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 Long Beach, CA.
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 Long Beach, CA, 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 Long Beach, CA.
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 Long Beach, CA 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 Long Beach, CA, 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.
Mount Sinai is exploring turning defunct hospital buildings in Long Beach into housing for its medical residents, according to Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside.South Nassau bought the shuttered hospital in bankruptcy proceedings in 2014, two years after the 162-bed facility was flooded by Superstorm Sandy. Three of the hospital's buildings were deemed unsafe and knocked down, while substantial work would have been needed to reopen another two. Mount Sinai put state and federal disaster aid ...
Mount Sinai is exploring turning defunct hospital buildings in Long Beach into housing for its medical residents, according to Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside.
South Nassau bought the shuttered hospital in bankruptcy proceedings in 2014, two years after the 162-bed facility was flooded by Superstorm Sandy. Three of the hospital's buildings were deemed unsafe and knocked down, while substantial work would have been needed to reopen another two. Mount Sinai put state and federal disaster aid toward building a new stand-alone emergency department, primary care center and multi-specialty facility near the hospital. The two battered buildings have sat empty on Bay Drive ever since.
Mount Sinai believes the property, which is about six miles from the South Nassau campus in Oceanside, would be best suited for workforce housing. The system said it wasn't sure how much units would rent for, but they would be offered below market rate.
The region's escalating housing costs are particularly challenging for the roughly 100 medical residents, Sharma said. They have completed medical school and are in the midst of on-the-job clinical training that pays an hourly wage, while often dealing with student loan debt, he noted. When surveyed, 88% of residents said they were interested in hospital-sponsored housing, Mount Sinai said.
“It's challenging for younger members of the workforce to afford good housing,” Sharma said. “By adding housing for them, we would be able to ease their burden. At the same time, it is an attractive element for someone looking for residencies, so it could increase the caliber of applications we get.”
The health system sought insight from developers through a request for expressions of interest and received five responses. Mount Sinai's primary goal would be to create about 100 units for residents, but the health system is open to exploring many types of projects and including other components, such as senior housing, Sharma said.
Long Beach City Council President Brendan Finn said Mount Sinai seems committed to advancing the community's interests. As with any development, making sure structures aren't too tall or dense is important, Finn said. Mount Sinai understands such concerns, he noted.
“That area has been dormant for a long time — since Sandy,” Finn said. “So it would be nice to use it in a positive way.”
The initiative could cost about $60 million, and Mount Sinai would move forward only if it finds new funding sources, Sharma said. That could involve securing tax benefits or participating in affordable housing programs.
“We're coming near the end of a $500 million capital expansion campaign. We've not budgeted for this in that campaign,” he said, “Without some additional funding support, it would be a non-starter.”
Sharma said he hopes to finish the initial exploratory phase this year. The health system will likely not be able to dedicate personnel to planning efforts until mid-2025. That's when Mount Sinai could start sketching out plans and applying for permits, provided it has identified development partners and funding sources.
By Sarina Trangle
[email protected]@SarinaTrangle
Sarina Trangle covers affordability and cost of living issues and other business topics. She previously worked as an editor and reporter at amNewYork.
Long Beach leaders on Tuesday will consider decisions related to two different affordable housing projects that share a unique quality: They are both located in affluent areas of the city.This is somewhat of a rarity in Long Beach — and has been an ongoing source of criticism.The city was chastised by the state for not including enough affordable housing in &...
Long Beach leaders on Tuesday will consider decisions related to two different affordable housing projects that share a unique quality: They are both located in affluent areas of the city.
This is somewhat of a rarity in Long Beach — and has been an ongoing source of criticism.
The city was chastised by the state for not including enough affordable housing in “high resource” areas in a required zoning document submitted in 2021, and also, for a short time, fell out of compliance with the state in the first draft of its Housing Element because it did not make room for enough new total housing.
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The city’s imbalance of affordable housing across geographic regions exists because of “hateful and rampant NIMBY-ism from East Long Beach,” Elsa Tung, a housing advocate, said at a Planning Commission meeting Feb. 1. “We have seen the unjust densification of the most dense parts of the city, while East Long Beach remains suburbanized and untouched.”
Data presented at a recent community meeting in March about one of the new affordable projects up for debate this week quantified the problem.
Council District 1 in the Downtown area has by far the most number of affordable housing units, with 1,105 units built and another 421 that have been approved.
Council District 6 in Central Long Beach and Council District 8 in North Long Beach have the second and third most, respectively, with more than 1,200 units combined.
Meanwhile, districts 3, 4 and 5 in East Long Beach have — combined — just 151 affordable units, with another 170 in the pipeline.
One of the projects in that pipeline is an already-approved 73-unit affordable complex in District 3 near the Traffic Circle, in place of a now-vacant building that once provided mental health services to youth. The city’s Community Investment Company purchased the property in 2018.
Plans for the project were approved last June, and the developer, Linc Housing, expects to break ground in early 2025.
The City Council on Tuesday, however, will be asked to ratify a 3-2 vote by the Planning Commission on Feb. 1 in favor of a zoning change that will allow for more density in that part of town.
The second decision to be made this week relates to a project in Cal Heights, which is now part of Council District 5.
The city purchased the property at 1131 E. Wardlow Road in January, and the City Council will now be asked to declare it as surplus for the construction of affordable housing. West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation is proposing 100 units to be built there, but plans have yet to be approved.
Separately on Tuesday, the Community Investment Company will consider awarding a contract to the West Hollywood contractor for demolition of the existing structure, which housed various grocery stores decades ago.
The project has sparked concern from some residents who have worried it will harm the character of the historic Cal Heights neighborhood, which is zoned mostly for single-family homes.
Nestled along the stunning coastline of Southern California, Long Beach is a city that prospers on its diverse lifestyle, colorful arts scene, and, of course, its coffee way of life. Coffee lovers and casual sippers alike will find a treasure trove of particular, inviting coffee stores throughout the town, every presenting its wonderful mixture of flavors, atmospheres, and stories. Here’s a curated list of the pinnacle coffee shops in Long Beach, California, which are a need-to-visit for all people looking to enjoy a great cup of joe....
Nestled along the stunning coastline of Southern California, Long Beach is a city that prospers on its diverse lifestyle, colorful arts scene, and, of course, its coffee way of life. Coffee lovers and casual sippers alike will find a treasure trove of particular, inviting coffee stores throughout the town, every presenting its wonderful mixture of flavors, atmospheres, and stories. Here’s a curated list of the pinnacle coffee shops in Long Beach, California, which are a need-to-visit for all people looking to enjoy a great cup of joe.
Common Room Roasters brings a unique combination of espresso tradition and artistic expression to Long Beach. This eclectic espresso keep is embellished with nearby art and regularly hosts live music and poetry readings, offering an innovative oasis for artists and espresso lovers alike. Their espresso services are strong, presenting both conventional favorites and Mexican-inspired creations. The welcoming vibe and dedication to helping neighborhood artists make common room roasters part of the Long Beach coffee community.
At the heart of Long Beach’s thriving coffee scene is Lord Windsor Coffee, a comfortable, unbiased roastery known for its meticulous approach to coffee. They roast their beans on the website, ensuring that every cup served is sparkling and full of flavor. The environment is relaxed and welcoming, with a minimalist decor that encourages conversations or quiet moments with an e-book. Their menu capabilities loads of unmarried-beginning coffees and expertly crafted espresso drinks, making it an excellent spot for espresso purists and aficionados.
A staple in the Long Beach network because of the Nineties, Portfolio Coffeehouse combines the warm temperature of a community café with the sophistication of a high-cease coffee bar. This spacious espresso saves now not simplest serves first-rate coffee but additionally acts as a colorful community hub, a website hosting normal events along with art shows and stay-track nights. The outside seating vicinity is a satisfying spot to revel in its huge selection of coffees, teas, and mild bites while soaking inside the bustling environment of Retro Row.
Steelhead Coffee boasts locations in Long Beach, every presenting a unique vibe however an identical commitment to exceptional coffee. The cafés source beans from pinnacle roasters and serve a lot of brews, from conventional espressos to innovative seasonal specials. The interior is modern and welcoming, with plenty of herbal mild—best for those seeking to paint or meet up with friends. Their menu additionally features regionally sourced pastries and sandwiches, making Steelhead a great choice for brunch or a casual assembly.
Recreational Coffee stands out for its awareness of community and sustainability, together with its wonderful coffee. This sublime, modern-day espresso shop is understood for its friendly baristas, progressive coffee creations, and heat, inviting environment. They offer a choice of vegan and gluten-loose food options, catering to a huge variety of nutritional possibilities. With its dedication to the use of ethically sourced beans and minimizing its environmental effect, Recreational Coffee is a fave amongst eco-aware coffee fanatics.
Rose Park Roasters is a call synonymous with excellence and community in Long Beach. What started as a small roasting operation has grown right into a beloved espresso store, acknowledged for its willpower to craftsmanship and community engagement. Their café serves as a meeting region for coffee fanatics, supplying workshops and tasting events. The espresso menu features a rotating choice of single-starting place coffees and signature blends, each with a tale to inform. The environment is informal and friendly, perfect for playing a leisurely coffee smash.
Last but surely not least, Commodity Coffee is a minimalist espresso bar that specializes in turning in extraordinary, sustainably sourced espresso. The space is sleek and cutting-edge, with an open concept that invites interplay among the baristas and customers. Here, the coffee is the celebrity of the show, with each cup organized with precision and care. Commodity Coffee is a haven for the ones seeking a quiet spot to revel in a meticulously crafted cup of espresso.
Long Beach, California, offers a wealthy tapestry of espresso stores, contributing to the metropolis’s colorful espresso lifestyle in its unique way. From relaxed community hangouts to chic urban cafés, those institutions cater to various consumers, imparting a wide range of stories bound by way of a commonplace thread: a love for tremendous espresso. Whether you are a resident or simply passing through, touring these top espresso shops in Long Beach is a fantastic manner to revel in the city’s dynamic espresso scene and community spirit. So take hold of a cup, settle in, and experience the flavors and testimonies that these neighborhood favorites have to offer.