lm-double-shapeSausser Summers, PC

Providing U.S. trademark services throughout the U.S. and across the globe.
  • Lower Cost
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  • Experienced Trademark Attorneys

File a Trademark for $399 + $250 Government Filing Fee

Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Richmond, VA

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 Richmond, VA.

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.

Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the U.S. Trademark Process

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 Richmond, VA, 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.

Online Trademark Attorney Richmond, VA
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.

Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Richmond, VA?

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.

Additional Benefits of Using a Trademark Attorney

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.

 Online Trademark Lawyer Richmond, VA

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.

What About Online Filing Services?

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 Richmond, VA.

 Trademark Attorney Richmond, VA

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.

Understanding Trademarks Over Time

Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Richmond, VA 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.

 Trademark Law Firm Richmond, VA

Steps to Renew Your Trademark

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 Richmond, VA, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Abandonment

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.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Inappropriate Licensing

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.

How to Avoid Having to Refile Your Trademark

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.

 Trademark Lawyer Richmond, VA
 Trademark Firm Richmond, VA

What Makes an Online Trademark Attorney Great?

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:

  • Be sure you're using a licensed trademark attorney helping clients in Richmond, VA.
  • It's best to work with a trademark lawyer who has years of experience filing trademarks.
  • Ensure that your trademark lawyer is willing to provide ongoing notifications relating to your trademark application process.
 Trademark Registration Lawyer Richmond, VA

Trademark Attorneys Working Hard for You

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.

Latest News in Richmond, VA

Gusty winds this evening, tracking a major winter storm to arrive on Wednesday

The winds will continue to gust up to 40 mph at times this evening, and a Wind Advisory is in effect until midnight. The strong wind gusts could bring some trees down due to the saturated soils and this may result in power outages.Flood warnings are in effect for the James, Nottoway, Meherrin and Appomattox rivers. More information on current levels, flood stages, and ...

The winds will continue to gust up to 40 mph at times this evening, and a Wind Advisory is in effect until midnight. The strong wind gusts could bring some trees down due to the saturated soils and this may result in power outages.

Flood warnings are in effect for the James, Nottoway, Meherrin and Appomattox rivers. More information on current levels, flood stages, and forecast stages can be found here.

Tonight will be breezy and colder. Lows will be in the upper 20s to low 30s. Monday will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid 40s. Lows at night will be in the 20s.Tuesday will be partly sunny with highs in the mid 40s. Then we continue to monitor a potential major winter storm for Wednesday into early Thursday. While the details are not certain, there is a high chance of significant snowfall across a good chunk of central Virginia.

The computer models continue to vary on whether we will see any wintry mix, and how far north that would extend. Many times, as the storms approach our area, they shift a bit northwestward, which causes a changeover to a mix and cuts down on snow accumulation. However, the latest computer models continue to suggest the possibility that it's an all snow event for Metro Richmond.

WATCH: First look at Virginia winter storm Wednesday into Thursday

Skies will clear out Thursday afternoon, and dry, cold weather is expected into next weekend.

Stay With CBS 6, The Weather Authority.

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Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

No. 4 Virginia Welcomes No. 20 Richmond for Commonwealth Showdown

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – For the fifth consecutive year, Virginia (1-0) and Richmond (1-1) meet in the regular season for bragging rights inside the Commonwealth of Virginia. Opening faceoff from Klöckner Stadium on Saturday (Feb. 15) is set for 11:30 a.m. Chris Cotter (play-by-play) and Quint Kessenich (analyst) will have the call on ACC Network.The Cavaliers, who are coming off a 19-9 season-opening ...

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – For the fifth consecutive year, Virginia (1-0) and Richmond (1-1) meet in the regular season for bragging rights inside the Commonwealth of Virginia. Opening faceoff from Klöckner Stadium on Saturday (Feb. 15) is set for 11:30 a.m. Chris Cotter (play-by-play) and Quint Kessenich (analyst) will have the call on ACC Network.

The Cavaliers, who are coming off a 19-9 season-opening victory over Colgate, moved to No. 4 in this week’s edition of the USILA coaches poll, while the Spiders are No. 20.

Last week, Richmond trounced Robert Morris 17-2 at Robins Stadium after falling to Maryland 12-7 in its season opener on Feb. 1, in College Park, Md.

PARKING INFORMATION Free parking is available to lacrosse patrons on a first-come, first-serve basis in all surrounding JPJ lots and the Emmet/Ivy parking garage.

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH TEXT ALERTS Opt in to receive the latest updates on weather, parking, and other essential gameday information.

Click this link or scan the QR code below, then fill out the form and select the sports you want gameday information on to get started.

☝️ 3-game mini plans are ???????? ???????????????? ????????????!!

Secure yours before our season gets underway this weekend!

????️ https://t.co/ZfSJFg9yvn pic.twitter.com/xwUYXvC3Ab

— Virginia Men's Lacrosse (@UVAMensLax) February 4, 2025

SERIES HISTORY

“If you're in a position to have pressure, then you’re doing something right. So I don't really worry about any of that.”https://t.co/k9qUqIFwgW pic.twitter.com/AuyjPWVZo3

— Virginia Men's Lacrosse (@UVAMensLax) February 14, 2025

LAST TIME OUT

???????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ????????

????‍♂️ the nation’s only team with 57 GBs in a game this season. pic.twitter.com/hO1oWyEc2S

— Virginia Men's Lacrosse (@UVAMensLax) February 12, 2025

THE CAVALIERS AT KLÖCKNER STADIUM

???? The best is yet to come for No. 3…@tsunderland03 pic.twitter.com/vQVlycRxtI

— Virginia Men's Lacrosse (@UVAMensLax) February 11, 2025

VIRGINIA IN THE POLLS

???????????????????????? ???????? ???????????? ????????????????: Ben Wayer, @UVAMensLax ⚔️

Wayer put up the ultimate LSM stat line in Virginia’s win over Colgate…

▪️2 goals▪️1 assist▪️2 caused turnovers ▪️9 ground balls pic.twitter.com/cpqrNUKLwL

— TLN ???? (@LacrosseNetwork) February 10, 2025

ON THE HORIZON

Dark Valentine's FANTASY BALL: A Morbid Masquerade

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Richmond|Local EventMarkster Con Productions & Events, NeighborSat, Feb 15, 2025 at 8:00 PMHistoric H...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Richmond|Local Event

Markster Con Productions & Events, Neighbor

Sat, Feb 15, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Historic Hofheimer Building, 2818 W Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23230
More info here

Dare to venture into the shadows of Richmond’s Dark Valentine’s FANTASY BALL: A Morbid Masquerade (21+) on Feb. 15th, 2025. Single or taken, this unconventional affair beckons the daring and the adventurous to embrace a darker, more mysterious side of the Valentine’s holiday, promising an unforgettable night filled with enchanting mystique with a heavy touch of the macabre.

This bewitching evening, offering a unique alternative to traditional, mainstream Valentine’s themed events, will unfold within the walls of the historic Hofheimer Building — a venue steeped in history and grandeur. Built in 1928, this architectural gem located at the edge of Scott’s Addition provides the perfect backdrop for the morbid masquerade, adding an extra layer of allure to an already enchanting affair:

Whether it’s a gothic masterpiece, a whimsical creation, or a full-face mask reminiscent of Halloween’s chilling delights, attendee’s imagination is the only limit with them unleashing their inner fantasy by immersing themselves in a masked world where mystery and allure converge. Whether they’ve meticulously matched their mask to their attire or ingeniously integrated it into a larger concept, attendees who incorporate a mask into their outfit/costume/cosplay are encouraged to join the Masked Costume Contest with the most mesmerizing ensemble prevailing via crowd online voting. NOTE: Masks aren’t required but are HIGHLY encouraged. If attendees plan to enjoy dark adult libations, they should consider a mask that doesn’t cover the mouth.

For those seeking a truly unique and personalized look, artists from DC Creators Body Art Collective will offer their expertise in painting intricate masks directly onto the faces of interested participants. These one-of-a-kind creations will seamlessly blend with the theme of a “morbid masquerade”, adding an extra layer of mystique and individuality to each attendee.

Attendees are encouraged to have a heart and embrace the spirit of giving by participating in the event’s Charity Canned Food Drive, directly benefiting Richmond’s own FeedMore.org. For every two cans donated, attendees will receive one raffle ticket, making them eligible for a chance to win fantastic prizes (more cans donated equals more raffle tickets). Let your goodwill shine as we come together to make a positive impact on our community.

Dollz Entertainment, an iconic presence in the thriving Richmond alternative scene, will play a pivotal role in ensuring an unforgettable experience throughout the night. Renowned for their exceptional talent and unique performances, Dollz Entertainment will bring forth a diverse array of acts that promise to captivate, mesmerize, and thoroughly entertain attendees.

In the eternal twilight, an assortment of lurking and featured photographers will capture the essence of the night, providing a visual feast for the insatiable hunger of the social media realms. In this visually enchanting gathering, photographs become treasured keepsakes, forever memorializing the allure of this dark affair.

As the night darkens, DJ Tony-T and DJ Rust-Ryu will summon lost souls to dance via Goth / Industrial / EBM / 80s / Electro / House music.

Throughout the evening, the Hofheimer’s masterful mixologists will be conjuring up an array of morbid themed cocktails, each sip a revelation of dark elegance and tantalizing flavor.

Co-produced by Markster Con Productions and DC Creators, the creative team behind AfterDarkRVA.com which also produces Richmond’s annual VAMPIRE BALL, NYE GATSBY GALA, KAMPUS BALL and several other 21+ events.

‘It’s not stopping us’: Richmond residents head out in the snow

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Tuesday was another snow day in Richmond.“It’s nice. It’s actually a good excuse to be snowed in a little bit, have quality time,” one resident said.“I’m going to be working from home as much as I can,” said another resident.Our 12 On Your Side crew spent Tuesday driving around the city. Powhite Parkway to residential roads were ...

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Tuesday was another snow day in Richmond.

“It’s nice. It’s actually a good excuse to be snowed in a little bit, have quality time,” one resident said.

“I’m going to be working from home as much as I can,” said another resident.

Our 12 On Your Side crew spent Tuesday driving around the city. Powhite Parkway to residential roads were clear for the most part with snow only sticking on homes and trees.

At the Kroger in Willow Lawn, business seemed steady with shoppers grabbing some last- minute items.

“Bread, milk, sandwich items just in case, and those things I forgot a few days ago,” one shopper said.

However, other shoppers said they’re not too concerned with this winter storm after what they experienced last month, when shelves were left empty.

“I don’t think it’s going to accumulate as much as people think it might,” another Kroger customer said.

Over in Carytown, while many businesses remained open, just a few stragglers braved the cold. That includes this mother visiting her daughter from Cleveland.

“I did not bring my winter coat, because I was like ‘I don’t need a winter coat in Richmond,”' the mother said.

But even with the gloomy gray clouds, they’re finding a silver lining.

“We got parking for the first time in that lot since I’ve been here. Yeah, so we’re just going to walk around, go in shops, have lunch; it’s not stopping us,” she said.

At City Hall, Director of Emergency Management Stephen Willoughby said crews have been working since Monday, putting salt and sand on the roads. He said their preparations have been paying off.

“The nice thing about this is that it’s starting off with snow, so that improves our ability to pre-treat roadways. If it started off as rain, that makes it more difficult to pre-treat. So, we’re able to put a good base layer down on those primary streets and hopefully keep people as safe as possible,” Willoughby said.

He said crews are expected to work into Wednesday.

City buildings closed Tuesday at 2 p.m. They will open late Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Copyright 2025 WWBT. All rights reserved.

Winter storm to impact Virginia Tuesday into Tuesday night

Posted and last updated RICHMOND, Va. -- A storm will develop and track into our area on Tuesday.Snow will spread across the region Tuesday morning. There will be steady snow around through the afternoon.Warmer air will try to spread north, and this will change the snow to a wintry mix, first to the south. This mix may get into the metro by late afternoon or early evening.The mix transition line may track north of I-64 Tuesday evening into Tuesday night. Freezing rain with ice accumulation is possible, wit...

Posted

and last updated

RICHMOND, Va. -- A storm will develop and track into our area on Tuesday.

Snow will spread across the region Tuesday morning. There will be steady snow around through the afternoon.

Warmer air will try to spread north, and this will change the snow to a wintry mix, first to the south. This mix may get into the metro by late afternoon or early evening.

The mix transition line may track north of I-64 Tuesday evening into Tuesday night. Freezing rain with ice accumulation is possible, with the best chance far west of I-95.

Wednesday morning, there may still be some mixed precipitation north and northwest of Richmond.

There will be periods of rain Wednesday into early Thursday. Some freezing rain will be possible in the mountains.

There is the potential for significant snow across much of the area.

While there will be some revisions to the forecast, as of now, it looks like at least several of snow will fall in Richmond.

There is the potential for 3 to 6 inches of snow across Metro Richmond, as well as areas north and west. Depending on when the mix and rain transitions occur, some spots could see in excess of 6 inches.

Of note, the warmer temperatures and change to rain will eliminate accumulation, especially in the metro and points south.

This storm will develop to our west Monday into Monday night, so the exact track still is not locked in. A change in track of just 25 or 50 miles will impact snowfall accumulations (either more or less), so we will continue to refine the snowfall forecast into early Tuesday.

Stay With CBS 6, The Weather Authority.

STORM TRACKING LINKS:

Interactive RadarWeather AlertsTropical TrackerMap CenterClosings & Delays

Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
 Trademark Legal Fees Richmond, VA
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