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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 Indianapolis, IN

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 Indianapolis, IN.

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.

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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 Indianapolis, IN, 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.

Online Trademark Attorney Indianapolis, IN
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 Indianapolis, IN?

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.

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.

 Online Trademark Lawyer Indianapolis, IN

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 Indianapolis, IN.

 Trademark Attorney Indianapolis, IN

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 Indianapolis, IN 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.

 Trademark Law Firm Indianapolis, IN

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 Indianapolis, IN, 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.

 Trademark Lawyer Indianapolis, IN
 Trademark Firm Indianapolis, IN

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 Indianapolis, IN.
  • 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 Indianapolis, IN

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 Indianapolis, IN

Follow along live as Taylor Swift's Eras Tour takes over downtown Indianapolis

After months of preparation, the Eras Tour has finally arrived in Indianapolis.More than 200,000 fans are expected to be in downtown Indianapolis over this three-show weekend, with about 70,000 at t...

After months of preparation, the Eras Tour has finally arrived in Indianapolis.

More than 200,000 fans are expected to be in downtown Indianapolis over this three-show weekend, with about 70,000 at the shows each night. Nearly 90% of ticketholders are from outside the Circle City, and hotels are basically sold out.

IndyStar will be following all the fun, bringing you sights and sounds from downtown Indianapolis as the final U.S. shows of the Eras Tour kick off. Check back throughout the evening as Indy celebrates Night 1.

Family, friends score 8 coveted Eras Tour tickets, travel to Indy from Georgia to see Swift

Jennifer Block started listening to Taylor Swift early in the singer’s career during her “Tim McGraw” days. Now, the mother has passed her love of the music to daughters Parker, 11, and Emily, 8.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Swift “was born only five years after me, so her music is relatable and it’s grown as I’ve grown up, too,” said Block, 40.

Parker listens to Swift’s albums on vinyl — which she said she enjoys because she hears sides of the music that don’t necessarily come through when she listens to a streaming playlist.

“I really like listening to the whole album because I get to learn not, like, the most popular songs, but I learn some of the songs that not everybody knows,” said Parker, who stood near Monument Circle as songs including “Tied Together with a Smile” and “Shake It Off” played over the speakers.

Block and her girls came from Cartersville, Georgia, in a group of eight that includes family and best friends. Block calls it a miracle that the entire group was able to buy such coveted tickets to the same night — Swift’s Friday concert.

“We knew it was special when it happened,” she said.

— Domenica Bongiovanni

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay giving away more free Eras Tour tickets

If you already entered to win Eras Tour tickets from the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, STAY IN LINE!

Jim Irsay posted on his X (previously Twitter) account that he had six more tickets to give away to three lucky winners and he was turning to his previous list of entrants.

Taylor Swift flash mob breaks out at Indianapolis International Airport

Swifties coming through the Indy airport serenaded fellow travelers with a rendition of the star's hit, "Love Story."

Watch:Taylor Swift flash mob in Indianapolis International Airport ahead of concerts

Eras Tour rideshare and pickup locations

A standalone rideshare pickup zone on South Street between Missouri and West streets will operate from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

Only Uber, Lyft and other rideshare drivers will be given access to this area. Rideshare drivers will have to drive down South West Street to pick up riders and then can either continue south, going under I-70, or travel westbound on Kentucky Avenue to get out of the zone.

What to know:Picking up a Taylor Swift concertgoer? You need to be at parent pickup by 10 p.m.

— Jade Jackson

Downtown Indianapolis road closures

There will be a slew of road closures to manage traffic around Lucas Oil Stadium this weekend, so if you're trying to get in or out of downtown, take heed. Many surface streets and some interstate exits will be closed, mostly after 11 p.m.

See the full list:How to navigate closed roads, traffic after Taylor Swift concerts in downtown Indy

Indianapolis weather today

The National Weather Service's forecast includes sunny skies and a high of 57 degrees for Friday, dipping down to a chilly 37 degrees overnight.

Taylor Swift is coming to Indianapolis:Here are all the must-know details

Will Lucas Oil Stadium's roof be open for Taylor Swift?

Although we're looking at pretty decent weather for a November Friday in Indy, the roof will be closed for all three shows, Lucas Oil Stadium officials said.

Lucas Oil Stadium bag policy

Generally, fans should expect to be able to enter with clear bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12". Logos smaller than 3.4" x 4.5" are OK as long as they're on one side of the bag. Non-clear bags cannot be larger than 4.5" x 6.5", not including a strap or handle. Fans can also bring one gallon-size clear plastic bag.

Not allowed are backpacks, briefcases, luggage and non-clear and clear bags larger than the previously stated dimensions.

More, including what else isn't allowed:Here’s the bag policy for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at Indy’s Lucas Oil Stadium

What to know about Ticketmaster's 72-hour ticket transfer policy

In response to ticket scams involving Swift's shows, Ticketmaster has changed the way fans can transfer tickets between accounts. Ticket transfers to Swift's shows are now restricted to a 72-hour window before the event, Ticketmaster announced earlier this month. Previously, fans were able to swap tickets at any time.

That may not be relevant to you lucky N1 ticketholders, but N3 tickets may still be in limbo.

Read more:Last-minute Taylor Swift tickets in Indianapolis? Good luck with Ticketmaster transfer rule

How to get Eras Tour merch outside Lucas Oil Stadium

The Eras Tour Merchandise Shop will be open to the public Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 at the Indiana Convention Center, as well as on all levels of Lucas Oil Stadium for ticketholders.

Read more for hours and location:How to buy Eras Tour merch in Indianapolis — and no, you don't need a concert ticket

Looking for things to do in Indianapolis?

Reporters Alysa Guffey, Jade Jackson, Ryan Murphy and Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez contributed.

IndyGo sues consulting company over $4.7M in construction overruns

INDIANAPOLIS - IndyGo’s transportation corporation is suing over $4.7 million in construction cost overruns for the Julia M. Carson Transit Center that it says were caused by an infrastructure consultant’s failure to properly investigate the construction site for potential complications.The Indianapolis Public Transportation Corp. filed a lawsuit on Friday in Marion County Superior Court against Dallas-based AECOM USA Inc., which has an office in Indianapolis, and URS Corp., which was acquired by AECOM....

INDIANAPOLIS - IndyGo’s transportation corporation is suing over $4.7 million in construction cost overruns for the Julia M. Carson Transit Center that it says were caused by an infrastructure consultant’s failure to properly investigate the construction site for potential complications.

The Indianapolis Public Transportation Corp. filed a lawsuit on Friday in Marion County Superior Court against Dallas-based AECOM USA Inc., which has an office in Indianapolis, and URS Corp., which was acquired by AECOM.

Legal representatives for AECOM could not immediately be reached for comment.

The lawsuit says the transportation corporation entered into an agreement with URS Corp. in April 2013. URS was later acquired by AECOM, which was assigned to serve as lead designer for the construction of the Julia M. Carson Transit Center at 201 E. Washington St.

As lead designer, AECOM led development of the transit center’s design, which included responsibilities for investigating potentially unsuitable soil on the design site, IndyGo says.

AECOM’s design for the transit center was finalized in July 2014, at which point IndyGo awarded a construction contract to Weddle Bros. Building Group LLC.

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In November 2014, Weddle began archaeological monitoring of the construction site, and almost immediately found unsuitable soils in the footprint of the proposed building area, according to the lawsuit. Weddle also discovered numerous structures, like brick and foundation wall remnants, on the site, preventing the company from continuing its work.

Because of the unsuitable conditions of the building site, construction was delayed, requiring more compensation and deadline rescheduling for Weddle, the lawsuit claims.

IndyGo says that for over a year, AECOM led it to believe that the soil on the building site was appropriate for construction.

In addition, IndyGo claims AECOM didn’t inform it that a full data-recovery level archaeological report would have to be prepared for the Federal Transit Administration, which largely funds and regulates IndyGo, until after AECOM finalized its design, also leading to additional costs.

“AECOM ignored all the red flags, and in so doing deprived (IndyGo) of multiple opportunities to make timely, informed decisions on how and when to proceed with the Project, or even proceeding with the Project at this location. Ultimately, AECOM’s oversights constitute a breach of the standard of care and of the Contract resulting in millions of dollars of cost overruns to IndyGo – costs that largely were avoidable,” the complaint says.

According to the contract between the IndyGo and AECOM, the project was supposed to be substantially completed in October 2015 but didn’t reach that stage until June 2016. IndyGo says it incurred cost overruns in excess of $4.7 million as a result of AECOM’s actions and failures.

IndyGo is suing for breach of contract, breach of express contractual warranties, and breach of warranty of the adequacy of the plans and specifications. It is seeking damages “in an amount to be determined.”

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