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 Mobile, AL.
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 Mobile, AL, 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 Mobile, AL.
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 Mobile, AL 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 Mobile, AL, 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.
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - 911 transcripts reveal a woman is claiming self-defense after she stabbed her boyfriend to death.This all happened on April 3, shortly after midnight on Dyson Boulevard in Semmes.The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office said the woman stabbed her boyfriend, 58-year-old Bryan Maurice Edwards, in the chest during a fight.MCSO said this isn’t the first time there’s been a domestic incident at this house.All of tha...
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - 911 transcripts reveal a woman is claiming self-defense after she stabbed her boyfriend to death.
This all happened on April 3, shortly after midnight on Dyson Boulevard in Semmes.
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office said the woman stabbed her boyfriend, 58-year-old Bryan Maurice Edwards, in the chest during a fight.
MCSO said this isn’t the first time there’s been a domestic incident at this house.
All of that is clear in the 911 transcripts.
Penelope House Executive Director Tonie Ann Torrans said signs of domestic violence aren’t always clear.
“So rarely do you see anything in the early stages, but certainly you notice little things,” Torrans said. “In retrospect, when you’re looking back at those little things, they start becoming a pattern. As far as day-to-day things, the respect, communication. If those things aren’t there, if you’re with a group of friends and you’re proud to introduce your boyfriend, but on the other hand if you’re not proud to introduce your boyfriend, why is that?”
Torrans said oftentimes, people in domestic violence relationships excuse the behavior of their abuser, which can lead to more physical, emotional or verbal abuse and sometimes even worse.
She said if you or someone you know is an abusive relationship, speak up as soon as possible, it could save your life.
“It’s scary because victims know their perpetrator better than anyone else and a lot of times from the outside, if you said “Why don’t you just leave,” that kind of thing. They know their abuser and how dangerous it is if they leave,” she said. “The question to them is how do you leave safely. We always say call our crisis line because you know if you say I’m going to stay with my friend, he knows your friends, he knows where they live. If he shows up there, you’re not just in danger, your friend is now in danger. Come to shelter and be safe and then you can kind of think how do I want to move forward.”
The woman has not been charged at this time. A grand jury will now decide if any charges will be filed.
Torrans urges anyone who might be in a similar situation to call their 24/7 domestic violence hotline.
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This Eid Al Fitr will forever remain special for Rubel Ahmed Samsad Ali, who won a brand-new car in an event dedicated to honouring the hard work and contributions of workers across the UAE.The 24-year-old, a painter at Globe Building Contracting LLC, was overjoyed when his name was called. "I rushed to hug the officials on stage; I couldn't believe my luck," Rubel shared with ...
This Eid Al Fitr will forever remain special for Rubel Ahmed Samsad Ali, who won a brand-new car in an event dedicated to honouring the hard work and contributions of workers across the UAE.
The 24-year-old, a painter at Globe Building Contracting LLC, was overjoyed when his name was called. "I rushed to hug the officials on stage; I couldn't believe my luck," Rubel shared with Khaleej Times.
Having lived in the UAE for three years, Rubel plans to sell the white Nissan Sunny he won in the Eid draw held on the second day of the holiday. "I want to build a house and send some money to my mother," said the Bangladeshi expat, who hails from Sylhet division, Sunamganj town. Back home, his mother and the rest of his family members were also thrilled to hear the news.
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Although Rubel's fixed salary is Dh800, he manages to earn up to Dh1,500 through overtime. He lives in Jebel Ali and plans to continue working with the same company even after his big win. He celebrated with his roommates, spending around Dh200 on his friends. "It was a small gesture to share my happiness," Rubel added.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre), in collaboration with its partners in federal and local governments, organised a series of celebratory events, including social and recreational activities for workers to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, held at 10 different locations across the UAE.
The Eid event celebrated the contributions of over 100,000 workers who have played a crucial role in the country’s development and prosperity. Rubel’s win, a standout moment of the occasion, reflected the UAE's appreciation for its workers' dedication in shaping the nation’s progress.
The celebrations, from 12pm to 6pm, on the first and second days of Eid, featured a variety of sports, entertainment, competitions and giveaways, including e-scooters, mobile phones and airline tickets.
Gifts were also distributed to workers at event locations in Musaffah and Al Mafraq in Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali in Dubai, Al Sajaa in Sharjah, Al Jurf in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, RAKIZ in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hail Industrial in Fujairah, and the Dulsco Labour Village.
These activities were designed to promote happiness, quality of life, and well-being among the workforce, while recognising their crucial role in the nation's sustainable development.
Officials from the Mohre, along with its partners, joined workers in performing the Eid prayers at the event sites across the country, exchanging greetings with them on the occasion.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in b...More
MoHRE hosts sports, entertainment events to recognise workers, pulse of our achievements3 MIN READMoHRE/XDubai: This Eid Al Fitr has turned lucky for some workers in the UAE as they have won a car, e-scooter, smartphone, shopping vouchers and more during special Eid celebrations arranged for them.The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), in collaboration with its partners in federal and local governments, has organised a series of celebratory events, including social and recreational activities fo...
MoHRE hosts sports, entertainment events to recognise workers, pulse of our achievements
3 MIN READ
MoHRE/X
Dubai: This Eid Al Fitr has turned lucky for some workers in the UAE as they have won a car, e-scooter, smartphone, shopping vouchers and more during special Eid celebrations arranged for them.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), in collaboration with its partners in federal and local governments, has organised a series of celebratory events, including social and recreational activities for workers to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.
"In recognition of the workers’ efforts and valuable contributions to the UAE’s journey of development and prosperity, In collaboration with our government partners and with the participation of over 100,000 workers across the country, a special draw for valuable prizes was organised as part of Eid Al Fitr celebrations, including a car that was awarded to Rubel Ahmed Samsad Ali within an atmosphere of warmth and joy," the ministry said in a post on X.
"This initiative is part of our commitment to bring happiness to our workers, highlighting their pivotal role in building our nation’s developmental journey," it pointed out. Videos posted on X by the ministry showed workers actively participating in sports and games and witnessing a variety of entertainment events organised for them. The videos also showed ministry officials giving away the exciting prizes to the winners.
Held at 10 different locations across the country, the initiative was launched under the slogan ‘Our Workers Are the Pulse of Our Achievements.’
“The agenda of the events featured raffles with valuable prizes, including a car giveaway, folkloric performances, competitions, and the distribution of gifts to workers at event locations in Mussafah and Al Mafraq in Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali in Dubai, Al Sajaa in Sharjah, Al Jurf in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, RAKIZ in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hail Industrial in Fujairah, and the Dulsco Labour Village,” the ministry said in press release.
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How Dubai spreads Eid cheer with gifts for thousands How Dubai spreads Eid cheer with gifts for thousands
Video: Did you get this special Eid stamp in Dubai? UAE residents exchange Eid greetings, offer prayers
“The agenda of the events featured raffles with valuable prizes, including a car giveaway, folkloric performances, competitions, and the distribution of gifts to workers at event locations in Mussafah and Al Mafraq in Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali in Dubai, Al Sajaa in Sharjah, Al Jurf in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, RAKIZ in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hail Industrial in Fujairah, and the Dulsco Labour Village,” the ministry said in press release.
A video posted on X by the ministry showed workers actively participating in sports and games and witnessing a variety of entertainment events organised for them. The video also showed ministry officials giving away the exciting prizes to winners.
In another tweet, the ministry had carried the image of a car as the mega prize.
Earlier, employees from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, along with its partners, joined workers in performing the Eid prayers at the event sites across the country, exchanging greetings with them on this joyous occasion.
In another post, the ministry said arrangements for workers to offer Eid prayers were made closer to their accommodation clusters.
“The celebratory activities form part of the sustainable strategy that the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has established in collaboration with its partners, which aims to include workers in all national celebrations, events, and holidays in the UAE, in an effort to enhance their social integration. This, in turn, aligns with the Ministry’s vision to ensure workers’ happiness, quality of life, and wellbeing, while also shedding light on the vital role they play in the country’s sustainable development,” the ministry added.
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PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The SS United States has made it through the first leg of its final journey on Monday.The ship made it to Mobile, Alabama, Monday, where it will undergo preparations to become the world's largest artificial reef...
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The SS United States has made it through the first leg of its final journey on Monday.
The ship made it to Mobile, Alabama, Monday, where it will undergo preparations to become the world's largest artificial reef.
Crews will spend about six months cleaning and preparing the ship before it is eventually sunk off Florida's Gulf coast.
"There will be teams of upwards of 30 people on board pulling out all of those hazardous materials, the leftover fuel oil that's still on board, wiring plastics, glass - all of those things that we can't deploy will be removed," said Alex Fogg, the natural resources chief for Destin Beach, Florida.
"The last thing we want to do is harm the environment we're trying to help," Fogg continued.
The 1,800-mile journey from Philadelphia to Alabama is the ship's 401st voyage.
The voyage started February 19, when the ocean liner departed South Philadelphia.
It left about four months after a years-old rent dispute was resolved between the conservancy that oversees the ship and its landlord. Plans to move the vessel last November were delayed over U.S. Coast Guard concerns about whether the ship was stable enough to make the trip.
Large crowds gathered to say goodbye to the iconic ship after being docked along the Delaware River for nearly 30 years.
SS United States enthusiasts were able to track the ship's journey on the Destin-Fort Walton Beach website.
Monday's arrival is two days ahead of schedule.
"In the spirit of her record-breaking history, America's Flagship concluded her journey from Philadelphia to Mobile faster than anticipated. As she moved through the waves for the first time in 28 years, countless onlookers and admirers along the country's eastern seaboard were inspired by her majesty and beauty," said SS United States Conservancy President Susan Gibbs.
The tugboat crew sped up that process as severe storms are expected in the Mobile area Monday night.
RELATED: SS United States met with rough seas, high winds as it voyages to its new home
The 1,000-foot (305-meter) vessel will next be towed into the port of Mobile Ship Yards, which is an all-day process.
In fall 2024, Florida's Okaloosa County bought the ship after approving a $10.1 million plan to relocate the ocean liner, sink it and build a $1 million seaside museum chronicling its history.
The ship will be the first artificial reef to be paired with a unique shoreside museum and visitor's center.
RELATED: Ship sinking expert explains how the SS United States will be prepped for its underwater grave
The ship's final home will be under about 180 feet (55 meters) of water 20 miles (32 kilometers) off the coast of Destin, Florida.
Okaloosa County hopes the ship will become a destination for scuba divers and attract fish and other wildlife as a reef. It won't be the only shipwreck habitat they have.
Christened in 1952, the SS United States was once considered a beacon of American engineering, doubling as a military vessel that could carry thousands of troops. On its maiden voyage from New York to France in 1952, it shattered the transatlantic speed record in both directions, when it reached an average speed of 36 knots, or just over 41 mph (66 kph).
On that voyage, the ship crossed the Atlantic in three days, 10 hours and 40 minutes, besting the RMS Queen Mary's time by 10 hours. To this day, the SS United States -- which is nearly as large as the Chrysler Building -- holds the transatlantic speed record for an ocean liner.
It was originally designed to transport troops and was then reimagined into an ocean liner with passengers who included four U.S. presidents and celebrities.
It became a reserve ship in 1969 and later bounced to various private owners who hoped to redevelop it but eventually found their plans to be too expensive or poorly timed.
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