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 Oklahoma City, OK.
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 Oklahoma City, OK, 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 Oklahoma City, OK.
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 Oklahoma City, OK 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 Oklahoma City, OK, 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.
When it comes to day trips or weekend getaways, many people tend to focus on the Sooner State's larger cities. The abundance of people in a place like Oklahoma City or Tulsa means that there are so many great attractions, whether you're interested in museums, parks, restaurants, or shops. Many small towns in Oklahoma are pretty famously spectacular too... you really ...
When it comes to day trips or weekend getaways, many people tend to focus on the Sooner State's larger cities. The abundance of people in a place like Oklahoma City or Tulsa means that there are so many great attractions, whether you're interested in museums, parks, restaurants, or shops. Many small towns in Oklahoma are pretty famously spectacular too... you really can't beat the rural charm of a little farm town, can you? However, one great alternative is to check out mid-sized cities, as it really seems like they have the best of both worlds. You don't have to worry about the stifling number of people in a big city, but still get to enjoy a sense of that small-town charm. Mid-sized cities are so underrated as travel destinations, and that's just what you'll find if you pay a visit to Altus, Oklahoma, a Jackson County city with a population of around 18,000 people.
Altus is tucked away in southwest Oklahoma and like many towns in the area, was once a cow town along the Great Western Cattle Trail. Today, it's best known as the home of Altus Air Force Base and Western Oklahoma State College. It's so much more than just a military or college town though, especially if you love nature. This is a gorgeous region of the state and there are some great opportunities for outdoor recreation here.
Lake Altus-Lugert lies just north of Altus proper, and it's a pretty fascinating place that is home to an underwater ghost town. In times of drought, you can actually see remnants of the buildings that once stood in the town of Lugert. The reservoir is a popular place to enjoy the outdoors. Fishing, boating, and swimming are all popular activities here, especially in the warm months.
Another must-visit destination for nature lovers in Altus is Great Plains State Park. This sprawling preserve contains nearly 500 developed acres, with an additional 700 acres made up of wilderness. It's a great place for camping and hiking, and you'll find a wonderfully diverse landscape here, including the Tom Sneed Reservoir. You can learn more about Great Plains State Park's trail system from our friends at AllTrails.
If you're feeling a bit peckish after your outdoor adventures, don't miss a visit to Friendship Inn Restaurant. This family-owned hotel buffet serves up all-you-can-eat goodness with a side of friendly service.
Altus is such a delightful spot for a day or two away, particularly if you love the outdoors!
Rising country music hitmaker Jelly Roll kept his word to the late Toby Keith's family in his recent visit to the Oklahoma supersta...
Rising country music hitmaker Jelly Roll kept his word to the late Toby Keith's family in his recent visit to the Oklahoma superstar's home-state charity.
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter toured the Toby Keith Foundation's OK Kids Korral recently in Oklahoma City ahead of the OKC stop on his "Beautifully Broken Tour."
The OK Kids Korral is a cost-free home-away-from-home for children with cancer seeking treatment in Oklahoma City.
"At the 'Toby Keith: American Icon' tribute, Jelly Roll told Toby's family he would like to visit OK Kids Korral when he was in town for his concert. True to his word, he and his team stopped by to sign autographs, take photos and make us all laugh," Juliet Nees-Bright, executive director of the Toby Keith Foundation, told The Oklahoman in an email.
"It has been a difficult year, but his visit truly lifted our spirits. We wrote a social media post and called him 'the real deal,' and we wholeheartedly mean it."
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An award-winning singer-songwriter, Jelly Roll also posted on social media about his trip to the OK Kids Korral.
"I've heard so much incredible stuff about this place. Really excited to go see the legacy that Toby Keith has left behind up here. Big part of his heart to give back," the “I Am Not Okay” hitmaker said in a video posted to his Instagram.
Keith, who died Feb. 5 at age 62 after a multiyear battle with stomach cancer, told The Oklahoman in 2019 that he considered the OK Kids Korral "probably my greatest accomplishment."
In 2006, he established the Toby Keith Foundation on a mission to build free, all-inclusive housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families. In late 2013, Keith, his family and supporters celebrated in Oklahoma City the grand opening of the $9 million OK Kids Korral, which houses Oklahoma children seeking cancer care at OU Medical Center.
The OK Kids Korral features high-end amenities like 12 overnight suites, four day rooms, a gourmet kitchen, spacious dining hall, theater room, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a family resource center and more.
"I love how Oklahoma this whole thing is," Jelly Roll says in his Instagram video as he checks out the OK Kids Korral oil rig on the playground, along with the Route 66 indoor playroom.
Nominated for Entertainer of the Year at the Nov. 20 Country Music Association Awards, the Nashville, Tennessee, native, born Jason DeFord, toured the OK Kids Korral with Bright, along with Keith's daughter, Shelley Covel Rowland; son, Stelen Covel; and daughter-in-law, Haley Covel.
In an Instagram post, Stelen Covel expressed his appreciation for Jelly Roll taking time out of his busy tour schedule to visit the OK Kids Korral.
"This man is one of the hardest working people in the industry and is humble and caring enough to stop in and talk to the kids and families of the kids," Stelen Covel posted.
The Billboard’s 2023 Breakthrough Award winner, Jelly Roll was nominated for Best New Artist as well as Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Save Me," his hit duet with Lainey Wilson, at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Jelly Roll was one of three artists, alongside Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs, to score three Country Airplay No. 1 hits in 2023 and the first to do it with his first three singles.
“Save Me” — a confessional, vulnerable expression of self-doubt — set the stage for his new season of life and took him to new heights, including a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America on the heels of his 28-week reign at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. “Save Me” earned Jelly Roll his first Academy of Country Music win for Music Event of the Year, and he followed it up with the hits “Halfway To Hell,” “Need A Favor” and “Son of A Sinner.”
But Jelly Roll has made space in his tour set list for covers of hits by Shania Twain, Green Day and Oklahomans Garth Brooks and Keith, including the latter's breakout hit "Should've Been a Cowboy."
During his sold-out Nov. 14 concert at OKC's Paycom Center, Jelly Roll — who previously played a packed Paycom Center in September 2023 — invited his opening act Ernest back to the stage to belt out "Should've Been a Cowboy" and Keith's 2002 hit "Who's Your Daddy?"
"We have had the honor of honoring the late, great Toby Keith, the legend, every night on this tour. But it feels really different doing it in Oklahoma City," Jelly Roll can be seen and heard telling Ernest in a fan video from his most recent OKC concert.
During the sold-out NBC concert special "Toby Keith: American Icon," Jelly Roll provided a moving highlight with his cover of another of the Norman-based superstar's 2002 hits, "My List."
Jelly Roll's willingness to share his troubled past — he's served time in prison and has admitted to dealing drugs in his younger days — has allowed his redemption story to resonate with fans on a global scale. He has donated a recording studio at the juvenile detention center he served in as a teen and made visits to jails and rehab centers, along with nonprofit organizations like the Toby Keith Foundation's OKC Kids Korral, across the country.
"I'm hoping, especially in Toby's absence, the country music community will do this every time one of us plays here," Jelly Roll says in his Instagram video at the OK Kids Korral.
"Go up, do what he did, be as big as he was: That's the kind of legacy you really want to leave in life."
Listen to this articleThe architectural marvel of Oklahoma Contemporary’s Folding Light facility is highlighted in a new Smithsonian documentary episode, and the downtown Oklahoma City art center hosted a special screening of the segment on Wednesday night.To celebrate the release of the featured episode in the “How Did They Build That?” series, guests also toasted Oklahoma Contemporary founder Christian Keese...
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The architectural marvel of Oklahoma Contemporary’s Folding Light facility is highlighted in a new Smithsonian documentary episode, and the downtown Oklahoma City art center hosted a special screening of the segment on Wednesday night.
To celebrate the release of the featured episode in the “How Did They Build That?” series, guests also toasted Oklahoma Contemporary founder Christian Keesee and the building’s architect Rand Elliott with a glass of champagne.
The show explores the architectural achievements behind some of the world’s iconic buildings and gets into their design, engineering and construction. The episode that features Oklahoma Contemporary is nestled in Season 3’s episode titled “Jungles and Bricks” and is available on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video (for purchase).
“Folding light is a symbol of what is possible when we invest in culture and creativity. It reflects the effort the spirit of Oklahoma City, a city full of resilience, innovation and collaboration,” said Executive Director Trent Riley as he welcomed people to the screening, praised Keesee for his vision in starting the art center and bringing Folding Light to fruition and introduced Elliott. “We are thrilled to see our story represented on our platform as a steam as the Smithsonian channel.”
I loved seeing Oklahoma City take center stage in the film for a big audience – the show prominently features Oklahoma City’s skyline and shots of downtown before honing in on the unusual building. Narrators marveled at how there are no right angles in the entire 30,000-square-foot building, which are generally a staple in sound design. They also remained in awe about the 16,800 reflective “aluminum fins” that reflect the diverse colors in Oklahoma’s sky and how they vacillate to mitigate winds and to keep the building cooler.
Elliott said he has taken about 10,000 photographs of Oklahoma Contemporary in all kinds of light – sunrise, sunset, blue skies and stormy ones.
“It’s all about the reflections,” he said. “This building is called folding light for an obvious reason: We try to capture the light.”
Elliott is the architect behind many of Oklahoma City’s iconic buildings, and they reflect his love for the state and the community. Wednesday, he praised his team that made Folding light happen, Keesee for championing it and the community for supporting it.
Riley said that the art center’s exhibitions, performances, workshops and artist talks fulfill its mission to enrich lives and celebrate the power of artistic expression.
“Oklahoma Contemporary was designed to be a place where everyone in our community can come together to explore art, ignite your imaginations and share meaningful experiences,” Riley said.
See more about current exhibits and art classes at okcontemp.org.
The Criterion and the Zoo Amphitheatre recently announced big shows coming next year, and tickets are on sale this week. The Violent Femmes are coming to the Criterion March 23, and ticket sales open at 10 a.m. Friday at vfemmes.com/tour. And The Goo Goo Dolls with Dashboard Confessional are bringing their show to the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre September 11, with presale tickets at okczooamp.com.
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