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 Tampa, FL.
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 Tampa, FL, 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 Tampa, FL.
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 Tampa, FL 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 Tampa, FL, 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.
Bulldogs-Gators matchup moves from JacksonvilleThe annual college football game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators will have a new home in 2026 and 2027.The BriefThe annual Florida-Georgia rivalry will take a break from its traditional home and be played at NFL venues while EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville is undergoing a $1.4 billion renovation.The game will relocate to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in 2026 and to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the fo...
The annual college football game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators will have a new home in 2026 and 2027.
The annual Florida-Georgia rivalry will take a break from its traditional home and be played at NFL venues while EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville is undergoing a $1.4 billion renovation.
The game will relocate to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in 2026 and to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the following year. The game is expected to return to Jacksonville beginning in 2028 on a multiyear contract.
Action Network first reported the deal, which Florida coach Billy Napier later confirmed.
"We’re excited about the opportunity to play in both Atlanta and Tampa, both great venues, both will be well run operations," Napier said. "I think we all understand the revenue that this game generates for both athletic departments, so it’s going to be unique, and certainly we’re excited about that opportunity."
The Southeastern Conference rivals chose to bid out "The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" instead of playing at campus sites for financial reasons; they can make more money playing in neutral-site venues.
Atlanta was the obvious choice for Georgia’s home game in 2006, while Orlando, Miami and Tampa bid on Florida’s home game in 2027.
The schools have played annually in Jacksonville since 1933, with a two-year hiatus while the Gator Bowl was being renovated before the Jaguars’ inaugural season. The "Cocktail Party" moved to Gainesville in 1994 and Athens, Georgia, the following year.
Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart has been outspoken about wanting to move the game back to campuses for recruiting purposes; NCAA rules prohibit coaches from having contact with recruits at neutral sites, although the home team can leave tickets for them.
But Smart has relented in the past year.
"It’s been talked about and debated for a long time since we know the Jacksonville renovation was going to occur," Smart said Wednesday. "The parties involved did a great job managing it. Jacksonville did a great job stepping up and making it worthwhile for both universities and excited about the opportunity to play at two different locations.
"So that’ll be unique and maybe we learn from those two experiences."
The payout from Jacksonville is expected to jump significantly from its current deal, which is roughly $3 million for each school and includes $1.5 million guaranteed plus a split of ticket revenue and concession sales.
Georgia also receives $350,000 annually to cover its charter flights, buses and lodging while Florida receives $60,000 because no flights are required.
A Florida home game, by comparison, generates between $2 million and $5 million depending on the opponent. So a home-and-home series would bring in less revenue over a two-year span than a neutral-site game.
"Kirby and I probably both agree that it’d be awesome to play home and home, but we also know that there’s a tremendous amount of revenue created by having this game in a neutral site," Napier said. "So money makes the world go around, and certainly the amount of revenue, there’s a significant difference in the revenue that’s generated.
"We play in Jacksonville, there is a historical context to that, but there’s also a revenue component as well. I think the neutral site will present those same revenue opportunities, and that’s ultimately why the decision was made."
The Source: The Associated Press original report.
Doing some holiday shopping? Black Friday and Cyber Monday are coming up soon and deals on annual passes, upcoming events, and even vacations are on the way. There are several places in and around Tampa Bay that are offering special discounts for Florida residents during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.It’s the perfect opportunity to check out of that theme park you’ve been wanting to try or fun getaway you’ve been wanting to take. It’s also a great way to give someone else the gift of experience.We’...
Doing some holiday shopping? Black Friday and Cyber Monday are coming up soon and deals on annual passes, upcoming events, and even vacations are on the way. There are several places in and around Tampa Bay that are offering special discounts for Florida residents during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
It’s the perfect opportunity to check out of that theme park you’ve been wanting to try or fun getaway you’ve been wanting to take. It’s also a great way to give someone else the gift of experience.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite offers for you and your significant other to take advantage of this holiday season. Be sure to keep an eye on the discount dates, as some of these deals are only available for a limited time. Keep checking back as new offers are added. Happy shopping!
You can also save up to 50% off on All-Day Dining Passes, Animal Experiences, and Quick Queue.
You can also save 50% off on an All-Day Dining Deal.
Sea World Orlando is having a Pre-Black Friday Sale through November 10:
2024 Info TBD.
Upgraded experiences:
It looks like Margaritaville at Sea is offering Black Friday deals early this year! They’re showing cruises for two people to the Bahamas starting as low as $99 and other great deals like free guests and up to $300 on board credit.
Save up to 50% off and even lower rates for WOW Members for travel through December 2025. Reservations can be made here.
Related: Dude Ranch Glamping in Florida at Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo
2024 Info TBD.
2024 Info TBD
CityPASS is a ticket experience you can purchase online to enjoy multiple attractions across Tampa Bay. Here’s how it works: Tampa residents can purchase mobile or printable tickets and begin using the pass right away, or within one year of the purchase date.
Once you begin to use your CityPass, it’s good for a 9-day period. Each pass includes admission to five popular local attractions, including Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, MOSI, and more!
CityPASS is $144 per adult and $129 for kids ages 3-11.
Perched right along the beautiful Tampa Riverwalk lies the Tampa Museum of Art. Known for its exhibits and collections, this is a gorgeous local museum that all residents must visit at least once! And, it offers plenty of deals for college students and Florida Educators alike.
Regular admission is $25/adult, but if you’re military or a Florida educator, enjoy $10 off admission. And, if you’re a college student, your admission is FREE with proof of ID.
Also located along the Riverwalk is the Straz Center – home to stunning performances, bands, musicals, and more. Similar to the Tampa Museum of Art, the Straz offers an Educator Discount. If you’re a teacher or staff member from any local Tampa Bay area county, you can receive up to 50% off of two tickets for pre-selected shows! All you have to do is show your school system ID or pay stub.
All Tampa Bay area county educators are welcome and even homeschool teachers are eligible for this discount. Be sure to check the discounts page to see which shows are eligible.
We love an easy getaway to Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. Florida and Georgia residents can now get up to 20% off, $25 valet credit, and $50 resort credit to enhance your experience.
During their holiday sale, you can also receive a fourth night for free when you stay for three PLUS a $50 resort credit.
You don’t have to travel too far to find a bite of paradise. Located right on Rocky Point, Sailport Waterfront Suites boasts stunning views and great Florida Resident Deals! They have several special deals, including military and AAA.
Seeing a show at The Straz or want to head out for a night of bar hopping in SOHO? Make it a weekend staycation and check in to the Hilton Tampa Downtown. Discounts range from 17% off to double points, military rates, and upgrades.
Tradewinds offers several discounts for Florida residents including a special package if you stay 7 nights or more, dining packages, and more.
Cross the bridge and make your way to Sirata St. Pete Beach. Now, you can enjoy their newly renovated guest rooms and enjoy their Florida Resident deal. Prepare to relax and save 10% off room rates just for living in Florida.
Head down the beach and check into The Beachcomber. This stunning resort offers the perfect escape from all of life’s woes with gorgeous views of the Gulf and all the sunshine your body can take. Now, Florida Residents can getaway to The Beachcomber for up to 15% off regular room and suite rates. Please note that black-out dates and restrictions may apply, and proof of FL residency might be required upon check-in.
Also located on St. Pete Beach is the beautiful Hotel Zamora. And, luckily for us Florida Residents, we can reap the benefits of this stunning hotel at a discounted rate! Florida and Georgia Residents can save up to 33% off room rates and packages such as the bed and breakfast package. All you have to do is show proof of Florida residency and voila.
Head over to the Belleview Inn and check-in for a bit of history at this gorgeous, newly renovated resort.
During their holiday savings event, you can receive 15% off your stay for 3 nights or more between November 25-December 1 or during a 4 night booking between December 25 and January 1, 2025.
Head over to Clearwater Beach and enjoy the Sandpearl Resort or Opal Sands Resort. During their holiday sale, book 3 nights between November 25-December 1 and get the fourth night free plus a $75 resort credit or book 4 nights between December 20 and January 2, 2025 and get a fifth night free plus $150 resort credit.
Head over to Spa Sudeva for a day full of relaxation and for an escape from the troubles of reality. While this spa doesn’t offer a special Florida resident deal, they do offer a discount for Florida Military Members as well as Florida Educators – score! All you have to do is bring proof, mention your occupation, and save $15 on any treatment.
Similar to Spa Sudeva, Florida military members, police, fire/rescue, teachers, and medical professionals can save at Caribbean Mystique Spa. Bring proof of work and receive your Appreciation Perks Package. For a limited time, you can receive a free complimentary aromatherapy service.
Let’s not forget about all the fun in Orlando just down the road. Explore these Florida Resident Discounts in Orlando.
Despite assurances from officials that its grade will rise, Tampa General Hospital again earned a C grade in the latest hospital safety ratings released by Leapfrog, an independent nonprofit.The hospital earned low marks for MRSA and blood infections, surgical wounds that split open and sepsis complications after surgery. It also scored below average on the number of post surgery wound splits, blood leakage, collapsed lungs and blood clots. Other issues flagged include patient falls and responsiveness of hospital staff.The hosp...
Despite assurances from officials that its grade will rise, Tampa General Hospital again earned a C grade in the latest hospital safety ratings released by Leapfrog, an independent nonprofit.
The hospital earned low marks for MRSA and blood infections, surgical wounds that split open and sepsis complications after surgery. It also scored below average on the number of post surgery wound splits, blood leakage, collapsed lungs and blood clots. Other issues flagged include patient falls and responsiveness of hospital staff.
The hospital, the largest in the Tampa Bay region and its only designated Level I trauma center, has received a C grade in five of its past six Leapfrog assessments.
Officials said the hospital is consistently ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News and World Report and among the World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek. It has received two safety qualifications from the international accreditation organization DNV. The hospital in August was also recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
“Tampa General is leading the nation in groundbreaking innovations and breakthrough technologies, all of which contribute to greater patient safety, better patient outcomes and more lives saved,” said spokesperson Amanda Bevis in an email. “Unfortunately, this grade, which relies on data that is in some cases four years old, is not keeping up with our pace. We’re confident that in time, the grade will be a more accurate reflection of the world-class care we provide.”
The region’s other larger hospitals scored higher. St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg and HCA Florida Brandon Hospital all received an A grade.
Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg has risen from a D rating in 2021 to earn its second straight B grade. The upturn follows the purchase of the hospital in 2020 by Orlando Health, which led to a higher focus on quality and safety, said Chief Quality Officer Jim Tucker in an email.
“Between our team members genuinely caring about our community and the patients we serve, and our investment and commitment to providing quality care, we are proud to see our Leapfrog grade continue to reflect the improvements we’ve made,” he said.
Seventeen of AdventhHealth’s 25 Florida hospitals received an A grade. AdventHealth Tampa, the nonprofit’s largest hospital in the Tampa Bay region, earned a B.
“By maintaining a strong focus on safety, reducing hospital-acquired infections and minimizing clinical risks, our teams have built systems that prioritize quality care at every step,” said Raj Wadhawan, chief clinical officer of the AdventHealth West Florida Division.
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Nine of 11 BayCare Health System hospitals that were rated received an A.
“At BayCare, our commitment to patient safety is at the heart of everything we do,” said Laura Arline, BayCare’s chief quality officer in a statement. “(This) showcases our team’s dedication to providing the safest, highest-quality care to the patients in our communities.”
HCA Florida Citrus Hospital in Inverness received a second D grade this year. Areas of concern included MRSA and blood infections, surgical site infections after colon surgery, dangerous objects left in patient’s body, falls causing broken hips, discharge communication with patients and nursing and bedside care for patients.
Hospital officials said the Citrus hospital has a record of exceptional performance with other rating organizations. It was named by Healthgrades on its 2025 America’s 100 best hospitals for orthopedic surgery and 50 best hospitals for prostate surgery. The hospital’s heart and vascular programs was recognized by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons 3 Star award for two specialty heart procedures.
“We recognize the importance of measuring quality and patient safety and our physicians, nurses and colleagues are dedicated to providing exceptional care for our patients,” said spokesperson Katie Myers in an email.
Leapfrog has been rating and assessing hospitals for more than a decade in an effort to reduce deaths and injuries from hospital errors by publicly recognizing safety and exposing harm. It ranks more than 3,000 acute-care hospitals across the U.S. twice a year on how well they keep patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors, using more than 30 performance measures that hospitals report to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Overall, Florida hospitals ranked 13th in the nation for safety with 71 of 193 assessed hospitals earning an A.