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 San Antonio, TX.
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 San Antonio, TX, 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 San Antonio, TX.
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 San Antonio, TX 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 San Antonio, TX, 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.
Now that we know that there are six more weeks of winter after Punxsutawney Phil spotted his shadow last Sunday, there remains an opportunity for a seasonal escape, particularly for retirees.They might want to look into these five Texas towns featured on the list of the top 100 U.S. towns that seniors are eager to visit during the winter, according to a report from Freedom Showers...
Now that we know that there are six more weeks of winter after Punxsutawney Phil spotted his shadow last Sunday, there remains an opportunity for a seasonal escape, particularly for retirees.
They might want to look into these five Texas towns featured on the list of the top 100 U.S. towns that seniors are eager to visit during the winter, according to a report from Freedom Showers, a site dedicated to those in need of accessible shower facilities.
The Lone Star State cities highlighted in the list include Port Aransas, Georgetown, Fredericksburg, Granbury, and Bastrop.
"The U.S. is miles ahead of many other countries in prioritizing accessible public spaces, travel, and accommodations," said Ryan Holt of Freedom Showers in a release to MySA. "This makes it a standout option for senior travelers, especially as international travel becomes less appealing with age."
Though it narrowly missed the top 10, Port Aransas' pleasant weather and ocean breeze secured the No. 12 position. Georgetown, a Central Texas town just outside of Austin, impressed senior travelers with its charming downtown area, picturesque parks and local events, earning it the No. 30 spot.
Following Georgetown is the beloved Texas Hill Country town Fredericksburg at No. 32. Renowned as the heart of Texas Wine Country, it boasts over 100 wineries and tasting rooms in the area. Granbury, located near Fort Worth, with its historic square and senior-friendly paths, caught the interest of travelers, landing at No. 40 on the list.
The last Texas town mentioned was Bastrop at No. 55. The vibrant downtown and beautiful views make Bastrop an excellent choice for senior visitors.
The list of the 100 best U.S. winter getaway towns was compiled from over 3,000 respondents aged 65 and older. The top three towns were all in Florida, with Venice in the Tampa Bay area taking the No. 1 position, followed by Mount Dora and Punta Gorda, respectively. The top 10 list featured only towns from Florida and Hawaii.
Feb 5, 2025
Hill Country Reporter
Gabriel Romero is the Texas Hill Country reporter for MySA, covering the I-35 corridor growth, the Buc-ee's brand, huge Texas sports news and all the changes coming to the booming region. Gabriel is a California native who’s covered Atascosa and Medina Counties for the Castroville News Bulletin, the Leader-News, and the Medina Valley Times from 2016 to 2020.
A major crash is impacting traffic on the Westside of San Antonio. The incident happened around 2:15 p.m. on the eastbound lanes of Highway 90 near Hunt Lane. The Texas Department of Transportation reports all lanes of Highway 90 are shut down past Hunt Lane. Dr...
A major crash is impacting traffic on the Westside of San Antonio. The incident happened around 2:15 p.m. on the eastbound lanes of Highway 90 near Hunt Lane. The Texas Department of Transportation reports all lanes of Highway 90 are shut down past Hunt Lane. Drivers are urged to use the Loop 410 exits to get around the crash. News 4 San Antonio reports at least one person is dead from the crash involving a motorcycle.
Traffic monitoring site SigAlert reports that vehicles are being forced onto the Loop 410 exit ramp. An alternative route drivers can use is taking the southbound lanes of Loop 1604 to northbound I-35 to northbound Loop 410. Cars are moving as slow as 1 miles per hour in the area.
It's unclear how many vehicles were part of the crash, but reports say a motorcycle is one of the vehicles involved. MySA has reached out to the San Antonio Fire Department for more information. No word on how long crews will be working to clear the scene of the crash, but if this is your route home, TxDOT urges drivers to find an alternative route or expect major delays.
This is a developing story and will be updated with new information as it is received.
Feb 5, 2025
Deputy Editor
Candice is a deputy editor for MySA covering local TV news shakeups. She is a San Antonio native who graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word with a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts - Media Studies and a minor in Spanish. Candice is an Emmy-nominated journalist who has extensive experience with more than 10 years in both broadcast news and public relations.
What attributed the ban and how it relates to the drought across the Alamo CityThe first few weeks of 2025 haven’t brought much-needed rainfall to South Central Texas.This week’s drought monitor still shows ongoing drought across the area. In fact, Bexar County commissioners reinstated the burn bans due to continuously dry conditions.While the burn order is in effect...
The first few weeks of 2025 haven’t brought much-needed rainfall to South Central Texas.
This week’s drought monitor still shows ongoing drought across the area. In fact, Bexar County commissioners reinstated the burn bans due to continuously dry conditions.
While the burn order is in effect, dry conditions could lead to potential brush fires in the unincorporated areas of Bexar County.
During the order’s duration, residents in unincorporated areas are allowed to burn domestic waste in a certain barrel. However, during dry conditions it is still recommended to avoid tall dry grass or bushes while driving, performing outdoor welding, cutting or grinding.
With another burn ban in affect for 90 days in Bexar County, here’s what that mean for us and our drought:
A collection of daily blog posts from the KSAT Weather Authority.
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Drought worsens
It’s no secret that we need rain. The last time South Central Texas was completely drought-free was in early September 2021 — that equates to 1,247 consecutive days.
Thanks in part to this year’s La Niña stretch, drought conditions have been persistent across portions of South Central Texas for two years now.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the drought monitor across the state from the end of January 2024 versus the end of January 2025. What a difference!
Here is a closer look at what the latest drought monitor looks like across South Central Texas as of Jan. 30, 2025.
While areas surrounding Bexar County are experiencing extreme drought, just a quick drive away in another direction shows lesser drought conditions.
Remember, exceptional drought is the most severe classification, factoring in elements like precipitation, reservoir levels, soil moisture, vegetation health and streamflow.
Rainfall statistics
January 2025 wasn’t anything special. We were in the middle of records for more days with or without precipitation.
Much of the local area saw below-normal rainfall since August 2024.
How does this affect our reservoirs?
The Edwards Aquifer, along with the lakes, reservoirs and rivers of South Central Texas, continue to experience the impact of the ongoing drought and insufficient rainfall.
Here’s an update on the current water levels:
Any chances of rain in the future?
Looking ahead, isolated rain chances are expected to return as soon as this weekend, with a pattern shift and better chances of rain becoming more likely by early next week.
The latest outlook issued by the Climate Prediction Center is still calling for a drier-than-average February. While we won’t see enough rain to get out of the drought, humidity will be on the rise and the air will be quite muggy, making it feel as though rain is imminent.
We’ll keep you posted for any updates to come!
Copyright 2025 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
Texas stands to lose $47.1 billion — the most of any state — if ...
Texas stands to lose $47.1 billion — the most of any state — if President Trump's tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico take effect, along with those already imposed on China.
Why it matters: Tariffs may be a political tool for extracting concessions from targeted countries, but they also drive up costs for everyday Americans — especially in San Antonio, whose largest trading partner is Mexico.
Catch up quick: Trump on Saturday imposed tariffs of 25% on Mexican and Canadian goods and 10% on Canadian energy imports, and he issued new 10% tariffs on Chinese imports.
Zoom in: The looming tariffs could cost Americans $1,200 a year, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio) told reporters Monday alongside Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
By the numbers: San Antonio exported $383 million to and imported $35.4 million in goods from Mexico in 2023, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity.
The other side: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told the Houston Chronicle he's not worried about the tariffs, calling them part of Trump's negotiation tactics to secure stronger border cooperation.
Zoom out: The tariffs as issued Saturday would have an estimated $232.7 billion national impact, per research from Trade Partnership Worldwide based on trade from January to November 2024.
How it works: The estimates are based on census data for foreign imports and reflect "the composition of current trade based on existing company-to-company relationships," Trade Partnership Worldwide president Daniel S. Anthony tells Axios.
Caveat: Tariffs may lead to less trade overall, Anthony notes — meaning past data isn't necessarily indicative of future tariff effects.
SAN ANTONIO – Some of San Antonio’s best athletes will choose where to start their collegiate careers on National Signing Day.What was once known as a massive recruiting day and national event on the first Wednesday of February has now been downsized due to the implementation of the early signing period.More Stories Like This In Our Email NewsletterEmail AddressEarly signees were allowed to choose their schools in the middle of December.If an athlete was ready to choose their sc...
SAN ANTONIO – Some of San Antonio’s best athletes will choose where to start their collegiate careers on National Signing Day.
What was once known as a massive recruiting day and national event on the first Wednesday of February has now been downsized due to the implementation of the early signing period.
More Stories Like This In Our Email Newsletter
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Early signees were allowed to choose their schools in the middle of December.
If an athlete was ready to choose their school or leave high school a semester early to start training for the fall season, they had the freedom to do so.
Do you know an athlete who will be signing a letter of intent on National Signing Day? Submit photos and videos to KSAT Connect!
Here’s a list of the schools the KSAT 12 Sports team is covering and the athletes who will put pen to paper.
Daniel Soukup ll - Grambling State University - Baseball
Diego Sanchez - Ottawa University - Baseball
Taryn Welch - Lynn University - Swimming
Aniah Tinsley - Baldwin Wallace University - Track & Field
Eli Bliss - Trinity University - Cross Country
Cooper Martin - Coastal Bend Community College - Baseball
Josh Bendele - Albany College - Basketball
Si’Rod Bethany - University of Texas Permian Basin
Terrence Harper - Texas College
Titus Massengale - Dakota Wesleyan
John Peoples - University of Texas Permian Basin
Nolan Ammerman - Baseball
Izzy Larson - Softball
Caleb Schuetze - Football
Mia Perez - Texas - Cross Country
Joshua Miller - Hardin-Simmons University - Tennis
Preston Baker - Angelo State University - Football
Cade Spradling - Air Force - Football
Ayden Fulton - Blinn College - Football
Blake Allen - St. Mary’s University - Baseball
Mathew Felix - New Mexico Junior College - Baseball
Andrew Lunsford - Panola College - Baseball
Gavin Parker - Concordia University at Nebraska - Baseball
Bryce Wells - Weatherford College - Baseball
Mia Howe - Wabash Valley College - Soccer
Alanna Johnson - Eastern University - Volleyball
Jalen Morgan - Midland College - Football
Jayden Beale - Angelo State - Football
Austin Wagaman - Texas Lutheran University - Football
Madison Dossett - Northeastern Oklahoma A&M - Softball
Jaedyn Pickaree - Schreiner University - Baseball
Jonathon Binder - Wayland Baptist University - Baseball
Cole Hirsch - Schreiner University - Baseball
Aaron McGlumphy - Ottawa University - Baseball
Cameron Benson - Dodge City Community College - Baseball
Michael Inweh - Air Force
Shawn Wasley - Texas A&M University–Kingsville
Hayden Jenkins - Hardin Simmons University
Carl Little - University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Devin Amos, Stephen F. Austin State University
Davian Gonzales, Crown College
Donovan Munoz, Crown College
Lee Thompson Jr., McPherson College
Brandeis, MacArthur, and Veterans Memorial high schools will also hold signing day ceremonies. We will have more information on which athletes are signing where throughout the day on Wednesday.
Read more reporting and watch highlights and full games on the Big Game Coverage page.