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 Tucson, AZ.
At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with U.S. trademark filing, U.S. trademark responses, and U.S. trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.
Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.
Using a trademark attorney for filing in Tucson, AZ, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The U.S. government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.
In terms of filing a U.S. trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:
1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.
2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the U.S. Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.
3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your U.S. trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.
The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.
The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.
Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:
Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.
Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.
Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.
Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.
Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.
Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.
Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.
Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.
Online services, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in Tucson, AZ.
Although online filing services offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. Online filing services' disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, online filing services cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.
In other words, online filing services can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.
For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.
Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Tucson, AZ can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.
The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.
Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.
During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.
After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.
It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.
By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in Tucson, AZ, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.
In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.
In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.
If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.
To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.
It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.
Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.
It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.
When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.
Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.
In summary:
Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.
With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.
If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.
TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Miracle En El Barrio has become a Tucson holiday tradition for more than two decades now, operating an annual toy drive that makes sure kids on the Southside receive at least one Christmas present.For the second December in a row, our KGUN 9 monthly Giving Project is featuring this homegrown nonprofit to help organizers meet that need again.Steve Nunez began Miracle En El Barrio after seeing firsthand a need on the Southside of Tucson."Over the years we've given toys to more than 42,000 ...
TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Miracle En El Barrio has become a Tucson holiday tradition for more than two decades now, operating an annual toy drive that makes sure kids on the Southside receive at least one Christmas present.
For the second December in a row, our KGUN 9 monthly Giving Project is featuring this homegrown nonprofit to help organizers meet that need again.
Steve Nunez began Miracle En El Barrio after seeing firsthand a need on the Southside of Tucson.
"Over the years we've given toys to more than 42,000 kids—many who otherwise may not have received a toy for Christmas," Nunez tells me.
Last year's drive served an estimated 2,000 children, despite rain at the annual giveaway at St. John's on Ajo Way and South 12th Avenue.
A KGUN 9 reporter at the time, Nunez found his inspiration for Miracle En El Barrio covering another Christmas toy giveaway—Miracle on 31st Street—put on by the late Ramon Gonzalez.
"He would open up his house to collect toys and by some miracle, usually after our news coverage, the community would come together and donate toys. He would open up his house, block off the street, and give toys to all the kids in the area," Nunez recalled.
"That just inspired me because, I can't say every Christmas was like that, but I know the feeling," he said.
That feeling for Nunez led to the first Miracle En El Barrio toy giveaway in 2002. That first year, Nunez played the role of Santa, handing out toys to about 500 kids.
Last year, despite the rain and cold, more than 2,000 kids received presents from an upgraded Santa Claus.
"If they didn't give up, we weren't going to give up. We were soaking wet. But you know what? We made sure every child in line got a toy."
As Nunez collects toys and monetary donations ahead of the December 21 toy giveaway, he tells me the goal of Miracle En El Barrio remains the same.
"The most important part is just making sure we put a smile on their face. That's what we're counting. The reward of giving them something: Not just a toy, but hope."
This year's Miracle En El Barrio Toy Giveaway will take place the morning of Saturday, Dec. 21 at St. John's, 602 W. Ajo Way.
Toy donations can be dropped off at any Pyramid Federal Credit Union or Nova Home Loan branch.
Pyramid Federal Credit Union locations are open Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
If you'd like to make a monetary donation to this year's Miracle En El Barrio, the nonprofit is accepting donations through Venmo. In the Venmo platform, search for @MiracleEnElBarrio, or follow the instructions in the flier below.
Your Giving Project donation qualifies for Arizona's charitable tax credit.
Our partners in the Giving Project, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, will again match the first $500 in donations.
——-Pat Parris is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9. He is a graduate of Sabino High School where he was the 1982 high school state track champion in the 800 meters. While in high school and college, he worked part-time in the KGUN 9 newsroom. Share your story ideas and important issues with Pat by emailing [email protected] or by connecting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Twinkling lights, saguaros wearing Santa hats, full parking lots near the Winterhaven neighborhood — it must be the holiday season in Tucson. ????Here's where to see the sparkling lights this year.If you've taken a stroll through downtown Tucson recently, you may have noticed the whopping 105 trees wrapped in twinkling lights. Over 60 downtown buildings are also sporting LED lights. Head to Jácome Plaza and you'll find a 36-foot Christmas tree glittering against the Main Library. Downtown Tucson Partnership is also...
Twinkling lights, saguaros wearing Santa hats, full parking lots near the Winterhaven neighborhood — it must be the holiday season in Tucson. ????
Here's where to see the sparkling lights this year.
If you've taken a stroll through downtown Tucson recently, you may have noticed the whopping 105 trees wrapped in twinkling lights. Over 60 downtown buildings are also sporting LED lights. Head to Jácome Plaza and you'll find a 36-foot Christmas tree glittering against the Main Library. Downtown Tucson Partnership is also running a contest to see who can snap the prettiest photo of the tree!
When: The tree will remain lit through Jan. 5; the photo contest closes Jan. 2
Where: Downtown Tucson. Christmas tree is at Jácome Plaza, 101 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights is here! Find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music, a giant gingerbread house and visits from Santa Claus.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5-23; encore nights are Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2-5
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $14 for general admission; $9 for kids ages 2-14. Bring a donation of two cans of food, a pet toy, an unwrapped children's toy or non-functioning holiday lights to recycle and receive $1 off admission.
Visit the event page for more information.
Stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens where there will be luminaria displays and 1 million twinkling lights.
When: 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Jan. 12; closed Christmas
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $23 and up, depending on the day
Visit the event page for more information.
Ring in the holiday season at Marana's holiday festival and Christmas tree lighting. Snap a photo with Santa, order food from one of 30 food vendors, watch live performances, shop from artisans, plus enjoy lots of kid-friendly activities like crafts, train rides and inflatables. At 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Marana will light their 45-foot Christmas tree.
After the initial tree lighting, Marana will have nightly light shows that include 13 minutes of holiday music synchronized to 200,000 twinkling lights. You can walk up to the tree or listen to the show from your car by tuning into the radio station listed on signage.
When: 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 for the festival; 6-9 p.m. on the half hour nightly through Dec. 28 for the light shows
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money to the festival for food and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Check out more than 150 Southern Arizona artists at this two-day festival, all while enjoying performances, a marching band parade, carolers, food trucks, art activities and the lighting of Oro Valley's tree, which features over 1,000 handcrafted gold ornaments.
When: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The tree lighting is 6:15 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Walk through a wonderland of lights at Tohono Chul all while enjoying live entertainment, vendors, crafts and visits with Santa.
When: 6-9 p.m. Begins Saturday, Dec. 7 and runs Thursdays-Sundays until Dec. 22.
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: $25 for adults, $10 for kids ages 4-12
Visit the event page for more information.
A holiday tradition for 75 years, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights makes its return on Dec. 14. Walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays.
When: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 14-28. There are no drive-thru nights.
Where: Winterhaven neighborhood; north of Fort Lowell Road and south of Prince Road, west of Country Club Road and east of Tucson Boulevard.
Cost: Free to attend, bring a donation for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucsonans line the streets to watch the annual Downtown Parade of Lights as it snakes through the Armory Park area with its hundreds of participants, floats and twinkling lights.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Armory Park area, see the route here.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Our coverage on things to do is supported by Children's Museum Tucson:
CMOV@TC has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul, teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert!
What does "supported by" mean? Click here to learn more.
There are over 500 cities across the world with a population greater than 1 million people. And every year for the past 10 years, Resonance Consultancy, a real estate and tourism consulting firm, has released a report ranking the top 100.In the ...
There are over 500 cities across the world with a population greater than 1 million people. And every year for the past 10 years, Resonance Consultancy, a real estate and tourism consulting firm, has released a report ranking the top 100.
In the 2025 World's Best Cities report, two Arizona cities made the list, which is calculated using three broad categories: livability, lovability and prosperity.
Livability includes considerations like the density of bike trails and how apartment prices compare to median family income. Lovability is based on the number of attractions like nightlife, shopping and restaurants above a certain rating on Tripadvisor. Prosperity considers statistics like the educational attainment of the city and what percentage of people who participate in the labor force.
London came in at No. 1, with New York City right behind it. Here's which Arizona cities made the list and why.
More:These 3 Arizona cities were named among the best places to retire in the US. But are they?
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Phoenix came in at No. 89 on the list, down from previous years. Phoenix was No. 49 in 2020, No. 55 in the 2021 report and No. 88 in 2023.
The report cited Phoenix's high affordability ranking and thriving art and museum scene as reasons for the ranking. Phoenix's fine dining scene also got a shout-out, with the report naming Sam Fox's new hotel and the Arizona Biltmore, among others, as standouts.
"A growing roster of fine museums, a vibrant artist community and 300 days of sunshine make the city buzz like never before (failed NHL hockey team be damned)," the report read.
With a population of just over 1 million, Tucson is one of the smallest cities on the global list. And yet, it's ranked No. 77 for its "bold city leadership and placemaking."
Tucson's status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, its national parks and its historic districts are all given as reasons for the ranking. Iconic chefs like Don Guerra of Barrio Bread and Maria Mazon of BOCA Tacos y Tequila are name-dropped, as well as efforts to reopen the historic Teatro Carmen.
"Fast-growing Tucson is getting its sun-kissed, well-toned arms around its distinct sense of place," the report read.
Of the U.S. cities on the global list, Tucson is No. 28 and Phoenix is No. 38.
Reach the reporter at [email protected]. Follow @Reialirui on X.
Phoenix's dining scene is growing:Booming Taiwanese restaurant scene serves TSMC workers a taste of home
Tucson, AZ (December 2, 2024) – Emergency responders were called to the scene of a vehicle collision with injuries at the intersection of I-19 Bus N and E Valencia Rd early Monday morning. The crash was reported at approximately 7:53 AM, with initial details suggesting the incident occurred at a different location along the I-19 Business Route. However, it was later confirmed that the crash took place at the intersection of I-19 Bus N and E Valencia Rd. Emergency Responders from Tucson quickly arrived to assess the situation, pr...
Tucson, AZ (December 2, 2024) – Emergency responders were called to the scene of a vehicle collision with injuries at the intersection of I-19 Bus N and E Valencia Rd early Monday morning. The crash was reported at approximately 7:53 AM, with initial details suggesting the incident occurred at a different location along the I-19 Business Route. However, it was later confirmed that the crash took place at the intersection of I-19 Bus N and E Valencia Rd. Emergency Responders from Tucson quickly arrived to assess the situation, providing care to those injured in the collision. Medics and fire crews worked swiftly to assist victims, and at least one person was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
The collision caused significant damage to the vehicles involved, and debris from the crash was scattered across the roadway, leading to partial blockages and traffic delays. Authorities have secured the scene, and the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Early reports suggest that the accident may have been caused by a failure to yield or possible driver distraction, but law enforcement is reviewing all evidence, including witness statements and video footage from nearby cameras.
Traffic in the area was rerouted to ensure the safety of both responders and motorists while crews worked to clear the wreckage. No reports have indicated that pedestrians or nearby property were involved in the crash.
Intersections along busy highways, such as I-19 Bus N and E Valencia Rd, are often sites for vehicle collisions due to high traffic volumes and the nature of the roadways. Accidents on such roads, particularly during the morning rush hour, can result in significant delays and serious injuries. While the exact cause of this crash is still under investigation, common factors such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield could have contributed to the incident.
Local authorities continue to monitor and improve traffic safety along highways like the I-19 Business Route. Measures to enhance road infrastructure, improve signage, and promote safe driving practices are part of ongoing efforts to reduce accidents in high-traffic areas. Despite these efforts, the risk of collisions remains, and it is crucial for all drivers to remain vigilant, follow traffic signals, and exercise caution when navigating busy intersections.
Tucson Fire and Rescue and other emergency teams continue to play a vital role in responding quickly to accidents like the one at I-19 Bus N and E Valencia Rd. Their swift actions in treating and transporting the injured help mitigate the impact of such incidents and ensure the timely clearing of roadways to restore normal traffic flow.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, Local Accident Reports is here to help. Our team is available to assist you in navigating the challenges that follow an accident, providing the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Contact Local Accident Reports today to learn how we can help you in your recovery process.