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 Jacksonville, FL.
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 Jacksonville, FL, 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 Jacksonville, FL.
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 Jacksonville, FL 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 Jacksonville, FL, 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.
It's the season for giving, so we're giving this weekend some extra days to fit in all the fun activities. There are Nutcrackers and "Christmas Carols" and ...
It's the season for giving, so we're giving this weekend some extra days to fit in all the fun activities. There are Nutcrackers and "Christmas Carols" and holiday spectaculars everywhere you turn so we're looking a some of the events that are either not holiday-related at all or only sort of Christmas.
8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at the Moran Theater. $55-$95
Just to be clear, “Jeezy the Snowman” is not a Christmas song. Jeezy, who has been a featured artist on at least as many hits as he’s done himself, brings his Playlist Tour to Jacksonville. Info: jaxevents.com
Through Jan. 5 at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. $18.95-$62.95.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The "Little Circus That Could" brings a huge red-and-white striped big-top tent to the parking lot of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre for 33 performances of the old-fashioned animal-free show. Info: theamp.com
More to do:29 free family Christmas events to do in Jacksonville
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7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at the Florida Theatre. $29.50-$100.
Nothing says Christmas like acrobats and aerialists, who will do their best to put you in a holiday mood. Info: floridatheatre.com
2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, at the Florida Theatre. Free with canned food donation.
Can someone explain why the Wet Bandits were the ones hauled off at the end, and not Kevin? Watch the 1990 holiday classic and benefit Feeding Northeast Florida. Info: floridatheatre.com
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. $30-$250
It's Boxing Day, but they'll be wrestling. Four championship matches are on the card — Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa, Namoi vs. Nia Jax, Motor City Machine Guns vs. #DIY and Bianca Belair vs. Chelsea Green. Info: jaxevents.com
Dec. 20-21 at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Backyard Stage. $25.
Players from Apex Theatre Studio do a '40s-style radio play. Info: theamp.com
Dec. 20-22 at Amelia Community Theatre. $45-$60.
The Crescendo Amelia big band is joined by singers, dancers, guest musicians and aerialists. Info: ameliacommunitytheatre.org
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, and Saturday, Dec. 21; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at Flagler College Lewis Auditorium. $35-$50.
It’s the 16th year of the St. Augustine Ballet presenting the holiday classic. Info: staugustineballet.org
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park. $20-$35.
Students from Wehner’s School Of The Arts put on a 90-minute holiday pageant. Info: thcenter.org
7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at the Florida Theatre. $39.50-$59.50.
Holiday songs are woven into the familiar tale. Info: floridatheatre.com
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Eden Kendall is thrilled to return on Jan. 6 as co-host of the energetic weekday morning program River City Live, alongside Rance Adams.River City Live airs weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Channel 4 and highlights Jacksonville’s vibrant lifestyle, including unique local stories, exciting steals and deals, fashion, community events and performances from talented musicians.Recommended Vid...
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Eden Kendall is thrilled to return on Jan. 6 as co-host of the energetic weekday morning program River City Live, alongside Rance Adams.
River City Live airs weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Channel 4 and highlights Jacksonville’s vibrant lifestyle, including unique local stories, exciting steals and deals, fashion, community events and performances from talented musicians.
Recommended Videos
Viewers can also catch River City Live+ on News4JAX+ at 10:15 a.m., where Eden and Rance will dive deeper into must-see local hotspots, delicious recipes, and can’t-miss restaurants.
Kendall has been a familiar voice and face in Jacksonville since the 1990s. Born in Connecticut and raised in South Florida, Eden is a proud University of Florida graduate who began her career in morning radio while still in college. Over the years, she has connected with audiences as a trusted media personality, a trivia enthusiast, and a proud advocate of Jacksonville living. Eden will step back from her on-air duties at 99.9 Gator Country radio to bring her engaging presence and passion for all things Jacksonville back to local TV screens.
“Jacksonville is my home, and I’m so excited to reconnect with the River City Live audience,” said Eden, who previously worked on the show from 2015-2022. “This show celebrates what makes our community so special, from food to entertainment, and everything in between. I’m honored to team up with Rance and share these stories with our viewers again.”
A married mom of two, Eden describes herself as a runner, a dog lover and an unapologetic peanut butter aficionado, with sushi being a close second.
Outside of television, Eden co-hosts the podcast “Uncluttered and Unfiltered” with professional organizer Christine Stone, offering relatable advice to women over 50 on living simply, stylishly and confidently.
Join Eden Kendall and Rance Adams on River City Live to explore the best of Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re a foodie, a fashionista or simply looking for your next great local adventure, Eden and Rance will keep you inspired and entertained each weekday morning.
Breton is one of 92 white sharks tagged by OCEARCH in the North AtlanticFLORIDA – Florida’s warm waters are making headlines, and it’s not because of the weather. A massive great white shark named Breton has been spotted near the coast, bringing excitement and a touch of mystery to the region.Breton is more than 14 feet long, more than 1,400 pounds and he loves coming to Florida.RELATED | ...
FLORIDA – Florida’s warm waters are making headlines, and it’s not because of the weather. A massive great white shark named Breton has been spotted near the coast, bringing excitement and a touch of mystery to the region.
Breton is more than 14 feet long, more than 1,400 pounds and he loves coming to Florida.
RELATED | Fisherman reels in great white shark on Amelia Island
The great white shark, tracked by the non-profit OCEARCH, has been giving important data to researchers. Every time his dorsal fin breaks the surface, it pings a signal, mapping his journey.
“He’s an impressive animal, and as I say, he’s shown us so much. He’s been amazing,” said John Tyminski, senior data scientist at OCEARCH.
Breton’s movements align with a natural rhythm that scientists believe is tied to reproduction.
“It makes more sense for them to be somewhat opportunistic,” Tyminski explained. “But there’s probably a general pattern to their reproductive cycle. That leads us to think it’s in the southeastern United States, around January to April.”
Breton might be here for more than a meal. But while he could be searching for a mate, there’s no need for swimmers to worry.
Tyminski highlighted the crucial role that apex predators like Breton play in maintaining ecological balance.
“Remove the top predators of our oceans, and the balance gets turned upside down,” Tyminski said. “That can have a cascading effect on our coral reefs, on our seagrass beds. I’m not just talking about white sharks in general. Our top predators are so important to exerting that top-down pressure and keeping things in balance.”
Breton is one of 92 white sharks tagged by OCEARCH in the North Atlantic. His journey has spanned over 40,000 miles in just four and a half years. OCEARCH’s tracking data reveals a fascinating map that almost resembles the shape of a shark.
“So we can go a week or two without hearing from him, or we can get multiple pings in one day. And it’s really a reflection of Breton’s behavior,” Tyminski said.
You can track Breton’s track here. In fact, he just pinged near Florida again as of Jan. 9.
Breton’s story is part of the bigger picture. OCEARCH plans to establish its global headquarters in Mayport, Florida. The facility will serve as the southeast hub for shark research in the coming years.
“OCEARCH global headquarters is going to be built in Mayport, Florida, and we have some funding for that,” Tyminski shared. “We already have a dock in place to hold our ship, which is also called the OCEARCH. That’s going to take another couple of years before it’s finalized.”
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville City Council secretary is on paid administrative leave following complaints about the work environment and issues surrounding the opening of council members' mail.The Personnel Committee met on Thursday after several council members expressed concerns over several gifts that were opened by someone else over the holidays.The controversy began when city staffer Yvonne Mitchell, chief of administrative services, opened mail intended for council members. The mail included h...
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville City Council secretary is on paid administrative leave following complaints about the work environment and issues surrounding the opening of council members' mail.
The Personnel Committee met on Thursday after several council members expressed concerns over several gifts that were opened by someone else over the holidays.
The controversy began when city staffer Yvonne Mitchell, chief of administrative services, opened mail intended for council members. The mail included holiday gifts such as cards and chocolates.
“Did I open it? Absolutely I did,” Mitchell said at the meeting. “I was instructed to open it.”
Mitchell said her supervisor, Council Secretary Margaret Sidman, directed her to open the mail to send information on the contents to the ethics commission.
However, Ethics Director Kirby Oberdorfer disputed this approach.
“We never gave anyone nor did we have the authority to intercept any gifts,” she said.
Council members expressed frustration with the situation during the nearly 90-minute meeting.
Council members explained that there are protocols for handling gifts and that they are clearly outlined by the ethics office.
“It, then, means that you have no faith in the fact that I’m intelligent enough to do the thing,” Councilmember Rahman Johnson said. “In essence, that was offensive to me.”
Mitchell said she did what she thought she was told to do. She said she was scared of what would happen to her job if she didn’t.
“I panicked,” she said. “Because gifts had been distributed and [Sidman] didn’t know. So I collected them. I put them in my office and I sent her an email to say that this is what has arrived.”
Sidman said she wasn’t aware that Mitchell was opening the mail, but said after a meeting with the ethics commission that Mitchell’s understanding of the instructions was correct.
“This is a fair reading of that,” she said “So yes, she did open the mail with that directive.”
During the meeting, several council members discussed additional complaints they had received about Sidman’s leadership. Mitchell added that she was in fear of losing her job when Sidman took over.
As a result, the committee decided to place Sidman on paid administrative leave.
“I regret that I fell short of your expectations,” she said during the meeting.
Council member Nick Howland, who is tasked with finalizing the terms of the leave, told News4JAX he intends to “conclude this matter quickly and amicably.”
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.