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 Phoenix, AZ.
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 Phoenix, AZ, 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 Phoenix, AZ.
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 Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ, 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.
Today, Arizona-based architectural firm Krause was selected as the winner of the C40 Cities Reinventing Cities Initiative to develop Phoenix’s Resource Innovation Campus (RIC). The initiative is a competition that invites professional multi-discipl...
Today, Arizona-based architectural firm Krause was selected as the winner of the C40 Cities Reinventing Cities Initiative to develop Phoenix’s Resource Innovation Campus (RIC). The initiative is a competition that invites professional multi-disciplinary teams to transform underutilized sites in cities across the world into beacons of sustainability and resilience. The campus will provide a platform for companies to further develop innovative manufacturing technologies that ultimately transform our waste into new resources.
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Krause’s state-of-the-art solution to the campus aims to revolutionize Arizona’s economy for the next century. Through its design, Krause and their collaborators will target a fully carbon-positive building and Living Building Challenge certification, the most rigorous sustainability certification in the world. The campus’s design will move the needle for the City of Phoenix’s goal of achieving 50% waste diversion by 2030 and zero waste by 2050, becoming a lynchpin to Arizona’s future, serving as an incubator for public-private partnerships and fostering sustainable business growth in the region.
“Our design approach to Phoenix’s Resource Innovation Campus begins where the typical approach ends. Rather than seeking incremental improvements, we went beyond checklist-minded sustainability certifications in an effort to truly give back to the community and our environment through design,” said Michael Krause, partner and senior designer at Krause. “RIC’s design will provide companies the opportunity to develop and research new technologies, ultimately creating a circular economy that benefits local business and residential communities alike.”
“Phoenix has been a national leader in developing circular economy solutions that divert materials from landfills and turn waste into resources. This is an exciting step forward that builds upon this leadership and promises transformational, sustainable development in an important part of our city. Twenty acres of unused land at the 27th Avenue transfer station will be designed for the Resource Innovation Campus, redefining how the built environment and the circular economy can be interwoven in a transformation development that celebrates the beauty of the Rio corridor and provides amenities for our community to enjoy. Combining state-of-the-art technologies with an innovative, community-minded design creates a new vision for a resilient desert business park that our residents can be proud of,” Mayor Gallego said.
The 20-acre site of the future RIC is just south of the central business district at the 27th Avenue Transfer Station campus in the Estrella Village community. Estrella Village has been a manufacturing hub in Phoenix for more than half a century. The RIC provides an opportunity for job growth and economic revitalization in this historic area. The RIC site intersects with Senator John McCain’s legacy project, Rio Reimagined, which was created to restore and strengthen more than 55 miles along the Salt River and Gila River and create opportunities for education and promoting diverse programming to inspire the protection of the river’s ecosystems.
The Reinventing Cities competition strives to promote the development of zero-carbon developments worldwide and support local economies by repurposing underutilized sites and integrating innovative solutions to environmental and urban challenges. The caliber of research and cutting-edge innovation anticipated for this world-class hub drew many participants to the design competition. After the first selection phase, the applicants were narrowed down to a shortlist of just three teams of finalists. Other than the winning team of Krause/JLG Architects/Studio MLA, the shortlist included team PhiX: Venue Projects and Richärd Kennedy Architects, and team Bending The Lines: DLR Group and J2 Engineering and Environmental Design.
Reinventing Cities is sponsored by C40 Cities, a network of mayors from nearly 100 cities worldwide, convening to collaborate on urgent actions to alleviate the climate crisis. C40 represents 700+ million people and one-quarter of the global economy. C40 Cities is backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and Realdania, among other leading climate change activists and environmental groups.
A comprehensive announcement detailing the development and technology partnerships planned for Phoenix’sResource Innovation Campus will follow in early 2025 when the project is slated to begin. Construction is slated for completion by 2028.
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Party City announced it is closing all its stores, including the 15 in Arizona.
The party supply chain, which has several locations in Massachusetts, told employees on Friday that it was shutting down.
According to CNN, CEO Barry Litwin told corporate employees Friday in a meeting that Party City is “winding down” operations immediately and that Friday would be their last day of employment.
The announcement comes on the heels of the news that Big Lots is closing all remaining locations. Other stores like Macy's have also announced they would be closing some stores.
Here's what Arizona shoppers need to know about the Party City closures in the Grand Canyon State.
There are 15 Party City locations in Arizona, according to the company's website.
Is Big Lots closing stores in Arizona?Here's what to know
Party City has been in financial trouble for years, first filing for bankruptcy in January 2023. That bankruptcy came with a restructuring that sparked store closures.
While the company exited bankruptcy in September 2023, CNN reported the company was not able to overcome its financial challenges.
The company faces competition from online stores, such as Amazon, and also seasonal pop-ups, such as Spirit Halloween, which pushed into the Christmas market as well this year.
The city of Phoenix in Arizona is set to clamp down on data centers.First reported by AZ Central, the City Council has approved a series of changes to better regulate data center growth in the city, including regulating locations and external design specifications.The council cited concerns over land and power demand, as well as noting the few jobs...
The city of Phoenix in Arizona is set to clamp down on data centers.
First reported by AZ Central, the City Council has approved a series of changes to better regulate data center growth in the city, including regulating locations and external design specifications.
The council cited concerns over land and power demand, as well as noting the few jobs data centers provide in return.
The vote, which took place on December 10, targeted standalone data centers and will aim to locate future facilities away from the light rail and employment centers.
The council will now work to update the general plan to add guidance for data centers, change rezoning requirements for primary-use and secondary-use data centers, and codify standards for design, location, noise concerns, and performance standards.
Phoenix’s economic development director, Christine Mackay, said: “Our goal is to ensure that our citizens [who] want to work within their neighborhoods can work within their neighborhoods. While [data centers are] great tax investments on the property tax side, their job activity is significantly lower than what we like to see in our employment corridors.”
Mayor Kate Gallego added the use of backup generators at data center facilities poses noise concerns for local residents.
Phoenix is the second Valley city to initiate such regulations, following suit from Chandler at the end of 2022. Chandler’s ordinance means that facilities with primary use as a data center are only permitted in planning area development zones, must provide detailed communications to residents, and must be committed to strict noise control regulations.
Noise pollution has been a recurring issue in Chandler. In 2018, CyrusOne was required to install noise-reducing equipment after locals compared the humming sound to mosquitos buzzing, some stating that the windows would rattle at night and others even threatening to move away from the area as a result.
Arizona has become a hotspot for data centers in recent years, due to its reliable power grid, availability of land, and state-level tax incentive programs. The majority are concentrated in Phoenix, where EdgeCore, Meta, Google, Digital Realty, Centersquare, Flexential, NTT, CyrusOne, Prime, Aligned, Iron Mountain, QTS, EdgeConneX, DataBank, Vantage, Compass, AWS, Lumen, ColoHouse, and Cogent all have a presence. Microsoft also operates a cloud region out of the area.
Some raising concerns over drone usage in Arizona PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The mysterious drones in the northeast United States have renewed interest in UFOs, with many speculating that they are extraterrestrial.Arizona has a rich history of UFOs, including the famous 1997 case of ...
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The mysterious drones in the northeast United States have renewed interest in UFOs, with many speculating that they are extraterrestrial.
Arizona has a rich history of UFOs, including the famous 1997 case of ‘The Phoenix Lights,’ a mass sighting that created quite a controversy in the Valley.
Arizona’s Family spoke with Arizona Mutual UFO Network (MUFON,) an organization investigating UFO sightings since 1969.
Assistant State Director Shane Hurd said he’s investigated hundreds of UFO tips in the Valley. While he’s not quick to say if they’re aliens, he did say how many he believes are indeed unidentifiable.
“As an investigator I have to remain unbiased,” said Hurd. “Personally, my investigations in the last 7-8 years, my investigations run about 10%, about 90% are identifiable and 10% are unknown,” said Hurd.
Hurd said he feels vindicated looking into UFOs all these years since the government has held hearings to look into them. UFOs are now called UAPs or “unidentified anomalous phenomena.”
However, there are also concerns over drone usage in Arizona that aren’t shrouded in mystery like the drones in the northeast. Drones are easily accessible to the public now, and a huge issue is that people fly them into restricted airspaces.
In Arizona, people and pilots have reported restricted drone flights to the Federal Aviation Administration 99 times.
It is important to note that if you fly a drone in restricted airspace, you could be fined and even thrown in jail.
Arizona’s Family spoke to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Professor Mike Canada, who said the big problem is hobbyists, intentionally or inadvertently, flying too close to planes, helicopters, airports and military bases.
“That’s my big concern, if you get around an Air Force base or a large airport; that’s a controlled airspace, that tower has to know what’s going on to keep everyone safe. If you get into highly congested areas or highly traffic areas, that’s where you might have a problem,” said Canada.
The FAA has information about how to legally operate a drone here: visit the agency’s website..
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PHOENIX — 2025 looks to be a star-studded year as international stars are making their way to the Valley! Here’s a list of concerts and music festivals taking place throughout our state:KENDRICK LAMAR & SZATwo huge rap and R&B stars are headed to Glendale as part of ‘The Grand National Tour.’...
PHOENIX — 2025 looks to be a star-studded year as international stars are making their way to the Valley! Here’s a list of concerts and music festivals taking place throughout our state:
Two huge rap and R&B stars are headed to Glendale as part of ‘The Grand National Tour.’
The pair is scheduled to perform in Glendale at State Farm Stadium on May 27, 2025.
The Grammy Award-nominated artist will be hitting the road for “The BIG A** Stadium Tour.”
Posty’s tour will stop at State Farm Stadium on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
The award-winning performer Shakira will be dancing into the Valley for her 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran' World Tour!
The Arizona concert was set to take place on Nov. 7, 2024, at Footprint Center in Phoenix. However, that show has since been postponed until 2025. In October, tour officials said the show is now set to happen at Footprint Center on June 22, 2025.
In December, the tour was further expanded with a second show added in Phoenix — at the same venue on June 23, 2025.
Timberlake is scheduled to perform at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Jan. 23, 2025, as part of his ‘Forget Tomorrow World Tour.’
The legendary Mexican band is bringing their ‘Aquí Mando Yo Tour’ to perform at Footprint Center on March 15.
The band added dozens of new shows to its ‘From Zero World Tour,’ including a stop in the Valley!
The rock bank will be headed to Footprint Center on Sept. 6, 2025.
Jean Dawson is scheduled to be the special guest on that date.
The reggaeton singer announced dates for his upcoming "Back to the Rayo" Tour with a stop in Phoenix!
J Balvin is scheduled to perform at the Footprint Center on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
The famous Mexican artist will perform at Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix on Friday, Sep 12, 2025, as part of his ‘De Rey a Rey’ tour.
Riley Green, Keith Urban, Hardy, and Bailey Zimmerman will be performing, along with other performers like Sara Evans, Jake Owen, Justin Moore, Angie K and more.
The festival is set to take place at Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence from April 10-13, 2025.
Tickets are available online now.
It's looking like a Grand Slam at the 2025 Innings Festival at Tempe Beach Park!
The festival is divided into two weekends, February 21-22 and February 28 - March 1. Festival officials announced next year's performer lineup for the Innings Festival and the Extra Innings Festival. It includes: