Sausser Summers, PC

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 Jacksonville, FL

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.

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 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.

Online Trademark Attorney Jacksonville, FL

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.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Jacksonville, FL?

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.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Call us (843) 654-0078

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 Jacksonville, FL

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 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.

Understanding Trademarks Over Time

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.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Call us (843) 654-0078

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 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.

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.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

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 Jacksonville, FL.
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 Jacksonville, FL

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.

'I'm gonna miss you all': After 2 decades, Jacksonville TV news anchor says goodbye

After more than two decades of delivering the news, another Jacksonville TV anchor is stepping away from the anchor desk.Dawn Lopez, who co-anchors Action News Jax This Morning and Action News Jax at Noon, is leaving the news organization.Seated next to her longtime co-anchor Phil Amato, Lopez made the announcement on-air Thursda...

After more than two decades of delivering the news, another Jacksonville TV anchor is stepping away from the anchor desk.

Dawn Lopez, who co-anchors Action News Jax This Morning and Action News Jax at Noon, is leaving the news organization.

Seated next to her longtime co-anchor Phil Amato, Lopez made the announcement on-air Thursday morning, her final day at Action News Jax, which broadcasts its newscasts on CBS affiliate WJAX-TV 47 and FOX affiliate WFOX-TV 30

“I’m gonna miss you all,” Lopez told viewers. “But I keep saying ‘It’s just new chapters, it’s not goodbye.’ “

“Thank you, Dawn,” Amato said, celebrating Lopez’s work at the station and in the community as well as their friendship.

“For more than 25 years, this anchor desk has been Dawn’s place to connect with you and tell your stories,” Amato said in a produced video. “I had the honor sit next to her every morning, so I got a front-row seat to see what a gift she truly is. To watch her bring joy to those around her. To see her serve her community with so much passion ... So as we send off my good friend, Dawn Lopez, I think I speak for the whole city of Jacksonville when I say ‘Thank you, Dawn.’ “

Action News anchor John Bachman left station in July 2024

Lopez’s departure comes six months after anchor John Bachman left the station in late July.

"Tonight is my last night with Action News Jax. I hate these things. After 10 years [at Action News] and 27 years in TV news, it is time for a change," said Bachman, who had anchored the station’s marquee newscasts at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. on WJAX and at 6:30 and 10 p.m. on WFOX.

After leaving the station, Bachman and a partner launched a communications company in the area.

News4Jax anchor Tom Wills retires after 49 years at WJXT

Bachman’s departure was the second notable TV anchor departure of 2024.

Two months earlier, legendary TV news anchor Tom Wills left WJXT/News4Jax after 49 years at the station. And in another shocker, First Coast News chief meteorologist Tim Deegan announced in November that he would leave WTLV, the station he has called home for 42 years, in May 2025.

Lopez, a Jacksonville native and University of North Florida graduate, had anchored the morning and noon newscasts at Action News since then-WTEV TV-47 became Jacksonville’s CBS affiliate in July 2002 after WJXT TV-4 split from CBS after 53 years.

A fixture on morning TV for a quarter century, Lopez was one of the longest-tenured on-air personalities at Action News. For the station’s viewers, Lopez was a steady presence in daytime as high-profile anchors have come and gone at Action News’ evening broadcasts, including Bachman in July 2024 and the 2014 departures of Mark Spain, Paige Kelton and Tera Barz. (Kelton remained at the station in other roles until March 2021.) Morning anchors Lynnsey Gardner and Mike Barz also left in 2014.

Also:3 weeks after pancreatic cancer diagnosis, former Jacksonville TV news anchor dies at 64

Before joining Action News, Lopez worked for affiliates in Columbus, Georgia, and High Point, North Carolina, according to a profile on actionnewsjax.com.

“What a privilege, what an honor,” Lopez told viewers Thursday morning. “... I thank you for your support.”

Jacksonville, FL – Auto Crash at Forsyth St Exit 352B on I-95 NB

Jacksonville, FL (February 6, 2025) – Emergency responders were called to the scene of a vehicle crash with reported injuries at the Forsyth St Exit 352B on Interstate 95 Northbound in Jacksonville. While the exact dispatch and arrival times have not been disclosed, authorities confirmed that emergency medical services were on-site to provide immediate assistance to those injured in the collision.First responders assessed and treated individuals suffering from a variety of injuries at the scene. Although the extent of inj...

Jacksonville, FL (February 6, 2025) – Emergency responders were called to the scene of a vehicle crash with reported injuries at the Forsyth St Exit 352B on Interstate 95 Northbound in Jacksonville. While the exact dispatch and arrival times have not been disclosed, authorities confirmed that emergency medical services were on-site to provide immediate assistance to those injured in the collision.

First responders assessed and treated individuals suffering from a variety of injuries at the scene. Although the extent of injuries and the number of people involved have not been released, some victims were likely transported to nearby hospitals for further medical evaluation and care.

Despite the severity of the crash, there are no roadblocks reported, and traffic continues to flow normally in the area. Law enforcement is actively investigating the incident, considering factors such as driver behavior, vehicle conditions, and the possibility of external influences like weather or road surface issues. Motorists are advised to remain cautious while traveling through this section of I-95 as the investigation proceeds.

Our thoughts are with those injured in this accident, and we hope for their full and speedy recovery.

Interstate Accidents in Florida

Crashes on Florida's interstates, such as the one that occurred today at the Forsyth St Exit 352B on I-95 Northbound in Jacksonville, are common due to the high-speed nature of highway travel and the complex design of exit and entrance ramps. Areas like exit ramps are particularly prone to accidents as drivers often need to decelerate rapidly or navigate tight curves, increasing the potential for collisions.

In Jacksonville, I-95 is one of the most heavily trafficked highways, and its interchanges can be challenging for drivers unfamiliar with the area or those attempting to merge during peak travel times. Factors like distracted driving, sudden braking, and improper lane changes frequently contribute to accidents in these high-traffic zones.

For individuals involved in interstate crashes, the recovery process can be overwhelming, involving both medical treatments and the complexities of insurance and legal claims. It's essential to understand your rights and have access to the necessary resources to ensure a smooth recovery process.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a highway accident, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect accident victims with trusted legal professionals and medical providers who can assist with every step of the recovery process. Don’t navigate this difficult time alone—reach out today for the support and guidance you need.

Top five: Blues, comedy, cabaret and underwear on tap this weekend in Jacksonville

Good news for all you forgetful romantic types: You didn't forget Valentine's Day, at least not yet. That means you can wait until Monday to order chocolates, book spa days and call your favorite florist, and spend the weekend rocking in the woods, laughing in the Florida Theatre, celebrating at Theatre Jacksonville, admiring cool rides in Hastings and running through Jacksonville Beach in your underwear.February fun:...

February fun:Things to do in Jacksonville in February instead of shoveling snow

Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series

7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8, at Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine.

The annual series of music on the site of the first free Black settlement in what is now the United States gets started this weekend. The series kicks off Thursday, Feb. 6, with a performance by jazz collective Snarky Puppy ($69-$79). Detroit singer-songwriter KEM headlines Friday's show ($74-$124) and Tower of Power plays Saturday ($69-$119). The series continues next weekend with Dinner Party, Macy Gray and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

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

Sal Vulcano

7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at the Florida Theatre. $39.75-$59.75.

When your parents name you Salvatore Vulcano, you’re almost destined to be funny. Vulcano is the breakout star from the crew behind the “Impractical Jokers” TV show. Info: floridatheatre.com

Sarah's Silver Sessions

Feb. 7-9 at Theatre Jacksonville. $31-$75.

Sarah Boone, executive director of Theatre Jacksonville, celebrates 25 years in the post with three of her favorite shows. She’ll take the stage herself for “Mom Before Dad,” a personal story about her own mother (7:30 p.m. Feb. 7, 2 p.m. Feb. 8, $31). Broadway veteran Ann Talman stars in “Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile” (7:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 2 p.m. Feb. 9, $33). Dorothy Bishop, who co-starred last summer with Linda Purl in “Mame” at the Florida Theatre, performs her one-woman “Dozen Divas” show (10 p.m. Feb. 8, $33). Info: theatrejax.com

Silver Sessions:Theatre Jacksonville director celebrating quarter-century with cabaret weekend

Boulevard Car Show

10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, on Main Street in Hastings. Free.

Dozens of classic cars will line the main drag of the picturesque little town in St. Johns County, midway between St. Augustine and Palatka, for the eighth annual event. Info: visitstaugustine.com

Cupid’s Undie Run

Noon Saturday, Feb. 8, at Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jacksonville Beach. $40.

Who wouldn’t want to go for a casual jog in their skivvies, especially if it’s for a good cause? You’ll run for a mile or so and raise money to fight NF, a series of neurofibromatosis-related diseases. But we really don’t want to know where you plan to keep your phone and car keys while you’re running. Info: my.cupids.org

Jacksonville man accused of running Ponzi scheme arrested 20 months after missing court date

Cedric Griffin did not show up for his final pre-trial date May 4, 2023, according to court records. Investigators said he stole $5.8 million over two years.Credit: JSOCedric Griffin, 48.JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville man accused of a Ponzi scheme involving millions of dollars who fled from authorities in 2023 was arrested Monday.Cedric Griffin, 48, is charged with organized fraud and five counts of failure of a defendant to appear on bail.The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said Griffin ...

Cedric Griffin did not show up for his final pre-trial date May 4, 2023, according to court records. Investigators said he stole $5.8 million over two years.

Credit: JSO

Cedric Griffin, 48.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville man accused of a Ponzi scheme involving millions of dollars who fled from authorities in 2023 was arrested Monday.

Cedric Griffin, 48, is charged with organized fraud and five counts of failure of a defendant to appear on bail.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said Griffin stole $5.8 million over the course of two years from investors, according to federal court documents. In 2022, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office issued a warrant for Griffin for multiple grand theft cases.

State Assistant Attorney with the Special Prosecution Division Adam Duso said in 2023 the victims include small business owners, individuals and the African-American community. Duso later stated a red flag was Griffin guaranteeing a return.

“He approached them with a pitch that he was investing in real estate,” Duso said. “And real estate securities and convinced over 50 people to invest with him in amounts ranging from $10,000 to as much as $1 million.”

According to JSO report, the agency received numerous tips from people who said they had given money to Griffin to invest in real estate through his firm "G8 Equity" on Baymeadows Road. The North Florida Cyber Fraud Task Force interviewed 56 people who invested money between January and July 2022. The report said he usually found investors by word of mouth referrals.

Though Griffin originally told victims he could make them 10-15% on their investments. The victims were concerned when he did not return phone calls, the report said.

The victims reported approximately $1.25 million was returned though "over the course of your Affiant’s investigation, it was determined that none of the currency received from the Victims in this scheme were used to invest in real property or any other agreed upon investments. Further investigation revealed that the Suspect in this scheme used monies received from the Victims and gave it to other individuals, previous investors, and used the invested funds for personal expenditures to his personal benefit," the report said.

Griffin's next court date is set for Feb. 10.

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Online Trademark Attorneys

Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Jacksonville, FL