Online Trademark Attorneys
Sausser Summers, PC
- Lower Cost
- Faster Process
- Experienced Trademark Attorneys
File a Trademark for $399 + $250 Government Filing Fee
Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Tulsa, OK
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 Tulsa, OK.
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.
Resources
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 Tulsa, OK, 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.
Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Tulsa, OK?
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.
Call
us (843) 654-0078Additional 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 Tulsa, OK.
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 Tulsa, OK 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.
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 Tulsa, OK, 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.
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 Tulsa, OK.
- 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 Attorneys Working Hard for You
Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.
With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.
If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.
Latest News in Tulsa, OK
Oklahoma softball run-rules Tulsa as Kierston Deal pitches no-hitter for Sooners
Ryan Aberhttps://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2024/04/16/ou-tulsa-score-updates-college-softball-today-big-12-oklahoma-sooners/73346205007/
Heading into Tuesday’s mid-week matchup with Tulsa at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, OU softball coach Patty Gasso gathered her te...
Heading into Tuesday’s mid-week matchup with Tulsa at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, OU softball coach Patty Gasso gathered her team for a talk.
She wanted to get them refocused after a rough stretch by their standards, dropping three Big 12 games over a pair of series.
The mindset Gasso spoke of in that meeting came through in starting pitcher Kierston Deal in the matchup with the Golden Hurricane.
The sophomore threw six no-hit innings as the No. 2 Sooners beat Tulsa 8-0 in six innings in front of 4,908.
“Couldn’t get any better, really,” Gasso said of Deal. “Stellar. Very good. Exactly what we needed right now.”
Deal (9-1) hasn’t been used as a starter in the last two conference series, as Gasso has opted to pitch Kelly Maxwell in the third game against Texas and BYU instead of Deal.
While Maxwell has been excellent, so has Deal.
Over her last 10 starts, Deal is now 9-0 with a 0.49 ERA in 43 innings.
Deal brushed off having a different mindset starting vs. coming on in relief.
“Pound the strike zone, get ahead and win every pitch,” Deal said. “Take it pitch by pitch.”
The Sooners (39-4, 15-3 Big 12) resume Big 12 play beginning at 6 p.m. Friday with the first of a three-game series against Houston at Love’s Field.
Here are three other takeaways from the win:
More:Is OU softball good enough to win another NCAA title? Here's what Patty Gasso says
Alyssa Brito, Rylie Boone help preserve the no-hitter
Tulsa’s Kailyn Bearpaw ripped a fly deep into the right field corner.
OU right fielder Rylie Boone raced into the corner and laid out for a diving catch.
The ball was close to the line, but whether or not it was fair, it helped move along Deal’s performance.
The only other serious challenge to Deal’s no-hitter came in the fifth, when third baseman Alyssa Brito dove to her left to snag Maci Cole’s liner.
“That was an amazing play,” Deal said. “And it’s crazy because she just acted like it was just a normal thing. … So just having those amazing athletes behind you and those players, I know I can just keep pounding the zone and they’re going to have my back.”
More:Relive OU softball's run to three straight WCWS titles with our 'Crimson Empire' book
Cydney Sanders finally gets something to hit
Before she dug in for her sixth-inning at-bat, Cydney Sanders got a visit from Boone.
“Well, you can’t get walked so be ready,” Boone told Sanders.
Sanders was.
She bashed Anneca Anderson’s 1-0 pitch over the right-center field for a grand slam, her 13th home run of the season.
Getting pitches to hit has been an issue over the last two games.
She drew walks in each of her first two plate appearances Tuesday after drawing three walks in Saturday’s series finale vs. BYU.
“I think her for putting that also in my mind before going up,” Sanders said.
Sanders’ home run was the big hit in the sixth, when the Sooners scored five to end the game.
After Sanders’ home run, Boone walked, moved to second on a hit-by-pitch two batters later and then came around to score on Tiare Jennings’ walk-off hit.
OU’s seniors well familiar with Hall of Fame Stadium
For the OU players that have been with the team since the 2021 season — Rylie Boone, Kinzie Hansen, Nicole May, Tiare Jennings and Jayda Coleman — there is no shortage of experience playing at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium.
Tuesday’s game was the 43rd in the stadium for the Sooners since the start of the 2021 season.
OU is 39-4 during that span — the only losses to Oklahoma State in the 2022 Big 12 Tournament, UCLA in that season’s Women’s College World Series and to James Madison and Florida State in the 2021 WCWS.
More:Is OU softball good enough to win another NCAA title? Here's what Patty Gasso says
OU softball live score updates vs. Tulsa
More:OU softball holds off BYU as Kelly Maxwell pitches Sooners to Big 12 series win
Bottom 6: Cydney Sanders’ grand slam blows game open
Cydney Sanders hadn’t yet recorded an at-bat when she dug into the box in the bottom of the sixth.
Sanders had drawn walks in the second and fourth innings.
But Tulsa had to come right at Sanders in the sixth.
With the bases loaded and nobody out, Sanders drilled Anneca Anderson’s 1-0 pitch just over the wall in right-center for a grand slam.
The home run was Sanders’ 13th of the season.
The grand slam was set up by a walk, a Golden Hurricane’s error, and then Avery Hodge’s pinch-hit single.
Bottom 3: Alyssa Brito’s triple sets up first run
Alyssa Brito reached out and sent a fly ball into short right field with one out in the third inning.
Tulsa right fielder Kailyn Bearpaw raced in and dove for the ball but it bounced past her, allowing Brito to keep racing around the bases.
Brito wound up at third for a triple — just the fourth of the season for the Sooners. Brito also had a triple Feb. 17 at McNeese State.
Tiare Jennings followed by drawing a walk before freshman Ella Parker put the first run on the board with a single.
Two batters later, Alynah Torres belted a two-run double to left-center to put the Sooners up 3-0 on Tulsa.
OU softball highlights vs. Tulsa
More:Get to know the 2024 Oklahoma Sooners softball team and schedule
What time does OU softball vs. Tulsa start?
More:Relive OU softball's run to three straight WCWS titles with our 'Crimson Empire' book
What channel is OU softball vs. Tulsa on today?
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
OU Softball: Kierston Deal's Outstanding Outing Fires No. 2 Oklahoma Past Tulsa
Ryan Chapmanhttps://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/ou-softball-kierston-deals-outstanding-outing-fires-no-2-oklahoma-past-tulsa
OKLAHOMA CITY — Kierston Deal hardly broke a sweat through the first four innings.Oklahoma’s sophomore pitcher retired the first 11 batters of Tuesday night’s contest at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, containing the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.Deal continued to cruise, firing the first no-hitter of her career to power the No. 2-ranked Sooners past Tulsa 8-0 in six innings.The left-hander struck out four Golden Hurricane batters, and the only two baserunners of the game came off a hit bat...
OKLAHOMA CITY — Kierston Deal hardly broke a sweat through the first four innings.
Oklahoma’s sophomore pitcher retired the first 11 batters of Tuesday night’s contest at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, containing the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
Deal continued to cruise, firing the first no-hitter of her career to power the No. 2-ranked Sooners past Tulsa 8-0 in six innings.
The left-hander struck out four Golden Hurricane batters, and the only two baserunners of the game came off a hit batter and a catcher’s interference in the fourth inning.
“Couldn’t get any better, really,” OU coach Patty Gasso said after the win. “Stellar, very good. Exactly what we needed right now. We had a little conversation, as a team yesterday, and KD really took it to heart and came in with a mindset of being a fighter and attack, attack the zone. You really felt that tonight.”
Cydney Sanders’ grand slam in the sixth punctuated the display for Oklahoma (39-4, 15-3 Big 12), denying Tulsa (25-17, 12-6 AAC) another monster in-state upset on the year.
Deal has made the midweek matchup her home in April.
Kelly Maxwell started both the first and third games against Texas and BYU, meaning Deal’s last Big 12 start came on March 30 against Kansas.
Despite playing reliever in conference play, Deal’s given Gasso no reason worry about any lack of focus.
Deal struck out nine batters against Wichita State last week, allowing just one hit in 5 1/3 innings, and she needed only 70 pitches to dispense of the Golden Hurricane Tuesday night.
“Just taking every opportunity and being present in the moment has helped me a lot,” Deal said. “Just being ready when my name is called… I feel like I take it in with the same mindset. Pound the strike zone, get ahead and win every pitch. Take it pitch by pitch.”
With Deal in full command, Oklahoma’s offense had plenty of time to adjust to Tulsa starter Kylee Nash.
WATCH: Oklahoma's postgame press conference with Patty Gasso, Kierston Deal and Cydney Sanders
The right-hander stranded a trio of Sooners on the bases in the first two innings, but OU broke the deadlock in the bottom of the third.
Alyssa Brito sparked the OU offense, bringing the crowd at Hall of Fame Stadium to their feet with a one-out triple after Jayda Coleman’s hard-hit line drive recorded the first out to open the frame.
Tiare Jennings then walked, and freshman Ella Parker opened the scoring with an RBI-single back up the middle.
With two outs, Alynah Torres bounced one to the wall in left-center field to clear the bases and extend Oklahoma’s advantage to 3-0.
Brito helped Deal keep the no-hitter intact in the fifth inning.
Tulsa's Maci Cole ripped a screamer that looked like it would split Brito and Jennings on the left side of the infield, but Brito dove and swiped the hit with a fantastic diving catch.
“That was an amazing play,” Deal said. “And it’s crazy because she just acted like it was just a normal thing… just having those amazing athletes behind you and those players, I know I can just keep pounding the zone and they’re going to have my back.”
The Sooners returned to finish the job in the sixth.
Riley Ludlam, pinch-hitting for Kinzie Hansen, drew a leadoff walk.
Torres appeared as if she might hit into a double-play, but a throwing error allowed both Ludlam and Torres to reach safely.
Avery Hodge capitalized with a single to load the bases up for Sanders’ blast that built the lead to 7-0.
Sanders always tries to take a simple approach to the plate, even if the result is a walk as opposed to a base hit.
“Just seeing a good pitch to hit,” she said. “Honestly I haven’t really gotten any recently. But just being ready. Staying ready for that pitch and swinging hard. I’ve been working on swinging hard lately so it worked out today.”
Rylie Boone then walked and Coleman nearly ended the game with an extra-base hit to bring in her outfield partner and end the contest, but Tulsa left fielder MacKenzie Denson made a nice catch near the wall to deny OU’s star center fielder.
Two batters later, Jennings closed out the win with an RBI-single.
Brito finished the game 2-for-3 at the plate, and Sanders finished 1-for-1 with a pair of walks to go with her grand slam.
The Sooners will return to conference play this weekend. Oklahoma hosts the Houston Cougars for a three-game set at Love’s Field starting on Friday at 6 p.m. The series-opener will be broadcast on ESPN+.
State, City Leaders Get Their Kicks On Route 66, Ready For The 2024 Route 66 Road Fest
Jayden Brannonhttps://www.news9.com/story/661ef9b6f52a4306463d9dcb/state-city-leaders-get-their-kicks-on-route-66-ready-for-the-2024-route-66-road-fest
Route 66 is gearing up to turn 100 years old and several city and state leaders are ready to celebrate with the Route 66 Road Fest. While the Route 66 Centennial isn't until 2026, several city and state leaders were excited to get their kicks on the 2024 Route 66 Road Fest. One of the most iconic roads in the world can be found right here in Tulsa.Route 66 is gearing up to turn 100 years old and several city and state leaders are ready to celebrate with the Route 66 Road Fest.While the Route 66 Centennial isn't until ...
Route 66 is gearing up to turn 100 years old and several city and state leaders are ready to celebrate with the Route 66 Road Fest. While the Route 66 Centennial isn't until 2026, several city and state leaders were excited to get their kicks on the 2024 Route 66 Road Fest.
One of the most iconic roads in the world can be found right here in Tulsa.
Route 66 is gearing up to turn 100 years old and several city and state leaders are ready to celebrate with the Route 66 Road Fest.
While the Route 66 Centennial isn't until 2026, several city and state leaders were excited to get their kicks on the 2024 Route 66 Road Fest.
"66 days to Road Fest," said Ken Busby with the Route 66 Alliance, and no, the number wasn't a coincidence.
City and State leaders met at Mother Road Market, one of Tulsa's Route 66 landmarks, to celebrate the official countdown.
"We see those historic Route 66 brown signs, and we wonder, 'Well what does Route 66 really mean?' This is telling the story of Route 66 and you can learn about all of that history in one place," said Lieutenant Governor, Matt Pinnell.
Oklahoma is home to the most miles any one state has of the historic road. In fact, Route 66's creator, Cyrus Avery, spent most of his life in Tulsa. "The old 11th street bridge, now the Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge, if it weren't for that, the road most likely would not have come through Oklahoma," Busby said.
Lots of people in town were determined to keep his legacy alive, "it's a living breathing monument to a time gone by but that is still relevant today and will take us into the future," said Busby.
The annual Route 66 Road Fest has a classic car show, mini golf with the mother road's landmarks, and more, but not only is it fun, but it also pours into the local economy. "Half of all sales tax collected inside the state of Oklahoma comes from cities that have a portion of Route 66, so you know it's the most famous road in the entire world," Lt. Governor Pinnell said.
The 2024 Route 66 Road Fest is happening June 22nd and 23rd at the SageNet Center.
Commission candidates say third candidate can't run; election panel disagrees
Max Bryanhttps://www.publicradiotulsa.org/local-regional/2024-04-16/commission-candidates-say-third-candidate-cant-run-election-panel-disagrees
The Tulsa County Election Board ruled Tuesday that a county commissioner candidate can run for office after his two primary challengers argued he legally couldn’t.Democratic District 2 commissioner candidate James Rea moved into the district right at the Oct. 2, 2023 residential deadline. State law says a candidate must permanently live in the district where they file to run for office.Fellow Democratic candidate Maria Barnes filed a petition with the help of candidate Sarah Gray that argued a homestead tax exemption Rea ...
The Tulsa County Election Board ruled Tuesday that a county commissioner candidate can run for office after his two primary challengers argued he legally couldn’t.
Democratic District 2 commissioner candidate James Rea moved into the district right at the Oct. 2, 2023 residential deadline. State law says a candidate must permanently live in the district where they file to run for office.
Fellow Democratic candidate Maria Barnes filed a petition with the help of candidate Sarah Gray that argued a homestead tax exemption Rea filed in 2020 indicates he still considers District 3 home. Records show the exemption — which requires the recipient to live in the listed property — renewed in February 2024.
Tulsa County Assistant District Attorney Doug Pewitt determined Barnes’ argument was irrelevant to whether Rea met the required deadlines and criteria to run for the commissioner seat.
Election commissioners didn’t question if Rea owned the house at the residential deadline. Rather, they questioned if it was his primary residence, and questioned his intention to live in it.
Rea told the election commission under oath that he met deadlines to change his residence as soon as he could, such as applying for a new driver's license.
“That’s all that’s required,” Rea's attorney Laurie Phillips argued. “It doesn’t matter if he’s lived there for 20 years, or it doesn’t matter if he’s lived there for one day.”
“I believe we’ve got the merits are on our side,” Rea said after the hearing. “If they want to appeal, I feel confident that we’d prevail again.”
Gray said she would support Barnes' decision to appeal if she decided to do so. Gray argued in their closing remarks that Rea ostensibly not telling the county assessor about his address change in connection with the tax exemption “solidifies” their position.
“When there’s such serious questions regarding his actual residency and his actual intent to reside, we think that’s something worth exploring,” she said, arguing that having legal representation could help her and Barnes’ case if they choose to appeal.
Gray said the petition has "nothing" to do with the number of candidates in the Democratic primary.
"It has everything to do with the fact that there are candidates, including Ms. Barnes and myself, who have been residents of this district, and we meet all the requirements. And we just want to make sure we're running against folks who had to meet the same requirements that we had to," she said.
Rea is the District 2 deputy commissioner for current commissioner Karen Keith, who is stepping down to run for mayor of Tulsa.
Disclaimer:
