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 Nashville, TN.
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 Nashville, TN, 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 Nashville, TN.
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 Nashville, TN 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 Nashville, TN, 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — Black Santa makes his return to Middle Tennessee, offering families a chance to celebrate the season with a variety of festive activities, photo opportunities, and cultural experiences.Visit Santa at Cool Springs Galleria through December 9th.Black Santa will be stationed at Cool Springs for holiday photos and more through December 9th. Visitors can capture precious moments with Santa at the following times:- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 ...
NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — Black Santa makes his return to Middle Tennessee, offering families a chance to celebrate the season with a variety of festive activities, photo opportunities, and cultural experiences.
Visit Santa at Cool Springs Galleria through December 9th.
Black Santa will be stationed at Cool Springs for holiday photos and more through December 9th. Visitors can capture precious moments with Santa at the following times:- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
In addition to photos, guests can write letters to Santa and drop them in the magical mailbox, entering Santa's $1,000 Nice List Giveaway, which will feature weekly prizes leading up to Christmas. Santa's workshop promises to be a festive hub of joy for families of all backgrounds.
Black Santa will also be part of the Holiday Village on Historic Jefferson Street on December 6th and 7th from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
This holiday extravaganza features an exciting mix of entertainment and cultural celebrations:
This event is a true community celebration, made possible by the support of local partners like the Civic Design Center and the Local Farmers Market.
NMAAM Saturdays in December: Celebrate with Live Music and Santa
Every Saturday in December, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) will host a festive gathering from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, featuring live performances, a silent auction supporting Black-owned businesses, and more photo opportunities with Black Santa.
The event will be a perfect way to enjoy the holiday season while supporting local artists and Black entrepreneurs.
Santa will be there each Saturday evening, creating unforgettable moments for families and visitors to cherish.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at ([email protected]).
There are still so many families in East Tennessee hurting following the floods from Hurricane Helene in September. That made this year's running of the Santa Train extra special for many families in the northeast part of the state. This special Santa Express has been making an annual run in part of Appalachia for over 80 years.
-Lelan Statom
Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Nashville, TN (December 09, 2024) – A motor vehicle accident (MVA) with injuries occurred early Sunday morning at approximately 4:55 a.m. on I-24 East at Exit 49, the Shelby Ave exit, in the East Bank area of Nashville. Emergency responders from Nashville Fire and Rescue quickly arrived at the scene, where they provided immediate care to those involved. Several individuals sustained a variety of injuries, and some were transported to nearby hospitals for further medical care.At this time, the identities of those involved ...
Nashville, TN (December 09, 2024) – A motor vehicle accident (MVA) with injuries occurred early Sunday morning at approximately 4:55 a.m. on I-24 East at Exit 49, the Shelby Ave exit, in the East Bank area of Nashville. Emergency responders from Nashville Fire and Rescue quickly arrived at the scene, where they provided immediate care to those involved. Several individuals sustained a variety of injuries, and some were transported to nearby hospitals for further medical care.
At this time, the identities of those involved have not been released, and the full extent of their injuries is still being evaluated. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, with a focus on potential factors such as road conditions, speed, or driver behavior. No details regarding the vehicles involved have been disclosed.
Traffic in the area was temporarily disrupted as emergency crews worked to clear the scene and conduct their investigation. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes to reduce delays.
Our thoughts are with those affected by the accident, and we hope for their swift recovery.
Accidents like the one at Exit 49 on I-24 East highlight the risks associated with traveling on major interstate highways in Tennessee. I-24, which runs through the heart of Nashville, is a high-traffic corridor that serves as a key route for both commuters and travelers. The intersection near the Shelby Ave exit is particularly busy, as it connects drivers to residential and commercial areas, making it prone to accidents when drivers fail to stay alert or adjust their speed.
In areas like East Bank, where traffic is often dense and speeds are high, collisions can occur quickly, especially when drivers are merging or changing lanes. The early morning hours, when visibility may be reduced and drivers are more likely to be fatigued, also contribute to the risk of accidents.
Despite ongoing efforts to improve road safety, including better signage and more frequent patrols, accidents involving injuries remain a concern in high-traffic areas like I-24. Drivers are reminded to stay alert, maintain a safe distance, and follow posted speed limits, particularly when navigating busy interchanges and exits.
Drivers in Nashville and surrounding areas are encouraged to exercise caution and follow all traffic signals and signs to help prevent future accidents.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a traffic accident in the East Bank or I-24 area, Local Accident Reports is here to offer support and assistance during this challenging time.
Nashville, TN (November 26, 2024) – An injury accident occurred earlier today at the intersection of West End Ave and Bowling Ave in Nashville. Police have confirmed that the crash involved multiple vehicles, and emergency responders were quick to the scene to provide care to those injured. A variety of injuries were reported, although the severity and number of those injured remain unclear. Paramedics from Nashville Fire and Rescue were on-site to assess and treat the victims of the crash.Traffic in the area is currently...
Nashville, TN (November 26, 2024) – An injury accident occurred earlier today at the intersection of West End Ave and Bowling Ave in Nashville. Police have confirmed that the crash involved multiple vehicles, and emergency responders were quick to the scene to provide care to those injured. A variety of injuries were reported, although the severity and number of those injured remain unclear. Paramedics from Nashville Fire and Rescue were on-site to assess and treat the victims of the crash.
Traffic in the area is currently affected, with delays reported as authorities work to clear the scene. At this time, the cause of the accident is under investigation, and no further information regarding the identities of those involved has been released. Local law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
We extend our thoughts to all those affected by the crash and hope for a full recovery for the injured individuals.
Accidents like the one at West End Ave and Bowling Ave highlight the unpredictable nature of Nashville’s busy roadways. West End Ave, a major thoroughfare running through central Nashville, is a high-traffic route, especially during the daytime hours. The intersection with Bowling Ave, known for its proximity to several local businesses and residential areas, can become congested, making it a common site for collisions.
As in many injury accidents, quick medical attention is essential for those involved. Emergency responders from Nashville Fire and Rescue were on the scene quickly to ensure the injured received prompt care. While the exact nature of the injuries is still unclear, a swift response can often mean the difference between full recovery and long-term complications. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, and local authorities are working diligently to determine all contributing factors.
The aftermath of such accidents can be emotionally and physically taxing, not only for those directly involved but also for their families. Recovery from an injury crash can take time, and the trauma of the event can leave lasting emotional scars. Local law enforcement will continue to gather details, and they urge all drivers to exercise caution on Nashville’s roadways, especially in high-traffic areas like West End Ave.
Local Accident Reports understands the challenges that come after an injury accident. If you or someone you know has been affected by a similar incident, seeking legal and medical support is crucial. Having the right resources in place can help ensure that victims recover both physically and emotionally.
Please stay alert while driving and keep updated on traffic conditions to avoid further disruptions on Nashville’s busy streets.
Nashville, TN (November 26, 2024) – An injury crash occurred today on Old Hickory Blvd at Zermatt Ave in Nashville. Emergency responders, including paramedics from Nashville Fire and Rescue, quickly arrived on the scene to assist the injured individuals. A variety of injuries were reported as a result of the collision, though specific details about the severity of the injuries are still being evaluated. The crash involved two vehicles, and significant damage was visible at the intersection. Authorities are working to determine t...
Nashville, TN (November 26, 2024) – An injury crash occurred today on Old Hickory Blvd at Zermatt Ave in Nashville. Emergency responders, including paramedics from Nashville Fire and Rescue, quickly arrived on the scene to assist the injured individuals. A variety of injuries were reported as a result of the collision, though specific details about the severity of the injuries are still being evaluated. The crash involved two vehicles, and significant damage was visible at the intersection. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the accident.
Traffic in the area has been heavily impacted, with lanes blocked and delays expected for the foreseeable future. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as more information becomes available. At this time, the identities of those involved have not been made public, and there are no updates on their conditions.
We extend our thoughts to all those affected by the crash and hope for a swift and full recovery for the injured parties.
Injury accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence on Nashville’s roadways, especially at busy intersections such as Old Hickory Blvd and Zermatt Ave. These areas often see high volumes of traffic, which can increase the likelihood of collisions. Whether the result of distracted driving, failing to yield, or other road hazards, accidents like this one highlight the importance of careful driving and heightened awareness.
As is often the case with injury accidents, quick action from emergency responders is crucial in minimizing the impact of the crash. Nashville Fire and Rescue teams worked swiftly to assess and treat those involved in the accident, ensuring that medical care was provided promptly. The aftermath of a crash can be physically and emotionally overwhelming, and it is vital for those affected to seek both medical and legal support during their recovery process.
In addition to the immediate response, local law enforcement will continue investigating the incident to determine the cause and ensure that any contributing factors are addressed. Drivers in Nashville are urged to remain cautious, especially during peak traffic hours, and to avoid distractions while driving. Safety should always be the top priority on the road.
Local Accident Reports recognizes the challenges individuals face following an injury crash. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, we encourage you to seek legal and medical assistance to ensure that your rights and well-being are protected during this difficult time.
Please drive safely, stay informed about traffic updates, and take all necessary precautions to prevent accidents in the future.
Nashville, TN (November 26, 2024) – An injury crash took place earlier today on Bell Rd, west of Blue Hole Rd, in Nashville. Police have confirmed that the incident involved multiple vehicles, and emergency responders were quick to the scene to provide care for the injured. A variety of injuries were reported, but the exact details of the victims’ conditions are still being evaluated. The crash caused significant disruptions to traffic in the area as authorities work to clear the scene.At this time, it is unclear wh...
Nashville, TN (November 26, 2024) – An injury crash took place earlier today on Bell Rd, west of Blue Hole Rd, in Nashville. Police have confirmed that the incident involved multiple vehicles, and emergency responders were quick to the scene to provide care for the injured. A variety of injuries were reported, but the exact details of the victims’ conditions are still being evaluated. The crash caused significant disruptions to traffic in the area as authorities work to clear the scene.
At this time, it is unclear what caused the collision, and an ongoing investigation is being conducted by local authorities. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to bypass the congestion caused by the accident. No further information regarding the individuals involved has been made public as of now. Local law enforcement continues to investigate the details of the crash.
Our thoughts go out to those affected, and we hope for a full recovery for those injured.
Injuries from traffic accidents are a significant concern on Tennessee’s busy roadways, and today’s crash on Bell Rd serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of driving. This part of Nashville, with its mix of residential and commercial traffic, can be particularly prone to accidents during peak travel hours. Whether it's sudden stops, distracted driving, or poor weather conditions, accidents like this one can happen in the blink of an eye.
As emergency responders worked quickly to assess and treat those involved, the aftermath of this crash underscores the importance of immediate medical care after any accident. First responders from the Nashville Fire and Rescue teams did their part in providing support to the injured individuals. Even minor injuries can require thorough evaluation, as the stress and impact of a collision can have long-term physical and emotional effects.
Residents of Nashville are urged to stay cautious on the roads, particularly when navigating intersections and high-traffic routes like Bell Rd. Drivers should always ensure they are following speed limits, avoiding distractions, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. Road safety education and defensive driving are key components in reducing the occurrence of accidents and ensuring the safety of all travelers.
Local Accident Reports is here to support the Nashville community, offering resources for those affected by traffic accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, it’s crucial to seek the right legal and medical assistance. Recovery can take time, and having the right support system in place is essential.
Please stay updated on traffic conditions and remain cautious while travelin