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 Dallas, 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 Dallas, 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 Dallas, 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 Dallas, 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 Dallas, 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.
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic purchased a $15 million Texas home just days before he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, former ...
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic purchased a $15 million Texas home just days before he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, former NBA player Chandler Parsons has claimed—while alleging that the news of the surprise move left the 25-year-old sporting superstar in tears.
Basketball fans were left in an uproar on Feb. 2 when it was announced that Doncic would be leaving the Dallas Mavericks after seven seasons with the NBA team in news that seemed to come as a total shock to almost everyone on the team, including Doncic himself.
The move will see the Mavericks’ star player heading to the Los Angeles Lakers while Anthony Davis relocates to the Dallas-based team. The Lakers also acquired Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in the deal, through which the Mavericks also gain Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick alongside Davis.
Doncic has been the face of the Mavericks since the team acquired him from the Atlanta Hawks in 2018—and he has arguably been the most consistent player in the lineup for several seasons.
Defending the deal, Dallas general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN that he was worried about their defense, insisting that trading Doncic for Davis will improve their chance at fighting other teams from scoring any points.
However, the explanation has proven to be less than satisfactory for fans who slammed Harrison as rumors swirled that Doncic did not request the trade and has been left less than thrilled about the terms of the deal, according to USA Today.
Now, Parsons is also chiming in by alleging that Doncic was all the more blindsided because he had just closed on a $15 million property in Dallas one week before being traded.
While speaking on FanDuel’s flagship NBA show, “Run It Back,” Parsons claimed that Doncic had just closed the deal on the new home last week and “cried” when he learned he would no longer be a part of the Dallas Mavericks.
“This dude bought a $15 million house, just closed, like, last week in Dallas,” Parsons claimed. “Apparently, he cried when he found out.”
Parsons did not share any information about the property that Doncic has allegedly purchased—and the Dallas Mavericks star’s spokespersons did not return repeated requests for comment.
However, there are currently several properties on the market for around $15 million that currently have sales pending.
Per property records, Doncic’s name is listed on the deed of only one property: a four-bedroom home in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas.
Built in 1984, the home has had a serious makeover and is now a modern showpiece. It’s also in the middle of a secluded cul-de-sac, a favored locale for high-profile ballers.
Doncic snagged it for $3.3 million in June 2020. When it was up for sale, it was marketed as an “escape from the city,” which also appeals to celebrities who value privacy.
Highlights include an open floor plan, hardwood floors throughout, and a sleek kitchen. The welcoming backyard features a pool, a pavilion with a grill, and a drop-down movie projection screen.
It remains unclear whether Doncic will hold on to the property or sell it—and any other home he may have purchased of late—now that he is bound for the West Coast.
Following the news, Doncic penned a heartfelt message to his fans and to the Dallas community, revealing that he thought he was going to “spend my career” with the team.
“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level. I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship,” he wrote.
“The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of. For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home.
“In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best memories, but also lifting met up when I needed it most.
“To all the organizations I’ve worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those who need it. As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home.
“Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Mark Cuban, who used to hold the majority of the shares for the Dallas Mavericks but now holds only 23%, has also commented on the trade, insisting that he had nothing to do with it.
Cuban—who once famously joked he would sooner divorce his wife than let Doncic go to a different team—denied any involvement, according to Dallas-based ABC affiliate WFAA.
It is unclear whether Doncic will be selling his reported two Dallas properties or if he has begun looking for a home in the Los Angeles area.
Meanwhile, former Lakers player Davis holds the keys to a $31 million home, which he has not yet revealed whether he will be letting go of because of the trade.
Kelsi Karruli is a senior celebrity reporter who joined Realtor.com in 2025. She writes about trends encompassing real estate and celebrity properties. She previously wrote for Daily Mail, True Urban Culture, and JMedia Corporation, where she specialized in covering celebrities, relationships, psychology, and gender issues. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Pace University, where she received the James Rose Award for excellence in journalism. When she isn’t updating readers on A-listers' moves, she is spending time with her cat, Mary, and cheering on the Albanian soccer team.
DALLAS, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pickleball Kingdom, the world's largest indoor pickleball entity, announces the grand opening of its newest location in Dallas, Texas. Situated at 14060 Dallas Pkwy, Suite D, Dallas, TX 75240, this state-of-the-art facility will officially open its doors on January 11, 2025, further solidifying Pickleball Kingdom's presence in ...
DALLAS, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pickleball Kingdom, the world's largest indoor pickleball entity, announces the grand opening of its newest location in Dallas, Texas. Situated at 14060 Dallas Pkwy, Suite D, Dallas, TX 75240, this state-of-the-art facility will officially open its doors on January 11, 2025, further solidifying Pickleball Kingdom's presence in the Lone Star State.
"The Dallas North location is a testament to the growth and enthusiasm surrounding pickleball in Texas," said Ace Rodrigues, Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom. "We are thrilled to bring a top-notch facility to the area, where players can compete, connect, and enjoy the sport in a welcoming and comfortable environment."
With its 11 premium indoor courts, the Dallas North location will offer a best-in-class experience for players of all skill levels. The new club spans an impressive 32,000 square feet, offering a premium pickleball experience. It also features three private meeting rooms, a community room, and a 1,795-square-foot mezzanine.
The Dallas North facility features cutting-edge amenities, a climate-controlled environment, and a focus on community building. It is designed to cater to both recreational players and competitive athletes, providing opportunities for tournaments, leagues, clinics, and open play.
"What excites me most about bringing a Pickleball Kingdom franchise to Dallas is the opportunity to introduce this dynamic, fast-growing sport to such an active and diverse city," said Dan Jenkins, franchisee of the Dallas North location. "Pickleball is all about fun, fitness, and community, and Dallas is the perfect place to embrace it. I'm thrilled to create a welcoming space where people of all ages and skill levels can come together, stay active, and form lasting connections."
Texas continues to be a pivotal market for Pickleball Kingdom, with the Dallas North location joining the growing family of clubs statewide. The Plano location, which opened in June, has already become a vibrant hub for pickleball enthusiasts, while the Pflugerville location, which opened in October, has further solidified the company's presence in the state. With Fort Worth on the horizon, the company is committed to expanding its reach and providing unparalleled pickleball experiences across the region.
Looking ahead, Pickleball Kingdom is gearing up for significant growth, with plans to open an additional 10 clubs across the country in the next couple of months. This ambitious expansion reflects the company's mission to make pickleball accessible to more communities and to continue fostering the sport's rapid growth.
Celebrate the Grand Opening
To celebrate the grand opening, Pickleball Kingdom Dallas North will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways, and special events on January 11th. There will be free open play from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, a ribbon cutting at 11:00 AM, and drawings and giveaways all day long. Players are invited to tour the facility, meet other members of the pickleball community, and be part of the excitement.
Membership Opportunities Available
Founding memberships for Pickleball Kingdom Dallas North are now available, offering exclusive benefits to the first members who sign up. These perks include:
To sign up to become a founding member of Pickleball Kingdom Dallas North visit: https://pickleballkingdom.com/dallas-north/
Follow Pickleball Kingdom Dallas North on Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickleballkingdom.dallasnorth/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566583217499
About Pickleball Kingdom
Pickleball Kingdom is the premier indoor pickleball franchise, dedicated to fostering community and providing world-class facilities. With a mission to create a global network of pickleball venues, Pickleball Kingdom is at the forefront of the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.
As pickleball continues to surge in popularity, Pickleball Kingdom invites driven individuals to explore franchise opportunities and be part of this exciting growth. For more information on franchise opportunities, visit https://pickleballkingdom.com/franchise/.
For Franchise or Media Inquiries:Mitch Kistner, Sr. Director of MarketingEmail: [email protected]Phone: 888-788-0999
SOURCE Pickleball Kingdom Franchising
Without Max Williams, the five-time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs might have never existed.He was one of the first showmen of Texas high school basketball, widely credited as the first player to use the behind-the-back dribble while graduating from tiny Avoca as the all-time leading scorer in state history.And he was offered the chance to play professional basketball for the Dallas Chaparrals at the same time he was the ...
Without Max Williams, the five-time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs might have never existed.
He was one of the first showmen of Texas high school basketball, widely credited as the first player to use the behind-the-back dribble while graduating from tiny Avoca as the all-time leading scorer in state history.
And he was offered the chance to play professional basketball for the Dallas Chaparrals at the same time he was the general manager of the American Basketball Association franchise.
Williams passed away Monday at the age of 86 after a lengthy illness. He left behind a legacy of basketball greatness.
High School Sports
The latest news, analysis, predictions and more for each season.
Or with:
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Williams worked with fellow SMU alum Bobby Folsom — later the mayor of Dallas — to help create the Chaparrals as a charter member of the ABA in 1967. Williams was the team’s general manager and had a short stint as head coach before the Chaparrals left Dallas, but he was so much more, also working as the director of operations, ticket manager and assistant coach.
“He became one of the people that helped fund the Dallas Chaparrals and put together the money for the American Basketball Association entry,” said Terry Stembridge, who was the radio announcer for the Chaparrals for all six seasons they were in Dallas. “At the time that he was the general manager, he was just about the best player of all of our recruits. He would work out with the team, and Cliff Hagan, who was the coach, wanted Max to play. But Max wanted to be the general manager.”
That Hagan thought that much of his talent says a lot. Hagan, who was a player and coach for the Chaparrals, was a six-time All-Star during his time in the ABA and NBA and is now in the Hall of Fame.
The team moved to San Antonio for the 1973-74 ABA season, was renamed the Spurs, traded for a virtually unknown player named George Gervin and joined the NBA for the 1976-77 season. Gervin became one of the greatest scorers in NBA history and is now in the Hall of Fame, and the Spurs became a dynasty, winning four NBA titles in a span of nine seasons from 1998 to 2007.
Stembridge became the original “Voice of the San Antonio Spurs” and did the radio broadcast for 1,252 consecutive Chaparrals/Spurs games. He was Williams’ first employee with the Chaparrals and watched his good friend prosper in his life beyond basketball.
“He went from basketball into the oil business and real estate business,” Stembridge said. “At the time, he was the leading commercial real estate salesman in Dallas.”
Williams is a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, which states in his biography that he was the first high school player in Texas history to make the all-state team three years in a row. Williams led Avoca to the Class B state title in 1955 and finished with 3,360 career points, a state record that stood for 10 years.
He was named one of the 100 greatest high school players in UIL history, sharing that list with household names such as Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Bosh, Clyde Drexler, Larry Johnson, LaMarcus Aldridge and Tyrese Maxey. Williams remained a star when he played at SMU, making the All-Southwest Conference team in 1960 and graduating as the Mustangs’ third all-time scorer with 940 points.
But most importantly was how he treated people.
“Max was humorous, he was generous and he was well thought of. You could pick up the phone and call half the Dallas phone book and nobody would say anything negative about Max Williams,” Stembridge said.
Find more high school sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
About 1.9%, as of November 2024. The annual inflation rate measures the difference in prices between one month and the same month a year before. While several government datasets track price changes, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) represents the spending habits of people living in urban areas, or about 90% of the US population. The CPI also provides area-specific inflation rates. The latest CPI data shows that the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metro Area, inflation is lower than the US overall: 1.9% vs. 2.7%.Showing data for1...
About 1.9%, as of November 2024. The annual inflation rate measures the difference in prices between one month and the same month a year before. While several government datasets track price changes, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) represents the spending habits of people living in urban areas, or about 90% of the US population. The CPI also provides area-specific inflation rates. The latest CPI data shows that the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metro Area, inflation is lower than the US overall: 1.9% vs. 2.7%.
Showing data for
1.9%
annual inflation rate, all items in Dallas, TX area (Nov 2023 to Nov 2024)
2.7%
annual inflation rate, all items in all urban areas in the US (Nov 2023 to Nov 2024)
The CPI-based inflation rates for metro areas are based on the same basket of goods and services used to track the national rate, with proportions adjusted to reflect local supply and demand. Each area assigns different levels of importance to over 200 categories—ranging from electricity to used cars—based on local spending patterns.
CPI reports include two inflation rates: headline and core. Headline inflation includes all consumer spending categories, such as food, housing, and transportation, offering a broad view of the overall cost of living. But because food and energy prices can be highly volatile due to factors like weather or supply chain disruptions, core inflation excludes these categories.
In November 2024, the Dallas, TX area had a headline inflation rate of 1.9% and core inflation of 2.0%. Core inflation was higher than headline. That means food and energy had lower price increases over the previous year compared to other goods and services.
Year-over-year percent change of CPI-U, Dallas, TX area, not seasonally adjusted
Headline inflation in the Dallas, TX area was higher than the national average for all urban areas. Dallas, TX area price increases were higher in five CPI categories: apparel, education and communication, food and beverages, housing, and other goods and services. Of those, apparel inflation differed most between the area and the rest of the country. The annual inflation rate for apparel was 5.1% in the area, compared with 1.8% across the US.
Year-over-year percent change of CPI-U (November 2023 to November 2024), not seasonally adjusted