midlothian Turnpke, Crestwood
708-597-7465
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Chicagoland Hooters Restaurants Presents Breaking Barriers and Building Legacies
Chicago, IL Patchhttps://patch.com/illinois/chicago/classifieds/announcements/509506/chicagoland-hooters-restaurants-presents-breaking-barriers-and-building-legacies
In honor of Black History Month, Hooters Restaurants is presenting “Breaking Barriers and Building Legacies: Celebrating Black Brilliance and Achievement” in partnership with Leo High School (7901 S Sangamon Street) in Chicago. Each week during the month of February, a guest speaker will discuss their inspiring journey to excellence followed by a question-and-answer segment. Guest speakers include former NBA player Bobby Simmons, President and General Manager of NBCUniversal Kevin Cross, Actor LaRoyce Hawkins and The Law School M...
In honor of Black History Month, Hooters Restaurants is presenting “Breaking Barriers and Building Legacies: Celebrating Black Brilliance and Achievement” in partnership with Leo High School (7901 S Sangamon Street) in Chicago. Each week during the month of February, a guest speaker will discuss their inspiring journey to excellence followed by a question-and-answer segment. Guest speakers include former NBA player Bobby Simmons, President and General Manager of NBCUniversal Kevin Cross, Actor LaRoyce Hawkins and The Law School Mentor.
Each week as part of the program, representatives from the Chicagoland area Hooters restaurants are awarding a $1,000 college scholarship to a student interested in pursuing a career in the hospitality industry or business management. The scholarship recipients were selected from their essays that were reviewed by a panel from HMC Hospitality Group, which owns and operates Hooters Restaurants in the Chicagoland area. In total $4,000 in scholarships will be awarded to Leo High School students this February.
The month-long program kicked off on February 3 with guest speaker Bobby Simmons (former NBA player, Director of Player Development of the NBAPA, real estate investor, entrepreneur and owner of Succezz Sneaker Boutique and restaurant, Society 2201). During the assembly the representatives from Chicagoland Hooters presented Leo High School senior KamRon Dove with a $1,000 college scholarship.
Upcoming Guest Speaker Schedule:
Monday, February 10 - Kevin Cross: President and General Manager of NBCUniversal. Emmy award winning, 30-year media industry veteran and civic leader, Former Vice President of NBC Sports, named Who’s Who in Chicago Business for 2025, and sits on multiple executive boards including Good Sports and the Museum of Science & Industry.
Tuesday, February 18 - The Law School Mentor: Yoshi Haynie and Devante Johnson, an organization dedicated to providing law school students with the tools, resources and connections to thrive and not just survive law school.
Week of 2/24 (Date TBD) - LaRoyce Hawkins: Actor, stand-up comedian, and spoken word artist that stars on NBC hit drama Chicago, P.D., Community leader and Brand Ambassador for Hood Development in Harvey, IL.
“We look forward to being a part of the assemblies and presenting the scholarships this February in honor of Black History Month. We had a great response from Leo High School students with their essay submissions,” said HMC Hospitality Group Chief Marketing Officer Denise Williams. In 2024, Hooters awarded scholarships to two Leo High School students in partnership with local non-profit organizations, Pulse of Perseverance and ChiGivesBack.
HMC Hospitality Group, founders of the Hooters concept, own and operate 22 Hooters Restaurants in Tampa Bay and Chicagoland and three Hoots locations in Chicagoland. For over 40 years, the Original Hooters group has been known for its World Famous Chicken Wings, fun atmosphere, and legendary service from the iconic Hooters Girl. For more information about HMC Hospitality Group please visit www.originalhooters.com or follow them at Twitter @originalhooters, Instagram @originalhooters and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/originalhooters
Illinois at ‘high' level for respiratory illness following ‘notable increase' in flu cases
NBC Chicago Staffhttps://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-at-high-level-for-respiratory-illness-following-notable-increase-in-flu-hospitalizations/3664109/
As respiratory viruses spread across the nation, Illinois too has experienced an uptick in such illnesses, with the state's Department of Public Health reporting a "notable increase" in flu-related emergency department visits and hospital admissions.The Illinois Department of Public Health said Monday the state's overall respiratory level rose from "mode...
As respiratory viruses spread across the nation, Illinois too has experienced an uptick in such illnesses, with the state's Department of Public Health reporting a "notable increase" in flu-related emergency department visits and hospital admissions.
The Illinois Department of Public Health said Monday the state's overall respiratory level rose from "moderate" to "high." IDPH reported 7.8% of emergency department visits attributed to the flu, while acute respiratory illnesses - which include the flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus and other conditions - are responsible for 20% of emergency room visits.
Data for ED visits and hospital admissions for the week ending Jan. 25 revealed the flu "is circulating more widely," state health officials said.
While metrics regarding the flu have increased, ED visits and hospital admissions for COVID-19 and RSV have declined. State data showed 1.6% of visits were attributed to COVID-19, while 0.7% were related to RSV.
According to IDPH, the state’s overall respiratory activity level climbed to "high" in late December but dipped to "moderate" in January, where it remained for one week. It then rose to "high" again, driven by increasing rates of the flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday said seasonal flu activity remains elevated and continues to increase across the country, saying the amount of respiratory illness "causing people to seek healthcare is at a 'high' level."
Dr. Sharon Welbel, chair of the Infectious Disease Division at Cook County Health, said doctors are seeing a lot of people who are particularly ill, especially young people.
Dolton 1 hour ago
Health 2 hours ago
"We do tend to see influenza at this time of year, sometimes it even peaks around this time of year," she stated. "This year, that’s not what happened. But we are seeing sustained, high levels of influenza."
Illinois officials have recorded five pediatric deaths from the flu this season, three from COVID-19 and one connected to both RSV and COVID-19. The deaths are a "stark reminder of the importance of vaccinations for children and of the risk of serious illness from these largely preventable seasonal illnesses," state officials said.
IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, in a news release, recommended that anyone feeling symptoms of respiratory illness consider getting tested and treated early in the course of their illness -- especially if they are at risk for serious illness or spreading it to someone who is.
Here's what to know about the current illnesses circulating:
Virus symptoms
COVID
As of now, the symptoms for COVID remain the same as previously:
RSV
People infected with RSV usually exhibit symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected, according to the CDC. The most common symptoms are:
Symptoms typically appear in stages and not all at once. The signs might be apparent in adults - but less noticeable in young infants.
While RSV typically causes a mild, cold-like illness, it can also lead to severe illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Other symptoms of severe cases include the following, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Flu
Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and could potentially lead to death, according to the CDC.
"Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly," the CDC notes.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
Giordano Dance Chicago: "Studio 62" Benefit
Ann Finkhttps://patch.com/illinois/chicago/calendar/event/20250201/d10510c1-39ac-474c-8487-00937afdfc94/giordano-dance-chicago-studio-62-benefit
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Chicago|Local EventFeb1Sat, Feb 1, 2025 at 7:00 PMRavenswood Event Center, 4021 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613More info her...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Chicago|Local Event
Feb1
- Sat, Feb 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM
- Ravenswood Event Center, 4021 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613
- More info here
GDC presents "Studio 62," a benefit patterned after the incomparable NYC Studio 54 to support the Giordano Dance Chicago Dancer Fund. Guests will enjoy a lavish buffet, endless cheers at the 4-hour “top shelf” open bar, sponsored by Breakthru Beverage & Moët Hennessy and a lively paddle raise. Special highlights of the evening include a pop-up performance with the 2024 Dancing With The Giordano Stars winners, Megan Allen and Tom Ferguson Gomez and the chance to enjoy the magnificent Giordano dancers in a special performance during dinner. Tickets: $300-$500.
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It came from outer space: Crashing satellite lights up northern Illinois skies
Joey Weslohttps://www.shawlocal.com/kendall-county-now/2025/01/29/it-came-from-outer-space-crashing-satellite-lights-up-northern-illinois-skies/
Yorkville resident captured video of Starlink satellite breaking up in atmosphereThe night started normal for Nannette Englehardt and her family in Yorkville before a bright object streaked across the dark sky.“We were letting the dog out in the backyard, and all of a sudden my son started going berserk,” Englehardt said. “I’ve seen a meteorite before, but this was different. It wasn’t like a fireball – ...
Yorkville resident captured video of Starlink satellite breaking up in atmosphere
The night started normal for Nannette Englehardt and her family in Yorkville before a bright object streaked across the dark sky.
“We were letting the dog out in the backyard, and all of a sudden my son started going berserk,” Englehardt said. “I’ve seen a meteorite before, but this was different. It wasn’t like a fireball – the lights moved slower across the sky. It was a huge object. It was a totally surreal experience.”
Englehardt said that as she filmed the streaking objects about 9 p.m. Tuesday with her phone, her imagination began running wild. She said her family did not know exactly what to make of the sighting, they just knew it must be incredibly rare.
Her first thought was that it could be a government or military plane being escorted by fighter jets. However, she thought the flight pattern seemed a bit odd for that to be the case. Her son thought the object could have been a meteorite or a satellite breaking up while entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
Yorkville Satellite Video Yorkville resident Nannette Englehardt captured video from her backyard of a burning up object traveling across the night sky on Jan. 28, 2025. (Nannette Englehardt)
“Since posting a video, I know a lot of people have been thinking it could be space debris or one of the Starlink satellites being decommissioned,” Englehardt said. “I went down a rabbit hole researching how many satellites are being decommissioned, how they are built to burn up in the atmosphere and how big they are.”
Englehardt said all she could say for certain was that it was a tremendous experience to witness, and she was lucky to whip out her phone just in time.
Mark Frank, chair of the Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, said after having an initial hunch about the sighting, he checked the online resources at NASA and SpaceX.
Frank said the online tracking information showed that Starlink satellite 5693 entered over Wisconsin before traveling over northern Illinois on its descending path as it was breaking up in the atmosphere.
“Any of the low Earth-orbit satellites slowly get pulled back to Earth by the Earth’s gravitational pull before burning up in the upper atmosphere,” Frank said. “Most of the small satellites do not have a heat shield or anything protective like that, so when they degrade and get pulled into the atmosphere, they almost all break up and disintegrate.”
Frank said the average lifespan of a Starlink satellite is five years or fewer before burning up in the atmosphere. He said that with the large number of satellites launched by private companies, the U.S. and China, witnessing them disintegrate in a streaking flash of light could become a more common occurrence.
He said because most burn up and disintegrate in the upper atmosphere, the public has little to fear about their safety. However, Frank said sometimes larger space-traveling objects, such as a recent SpaceX rocket that had a separated part actually fall all the way to Earth, can be a little more unpredictable.
He said for the average stargazer, sometimes you can tell what the object is in the night sky with your naked eye.
“Meteorites can sometimes travel faster because of the velocities they have when they’re coming into the atmosphere,” Frank said. “There are different types of meteorites, and some can be the same size as the Starlink satellite. They generally break up, but ones that are iron meteorites are pretty hefty and don’t break up as often.”
The best thing someone can do if they are curious about witnessing something in the night sky is check the online resources at NASA and SpaceX. Frank said the satellite schedules are frequently posted, and you can check what their expected flight path is on their way to disintegration.
But a little star-crossed timing can’t hurt either.
“I’m still baffled,” Englehardt said. “I can’t believe we just happened to step outside at the right time.”
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