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 Miami, 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 Miami, 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 Miami, 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 Miami, 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 Miami, 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.
Maroon Isle Productions proudly presents Oskuneru, a groundbreaking theatrical production that highlights the journey of the Surinamese Maroons towards self-liberation. This highly anticipated debut will take place in February 2025 at theArt Lab, located at 300 NE 2nd Ave Building, Miami, FL. Written and directed by Miami-born and Suriname-raised playwright Sefanja Richard Galon, this immersive cultural experience aims to bring the resilience and triumph of the Maroons to life on an international stage in honor of Black History Month....
Maroon Isle Productions proudly presents Oskuneru, a groundbreaking theatrical production that highlights the journey of the Surinamese Maroons towards self-liberation. This highly anticipated debut will take place in February 2025 at the
Art Lab, located at 300 NE 2nd Ave Building, Miami, FL. Written and directed by Miami-born and Suriname-raised playwright Sefanja Richard Galon, this immersive cultural experience aims to bring the resilience and triumph of the Maroons to life on an international stage in honor of Black History Month. This production is the result of years of development dedicated to preserving and sharing the untold stories of the Maroons.
Oskuneru originated as a Zoom reading during the height of the pandemic in 2020, organized by the Black Student Union at New World School of the Arts. It has since evolved into a live college production in 2022, a theatrical workshop at Main Street Players, and a reading in City Theatre's Homegrown series at the Adrienne Arsht Center in 2023. In 2025, it is ready to make its full-scale debut, embodying a rich history of resilience and cultural preservation.
“Our goal is to spotlight the history of the Surinamese Maroons on an international stage while fostering dialogue about shared Caribbean heritage and identity,” said Sefanja Richard Galon, the visionary behind Oskuneru. “This production is a tribute to the strength of our ancestors and an opportunity to connect audiences to a vital yet underrepresented part of Black history.”
“Oskuneru is more than a play; it’s a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Maroons and their contributions to world history,” said Galon. “It’s an opportunity to honor their legacy while fostering a cultural exchange that unites our diverse communities.”
Highlights of Oskuneru
Cultural Authenticity:Featuring traditional African prints, colonial-era elements, and an original score that blends Afro-Caribbean and Surinamese music, composed by Music Director Mikhael Mendoza.
Workshops & Community Engagement
Collaborations with the New World School of the Arts and local organizations to offer educational workshops on the creative and historical aspects of the production.
An International Platform: In partnership with the Surinamese Consulate of Miami, Oskuneru aims to present Surinamese heritage to a global audience, fostering dialogue on shared Caribbean history.
A Celebration of Black History Month:
Positioned as a cultural centerpiece for Miami, this production underscores the city's role as an international stage for stories of resilience and identity.
Event Details
Dates: February 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, & 15, 2025
Location- The Art Lab, 300 NE 2nd Ave Building, Miami, FL
Tickets-Ticketing Information
For more information, visit https://www.maroonisleproductions.com/ or follow Oskuneru on social media at @maroonisleproductions.
Oskuneru 2025 is supported by the Miami Downtown Development Authority, the IDEA Center at MDC, Live Arts Miami at MDC, Main Street Players, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor, and the Board of County Commissioners.
About the Director
Sefanja Richard Galon, a Miami native raised in Suriname, is a playwright, actor, and director dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. With a background in theatrical arts and a passion for cultural storytelling, Galon's work bridges history and contemporary issues, inviting audiences to reflect and connect.
About Maroon Isle Productions
Maroon Isle Productions is a dynamic theater and film production company based in Miami, Florida. It is dedicated to creating culturally significant and immersive productions. Founded with the mission of amplifying underrepresented voices, the company specializes in high-quality theatrical and multimedia projects that inspire, educate, and entertain. Maroon Isle Productions is committed to fostering a space where diverse stories can thrive, offering opportunities for marginalized artists and engaging audiences in meaningful conversations about identity, history, and resilience. With a focus on artistic excellence and innovation, the company brings untold narratives to the stage and screen, empowering communities and building cultural bridges.
When Florida Football went out and hired Will Harris last year, not much was known about the defensive backs coach. He had a couple solid years with Washington before a brief stint with the Los Angeles Chargers.After just one year in Gainesville, Harris is back on the move as Matt Zenitz of 247Sports has reported that Harris will be headi...
When Florida Football went out and hired Will Harris last year, not much was known about the defensive backs coach. He had a couple solid years with Washington before a brief stint with the Los Angeles Chargers.
After just one year in Gainesville, Harris is back on the move as Matt Zenitz of 247Sports has reported that Harris will be heading south and joining the staff of the Miami Hurricanes.
Harris’ impact in Gainesville was immediate. Clips from spring practice went viral as he put a heavy emphasis on tackling, something Florida was poor at in 2023.
Floride made a jump from three interceptions in 2023 to 14 in 2024. The Gators also improved their passing defense, cutting down yards per attempt and finishing the season on a four-game winning streak where they held opponents to just 13 points per game.
Harris kept the unit intact even after injuries to Jason Marshall, among others. Marshall, in particular, had a noticeable jump in play in 2024 prior to his season-ending injury.
On the recruiting trail, Harris helped Florida land prospects Ben Hanks III and safety Hylton Stubbs.
But while Florida hoped to retain Harris, there had been rumblings that Harris was looking around to leave Gainesville, though Miami specifically wasn't among the rumblings. Harris will now be tasked with revamping Miami’s struggling secondary alongside cornerbacks coach Zac Etheridge.
Florida hired Vinnie Sunseri as a co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach a few weeks ago, and it is unclear whether or not Sunseri will now take over the entire secondary or if Billy Napier has another hire to make.
The Miami Hurricanes are preparing to have one of the best seasons in recent memory and they have to make sure their defense won't hold them back. They land Will Harris to ensure that they will be great on the defensive side of the ball.New Florida secondary coach Will Harris directs his defensive backs during the Florida Gators as they held their final open Spring football practice before the Orange and Blue Game at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun] / Doug Engle/Gainesv...
The Miami Hurricanes are preparing to have one of the best seasons in recent memory and they have to make sure their defense won't hold them back. They land Will Harris to ensure that they will be great on the defensive side of the ball.
New Florida secondary coach Will Harris directs his defensive backs during the Florida Gators as they held their final open Spring football practice before the Orange and Blue Game at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun] / Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
In this story:
The Miami Hurricanes send a shock to the system and hire Florida Gators DB Coach Will Harris to lock in the defensive group of the Hurricanes per Matt Zenitz of 247Sports.
Harris was key in many of the top recruits from Florida heading to Gainesville and now Mario Cristobal lands a top coach he has been seeking for some time.
He has been in pursuit of Harris since he was head coach at Oregon. The 36-year-old Harris, who will guide the secondary room for the Canes, is considered one of the best young defensive backs coaches in America.
Harris joined the Gators for the 2024 season after serving as the assistant DB coach for the Los Angeles Chargers. Now with the Hurricanes, he will be one of the top recruiters in the country and key in bringing in more talent from South Florida.
Harris will join CB coach Zac Etheridge as the coach tasked with turning around Miami's defensive secondary which was ridiculed all season.
Justice Sandle is a graduate of Mississippi State University and is the site lead for Miami Hurricanes on SI. He can be reached at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter@Justice_News5.
Published 15 Hours Ago|Modified Feb 13, 2025
Justice Sandle is a graduate of Mississippi State University earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Communications with a concentration in Print and Digital Journalism. During his time in Starkville, he spent a year as an intern working for Mississippi State On SI primarily covering basketball, football, baseball, and soccer while writing, recording, and creating multimedia stories during his tenor. Since graduating, he has assumed the role of lead staff writer for Miami Hurricanes On SI covering football, basketball, baseball, and all things Hurricanes related.
GAINESVILLE, Fla.-- Florida Gators secondary coach Will Harris' time with the program has come to an end.Harris, who joined the program ahead of the 2024 season, is departing from the program for the defensive backs coaching position with the Miami Hurricanes, a...
GAINESVILLE, Fla.-- Florida Gators secondary coach Will Harris' time with the program has come to an end.
Harris, who joined the program ahead of the 2024 season, is departing from the program for the defensive backs coaching position with the Miami Hurricanes, according to multiple reports.
The former Los Angeles Chargers assistant helped lead a late-season turnaround from the Gators' secondary, which saw improvements in almost every stat category. Under Harris' leadership, the Florida secondary improved from three interceptions in 2023 to 14 in 2024 and 8.5 yards per attempt in 2023 to 7.3 in 2024. Overall, Florida jumped from No. 87 nationally in passing yards-per-game allowed to No. 83, sparked by a four-game winning streak to end the year.
Harris was also integral in Florida's recruiting efforts. He helped put together a transfer class in 2024 that included multifaceted defensive back Trikweze Bridges and built one of the strongest high school classes in 2025 with five-star corner Ben Hanks III, five-star safety Hylton Stubbs, four-star corner Onis Konanbanny and four-star safety Lagonza Hayward.
Although his contract wasn't set to expire, Florida was reportedly working on extending Harris prior to his departure. In early February, head coach Billy Napier explained that contract extensions were being finalized.
“For the most part, yes. I mean some of those deals are not done," he said on Feb. 5. "Hopefully we’ll get everybody back.”
Harris is the second coaching departure from the 2024 staff after defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, who lost play calling duties to Ron Roberts, left for the same position at Houston. The Gators also lost Beyah Rasool, an analyst who focused on the corners, to a position with the Las Vegas Raiders and CJ Wilford, an analyst who focused on the safeties, to a position with Georgia State.
Florida hired Vinnie Sunseri in Armstrong's place as a co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Additionally, the Gators recently hired Robert Bala as a co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach to allow Roberts to focus more on the entire defense and play-calling duties.