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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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.
Oakland, CA – The City of Oakland has won a grant from Partnership for the Bay's Future (PBF) that will fund a two-year fellow to work in the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department to support the development of lead hazard abatement and proactive rental inspection initiatives.The award will assist in Oakland’s work to reduce lead hazards in older rental housing, especially in communities most impacted by housing instability. The City hired a consultant, Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, in 20...
Oakland, CA – The City of Oakland has won a grant from Partnership for the Bay's Future (PBF) that will fund a two-year fellow to work in the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department to support the development of lead hazard abatement and proactive rental inspection initiatives.
The award will assist in Oakland’s work to reduce lead hazards in older rental housing, especially in communities most impacted by housing instability. The City hired a consultant, Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, in 2024 to lead the technical aspect of the lead abatement work. By exploring the integration of lead hazard abatement with proactive rental inspections, the fellow’s work will aim to improve living conditions for families at risk of exposure and create safer homes for Oakland’s residents.
"We are grateful for the support of Partnership for the Bay's Future for this award," said Emily Weinstein, HCD Director. "Housing safety and habitability are top priorities for our work in the coming year, and this fellow will ensure specific attention is paid to creating equitable solutions.”
The fellow will be dedicated full-time for the next two years to facilitate collaboration between HCD, Planning and Building Department (PBD), and a coalition of community partners. The total benefit to City of Oakland is at least $675,800, of which $220,000 goes to a collaborative of community organizations to support the work.
The Healthy Havenscourt Collaborative brings essential community expertise to the project, connecting Oakland residents with resources and ensuring the program aligns with their needs. These partners will engage residents directly to shape the program and make sure their voices are central to its design and implementation. Coalition partners include Regional Asthma Management and Prevention (RAMP), La Clinica de la Raza, EBALDC, and Black Cultural Zone - all of which form the Healthy Havenscourt collaborative.
PBF is dedicated to creating equitable housing solutions across the Bay Area by fostering partnerships between local governments and community organizations. The award is one of ten throughout the Bay Area to address the region’s housing crisis and is the third Oakland has received since 2020.
About Oakland’s Housing and Community Development Department
Homelessness and housing affordability are top priorities for Oakland residents. To address these challenges, the City is carrying out a multi-pronged approach. The Housing and Community Development Department is addressing housing affordability issues through its “3P” framework: Protect Oaklanders from displacement; Preserve the existing affordable housing stock; and Produce new, deeply affordable housing units. Oakland HCD also aims to prevent homelessness for vulnerable residents through partnerships with and grants to community service organizations. Read more about Oakland HCD and its current priorities in the 2023-2027 Strategic Action Plan.
In 2024, the City of Oakland supported 1,542 units of affordable housing under construction, of which 55% (829) were for people exiting homelessness. The City of Oakland leverages funds from the State and Federal governments to maximize the impact of local dollars whenever possible.
About the Partnership for the Bay's Future
The Partnership for the Bay’s Future is a collaborative effort to produce and preserve affordable homes, and protect tenants so the Bay Area remains a diverse place where everyone thrives. https://baysfuture.org/
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Oakland, CA – Today, City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library's facilities and provide a better experience for patrons. Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the ...
Oakland, CA – Today, City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library's facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.
Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.
"This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come," said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. "Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible."
“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”
“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”
"I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget," said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. "The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library's future."
“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”
The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these critical repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library's Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measure KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.
The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
About the Oakland Public Library
The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org
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Tagged with: Newsroom, Public Library
Jean Walsh Public Information Officer
Posted: December 12th, 2024 11:30 AM
Oakland, CA – On Monday, January 20th, City staff and community volunteers will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service by participating in community service events across Oakland. More than 40 events have been registered with Oakland Public Works (OPW) in all seven Oakland City Council districts. Volunteers will pick up litter, remove graffiti, weed, plant, and participate in a variety of service and learning events. Information about where and how to volunteer is available online at ...
Oakland, CA – On Monday, January 20th, City staff and community volunteers will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service by participating in community service events across Oakland. More than 40 events have been registered with Oakland Public Works (OPW) in all seven Oakland City Council districts. Volunteers will pick up litter, remove graffiti, weed, plant, and participate in a variety of service and learning events. Information about where and how to volunteer is available online at www.oaklandca.gov/topics/mlk-day-of-service.
This year OPW will sponsor seven event sites. Volunteers are encouraged to register for one of the following locations, which can accommodate large groups.
District 1 - Morcom Rose Garden, 700 Jean Street, 10 AM - 2:00 PM, hosted by Friends of Morcom Rose Garden
District 2 - Clinton Park, 6th Ave & International Blvd, 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM, hosted by Trybe
District 3 - Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, hosted by Lake Merritt Institute
District 4 - Woodminster Cascade, Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Park, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, hosted by Friends of Joaquin Miller Park
District 5 - District 5 Neighborhood Clean-up, 1001 Fruitvale Ave, 8:00 AM -11:30 AM, hosted by District 5 Council Office
District 6 - Rainbow Recreation Center, 5817 International Blvd, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, hosted by Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development
District 7 - Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 1343 81st Ave, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM, hosted by Xi Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Groups of 10 or more should RSVP with the event site coordinator. Individuals and small groups are encouraged, but not required, to RSVP. Volunteers are asked to bring water and wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate gear. MLK Day is a rain or shine event.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is sponsored by Service for Peace and The Corporation for National and Community Service. Service for Peace has supported this annual event in Oakland for 23 years.
Oakland volunteers can make a difference in their communities year-round by signing up to Adopt a Spot or Adopt a Drain in their neighborhoods. Oakland Public Works supports volunteers by providing tools and supplies, debris pickup assistance, promotion, and technical assistance.
Adopt a Spot at www.oaklandca.gov/services/apply-for-adopt-a-spot-onlineAdopt a Drain at www.oaklandca.gov/services/adopt-a-drain
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Media Contacts:MLK Jr. Day of Service Event ContactMarkus von EuwService for Peace Bay [email protected](510) 427-1605
Oakland Public Information [email protected]
Tagged with: Public Works, Environmental Stewardship
According to CNET, AT&T Fiber stands out as a top internet choice in Oakland, offering extensive coverage and speeds of up to 5 gigabits. However, Sonic, known as the best regional provider, has been gaining ground with its expanding network.Thanks to the Internet Choice Ordinance, Oakland residents now have a broad range of ISPs...
According to CNET, AT&T Fiber stands out as a top internet choice in Oakland, offering extensive coverage and speeds of up to 5 gigabits. However, Sonic, known as the best regional provider, has been gaining ground with its expanding network.
Thanks to the Internet Choice Ordinance, Oakland residents now have a broad range of ISPs to choose from. This regulation, introduced a few years ago, ensures landlords of multiunit properties can’t restrict tenants’ internet options, giving renters more flexibility to find the right provider for their needs.
Other strong contenders include Xfinity for cable and fixed wireless options from Verizon and T-Mobile. Ultimately, the best provider for you will depend on what's available at your address, your speed needs and your budget. Below, we’ve highlighted the fastest, most affordable and top-performing home internet options in Oakland.
AT&T Fiber tops our recommendations for best overall home internet provider in Oakland, thanks to its broad coverage area and fast speeds. Fiber competitor Sonic, however, is worthy of strong consideration if it services your address. If you're not fortunate enough to have fiber as an option, or if you're looking for a bargain deal, then check out Xfinity for cable or Verizon and T-Mobile for affordable fixed wireless plans.
Note: The prices, speeds and features detailed in the article text may differ from those listed in the product detail cards, which represent providers’ national offerings. Your particular internet service options -- including prices and speeds -- depend on your address and may differ from those detailed here.
Fiber internet is the premium option for Oakland. You can access reliable and fast download and upload speeds from AT&T Fiber or Sonic. For budget options or wider availability, look to Xfinity for cable, or to Verizon or T-Mobile for 5G fixed wireless internet. Your ultimate decision will come down to your speed needs, budget range and which companies service your address.
Home internet pricing is all over the map in Oakland. The average starting price for Oaktown's ISPs works out to $50. AT&T Fiber offers the priciest plan at $245 per month for 5-gigabit service. If you're lucky to have access to Sonic's fastest 10-gigabit fiber speeds, then you'll pay a bargain price as low as $50 per month. Down on the low side of the fee scale, you can find deals from Xfinity starting at just $20 per month.
Oakland ISPs have you covered when it comes to affordable options for getting online. Xfinity's Connect plan comes in at just $20 per month. That's super-cheap, but be mindful of the 150Mbps limit, the one-year contract and the need to either rent equipment or provide your own.
Oakland is in the top half of Ookla's ranking of internet speeds for the 100 most populous US cities. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Oaktown's 39th-place showing is due to a median download speed of about 239Mbps, with Sonic reigning as the city's fastest ISP. Sonic's 10,000Mbps option should be enough for even the most demanding residential needs. On the other end of the spectrum, you'll find Xfinity's budget $20-per-month deal delivering 150Mbps.
Sonic's 10,000Mbps plan blows everyone else out of the bay, but it's not available everywhere. AT&T Fiber's 5,000Mbps option is the next closest competitor. Here's our rundown of the best multi-gigabit internet plans. AT&T offers lower gigabit tiers for much less than the high-end $245 plan. You may also be able to pull down near-gigabit speeds with Verizon 5G Home Internet if you're in a good location.
Sonic's fiber service has a lot of fans in Oakland. If your address qualifies, you're in luck with a very affordable multi-gigabit fiber plan. Otherwise, look to AT&T Fiber for fast speeds or check into Xfinity, T-Mobile Home Internet or Verizon 5G Home Internet for widely available budget plans.
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. To evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service, we look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our How We Test ISPs page.