Sausser Summers, PC

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Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in San Diego, CA

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 Diego, CA.

At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with U.S. trademark filing, U.S. trademark responses, and U.S. trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.

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 San Diego, CA, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The U.S. government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.

At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.

In terms of filing a U.S. trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:

1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.

2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the U.S. Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.

3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your U.S. trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.

The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.

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.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in San Diego, CA?

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.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Call us (843) 654-0078

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.

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 San Diego, CA.

Although online filing services offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. Online filing services' disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, online filing services cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.

In other words, online filing services can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.

For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.

Understanding Trademarks Over Time

Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in San Diego, CA can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.

The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Call us (843) 654-0078

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 San Diego, CA, 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.

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.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

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 San Diego, CA.
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 San Diego, CA

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.

NEWS RELEASE: San Diego Unified Named One of State’s Top Performing School Districts

San Diego Unified School District » About » Newscenter » All News » NEWS RELEASE: San Diego Unified Named One of State’s Top Performing School Districts...

San Diego Unified School District » About » Newscenter » All News » NEWS RELEASE: San Diego Unified Named One of State’s Top Performing School Districts

San Diego Unified Named One of State’s Top Performing School Districts

Educational Results Partnership places district on honor roll based on academic progress, recognizes multiple schools

SAN DIEGO (DECEMBER 4, 2024) - San Diego Unified School District has been named as one of California’s top performing school districts by Educational Results Partnership (ERP), citing the District’s progress in closing achievement gaps, particularly among historically disadvantaged student populations.

The nonprofit organization, which defines itself as charting pathways that lead to academic success and living-wage jobs, placed San Diego Unified in the top 22% of eligible districts statewide in its 2024 Honor Roll based on results from the recently released California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP).

“We are proud of the work our teachers have done with the students, and the commitment made by their families to upholding high educational standards, but the real credit goes to the students,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula. “They are talented, creative, curious, and exceptional in every way.”

Now in its 10th year, the Honor Roll is the only school recognition program based solely on objective student achievement, ERP leaders say.

Claiming the nation’s largest database on student results from kindergarten into the labor market, ERP is focused on data science and predictive analytics to identify successful public education systems, practices, programs, and policies.

“San Diego Unified is committed to measurably improving students’ wellness and academic outcomes so that all children can reach their full potential,” said Board of Education President Shana Hazan. “While we have more work to do, we are proud to be recognized as one of the leading California school districts in closing achievement gaps for historically marginalized students. By working in partnership with educators, families, and our community, I know our students will continue to grow and thrive.”

Click here to see the complete list of 2024 Honor Roll schools and districts.

Learn more about San Diego Unified Schools.

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Where Are The Best Holiday Lights In San Diego County?

Do you have the best Christmas decorations in town? Send us photos and a description for Patch's 2024 holiday tour o' lights.Kristina Houck, Patch StaffSAN DIEGO, CA — Can the holiday lights on your home be seen from space? Does it look like the Las Vegas strip?If you've spent days or weeks painstakingly hanging strands of lights on your house, palm trees and shrubs, or hauling multiple figurines out to your lawn...

Do you have the best Christmas decorations in town? Send us photos and a description for Patch's 2024 holiday tour o' lights.

Kristina Houck, Patch Staff

SAN DIEGO, CA — Can the holiday lights on your home be seen from space? Does it look like the Las Vegas strip?

If you've spent days or weeks painstakingly hanging strands of lights on your house, palm trees and shrubs, or hauling multiple figurines out to your lawn — Patch wants to hear from you.

Soon, we're compiling a Patch California tour o' lights, where readers can explore the best holiday light displays in San Diego County.

We aim to have the list up as soon as possible — so email photos and a description of your winter wonderland to Kat Schuster at [email protected].

For many of us, taking in our neighbors' outdoor holiday lighting displays and other decorative touches is as much a part of the season as exchanging gifts and singing Christmas carols.

Find out what's happening in San Diegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

There's a good reason twinkling holiday lights and colorful displays make us feel good, according to mental health experts.

"It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness," Psychologist Deborah Serani, a senior professor at New York's Adelphi University, told NBC's "Today" show. "I think anything that takes us out of our normal habituation, the normal day in, day out ... signals our senses, and then our senses measure if it's pleasing or not."

Decorating for the holidays "will spike dopamine, a feel-good hormone," she said. "For a lot of us, Christmas is a magical time, it's a time of innocence. It's a time of joy."

That's why Patch and T-Mobile are partnering to find the lighted homes around the San Diego area to visit.

A few details:

If you're including a video, please upload it to YouTube and send us the link so we can embed it (make sure it's marked "public"). We also request that the homeowner submit their own yard or a close relative.

We'll keep updating the list for San Diego County throughout December.

Once you've provided the information — and submitted a photo or two or a video (after you uploaded it to YouTube) — you will be entered and included in our roundup.

Pro-tip: If you haven't photographed your light display before, a good time to take photos is at dusk.

IMPORTANT: By submitting a photo, you're giving Patch permission to publish it for this feature and future stories. Photos should be original and taken by the person submitting the photo.

So, be sure to check back for updates and sign up for your local Patch.com newsletters as well!

Please copy and paste the following information into an email, along with photos or videos, and follow these guidelines:

We're looking forward to hearing from you. Remember, email Kat Schuster ([email protected]) to submit photos of your holiday lights.

San Diego Student To Represent CA In U.S. Senate Youth Program

SAN DIEGO, CA — A San Diego high school senior was selected to represent California in the 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program.Sarah Gao, a senior at Canyon Crest Academy in San Dieguito Union High School District, was one of just two California students chosen for the competitive program, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced."I am incredibly proud of and impressed by these extraordinary st...

SAN DIEGO, CA — A San Diego high school senior was selected to represent California in the 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program.

Sarah Gao, a senior at Canyon Crest Academy in San Dieguito Union High School District, was one of just two California students chosen for the competitive program, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced.

"I am incredibly proud of and impressed by these extraordinary students, who are doing so much in their schools and communities to make a difference in the lives of others," Thurmond said. "Their significant accomplishments speak to their impressive character and dedication. They will make excellent representatives for California."

Bode Gower of Hopland, a senior at Ukiah High School in the Ukiah Unified School District, was the other student selected for the program.

James Miller of Oxnard, a senior at Westlake High School in Conejo Valley Union High School District, was named as the first alternate. Sriya Srinivasan of Fairfield, a senior at Early College High School in Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, was named as the second alternate.

Find out what's happening in San Diegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, the program provides selected students an opportunity to gain an in-depth view of the U.S. Senate and the federal government, as well as a deeper understanding of the interrelationship of the executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity each receive a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet and learn from high-level appointed and elected government officials in March.

Gao is president of the School Site Council at Canyon Crest Academy, vice chair of the city of San Diego's Youth Commission, editor-in-chief of the school's magazine, and founder and executive director of Coast2Canyon, which focuses on biodiversity, environmental education and water quality. She is also founder of the National History Day Youth Leadership Council and president of the San Diego Science Fair Student Board.

"She plans to major in environmental engineering and public policy to forge a cleaner future for California and the nation," according to a synopsis from Thurmond's office. "She has a passion and curiosity for science and how the world works. Eventually, she would like to run for public office."

These Are The Most Popular, Trendiest Pet Names In San Diego: Report

SAN DIEGO, CA — Luna is the most popular name for both cats and dogs in the San Diego metro area, according to a new report.The most popular male dog name in the U.S. is Charlie, holding the top spot for the second year in a row, according to the 12th annual Top Pet Names report by ...

SAN DIEGO, CA — Luna is the most popular name for both cats and dogs in the San Diego metro area, according to a new report.

The most popular male dog name in the U.S. is Charlie, holding the top spot for the second year in a row, according to the 12th annual Top Pet Names report by Rover.com, an online marketplace for pet care.

Luna remains the most popular name for female dogs and cats in the country for the second straight year, the report found. Milo ranks first for most popular male cat name, overthrowing Oliver which held the top spot for five years in a row.

"The pet names we choose are a look into our latest cultural obsessions and our sources of joy," said Nicole Ellis, pet trainer and panelist on the report. "This year's report reads like the magazines we used to love flipping through — the names are equal parts tabloid-worthy and total comfort food."

In San Diego, the top five cat names are Luna, Milo, Oliver, Cleo and Mochi, according to the report. The top five names for dogs are Luna, Bella, Daisy, Charlie and Milo.

Find out what's happening in San Diegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Bucky is the No. 1 trending name for dogs in the region, up 570% from last year, according to the report. Suki is the No. 1 trending name for cats, up 473% from last year.

Charlotte, Mickey and Ziggy are among the other trending names in the San Diego region. Popular food-themed names are also trending and include Barley, Biscuit, Brownie, Waffles and Boba.

The Top Pet Names 2024 report was developed by Rover between September and October 2024. Results are based on analysis of millions of user-submitted pet names provided by pet parents on Rover.com. The top 20 trending pet names are based on year-over-year growth with a minimum of 200 pets added in 2024, per name, according to Rover.

See the full reports on the most popular cat names and dog names on Rover.

Trader Joe's To Continue SoCal Expansion In 2025

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Trader Joe's expanded its presence this year in Southern California and across the country, and the grocery store chain has plans to open even more stores in 2025.The Monrovia-based chain announced plans in May to ramp up its pace of expansion, with two dozen new grocery stores, including eight in Southern California.Since then, Trader Joe's opened new Southern Califo...

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Trader Joe's expanded its presence this year in Southern California and across the country, and the grocery store chain has plans to open even more stores in 2025.

The Monrovia-based chain announced plans in May to ramp up its pace of expansion, with two dozen new grocery stores, including eight in Southern California.

Since then, Trader Joe's opened new Southern California locations in Murrieta, Ladera Ranch, Santee, Poway, South Pasadena and Santa Clarita.

Elsewhere in California, the company opened its doors in Roseville in the Sacramento metropolitan area, as well as in Marina, along the central coast of the Golden State.

On Friday, the chain is set to open a new location in Vista. The 10,595-square-foot site will be the first Trader Joe's in the city and the third new store in recent months in San Diego County.

Find out what's happening in San Diegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We are actively looking at hundreds of neighborhoods across the country and hope to open more new neighborhood stores each year," Trader Joe's spokesperson Nakia Rohde told Patch."Trader Joe's is committed to providing our customers outstanding value in the form of the best quality products at the best everyday prices. Our knowledgeable, friendly crew members want our customers' experience while shopping in our stores to be rewarding and fun."

More stores are slated to open next year in Southern California.

New locations are planned in Northridge and Sherman Oaks. The company also recently announced plans to open a new store in Tarzana. Opening dates have not yet been announced.

Trader Joe's launched in 1967 in the Los Angeles area and has since expanded to 576 stores in 42 states and Washington, D.C.

The company typically announces new stores three to six months prior to opening, Rohde said. Other locations have already been announced for Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington and Washington, D.C.

"Since Trader Joe's began in 1967, we have been in growth mode," Rohde said. "Some years, we grow more than others, and our goal is always to bring delicious products at great values to as many people and neighborhoods as we can. The best way to do that is to open more stores."

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