Sausser Summers, PC

Providing U.S. trademark services throughout the U.S. and across the globe.

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File a Trademark for $399 + $250 Government Filing Fee

Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Washington, DC

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 Washington, DC.

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

Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the U.S. Trademark Process

Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.

Using a trademark attorney for filing in Washington, DC, 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.

Online Trademark Attorney Washington, DC

The bottom line?

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

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Washington, DC?

It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.

The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

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Additional Benefits of Using a Trademark Attorney

Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:

Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.

Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.

Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.

Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.

Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.

Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.

Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.

Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.

What About Online Filing Services?

Online services, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in Washington, DC.

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

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

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Call us (843) 654-0078

Steps to Renew Your Trademark

Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.

During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.

After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.

It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.

By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in Washington, DC, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Abandonment

In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Inappropriate Licensing

In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.

How to Avoid Having to Refile Your Trademark

If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.

To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.

It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.

Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.

What Makes an Online Trademark Attorney Great?

At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.

When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.

Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.

In summary:

Be sure you're using a licensed trademark attorney helping clients in Washington, DC.
It's best to work with a trademark lawyer who has years of experience filing trademarks.
Ensure that your trademark lawyer is willing to provide ongoing notifications relating to your trademark application process.

Trademark Registration Lawyer Washington, DC

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.

Billings residents still make trip to Washington, D.C. despite canceled events

A Billings woman, her son, and two of her friends were all set to watch President Trump's inauguration.But weather forced the ceremony and parade indoors and they decided to go anyway.They no longer had the good seats, but they still wanted to experience an American tradition.Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to Donald John Trump for President of the United States.“It was just a surreal moment to see him take the oath today with (Vice-President) J.D. Vance,” said Hertha Voorhis...

A Billings woman, her son, and two of her friends were all set to watch President Trump's inauguration.

But weather forced the ceremony and parade indoors and they decided to go anyway.

They no longer had the good seats, but they still wanted to experience an American tradition.

Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to Donald John Trump for President of the United States.

“It was just a surreal moment to see him take the oath today with (Vice-President) J.D. Vance,” said Hertha Voorhis.

Vooris did not watch the inauguration the way she had planned.

But the staff for U.S. Sen. Steve Daine, R-Mont., hosted a watch party for about 50 from Montana.

“There was also Democratic supporters as well,” said Rush Voorhis, Hertha’s son.”There were supporters from each side of the aisle. It was kind of cool to see everyone embrace the moment, for sure.”

Rush grew up in Billings and now lives in Australia.

“So I've always voted for Donald Trump, but I've just never been a Trumpster, like my Mom,” Rush said. “Still a supporter. Just not a very in-depth supporter.

Rush says Australians show a great interest in U.S. elections and the presidential inauguration.

“They're very tuned in with the fact that the United States kind of, you know, runs the world a little bit,” Rush said. “The United States dollar is a very important thing, dictates a lot of the world's economy. So it's a very important thing, and people are very tuned in for sure.”

The Voorhises and their friends have seen interest from around the world in the capital city of the United States this week.

“Lots of people from even outside of the U.S.A.," Hertha said. "China, and there was a Hungarian couple. They were all here because they support President Trump so much.”

"Being there with people who, who cared very deeply about it, so it was a very real moment for sure,” Rush said.

Pedicabs and long johns: How D.C. visitors braved Inauguration Day’s cold and congestion

Traffic was a nightmare around Capital One Arena Monday night.WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Traffic around Capital One Arena was a nightmare Monday night, with gridlock making travel nearly impossible within a one-mile radius. The streets were packed with honking cars and flashing brake lights.Among those who found themselves stuck in the thick of things was Jana Landry, a visitor from Louisiana who had traveled to D.C. for the inauguration."I left home and it was 77 degrees, so this is a big change for us," she ...

Traffic was a nightmare around Capital One Arena Monday night.

WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Traffic around Capital One Arena was a nightmare Monday night, with gridlock making travel nearly impossible within a one-mile radius. The streets were packed with honking cars and flashing brake lights.

Among those who found themselves stuck in the thick of things was Jana Landry, a visitor from Louisiana who had traveled to D.C. for the inauguration.

"I left home and it was 77 degrees, so this is a big change for us," she told WUSA9.

Despite the cold weather and long delays, Landry was in good spirits.

"I got long johns on, 'Geaux Tigers!' I have an electric vest battery-packed and pocket warmers," Landry said.

"So you're prepared?" she was asked.

"Yes, thanks to Costco," she replied with a smile.

Landry had initially planned to attend the inauguration, but the event was moved indoors due to the frigid temperatures. Still, she made the best of it, saying, "I'm having a wonderful time. First time in Washington, D.C., and what better time to come than to see my president."

While many chose to brave the cold in their vehicles, others found alternative modes of transportation.

Some advice: Don’t try to drive anywhere near Capital One Arena unless you enjoy the sounds of sirens and honking ????@wusa9 pic.twitter.com/qKGA9RDPpo
— ???????????????????? ???????????????????? (@KatieLusso) January 21, 2025

As some like Landry waited for their Ubers, others opted for pedicabs.

"It's like a crazy busy day," said one pedicab driver who barely had time to chat as he dropped off passengers.

When asked if the road closures and crowds were good for business, he replied with a smile, "Of course!"

Pedicab drivers were seen rushing through the streets, picking up passengers in tuxedos and gowns, many shivering as they hurried to various balls and inauguration parties across the city.

For others, walking was the only option.

"There's no parking. You have to stop your car and still walk," said Phylis, a visitor also in town for the inauguration. "It's so typical of inauguration, so it doesn't shock me, but it's so freezing."

Despite the challenges posed by the weather and traffic, many visitors were determined to make the most of their inauguration experience.

Trump targets telework, federal workers in first executive orders

President Donald Trump’s first act on his return to the White House was to sign executive orders that called for a federal hiring freeze and the return of government workers back to the office.He did it during the indoor inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena in D.C. The parade moved indoors due to frigid temperatures in the area.“I’m revoking nearly 80 disruptive, radical executive actions of the previous administration, they’ll ...

President Donald Trump’s first act on his return to the White House was to sign executive orders that called for a federal hiring freeze and the return of government workers back to the office.

He did it during the indoor inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena in D.C. The parade moved indoors due to frigid temperatures in the area.

“I’m revoking nearly 80 disruptive, radical executive actions of the previous administration, they’ll all be null and void within about, what, five minutes?” Trump said, followed by the signing of the first round of executive orders before a jubilant crowd of his supporters Monday night.

He issued a temporary hiring freeze “to ensure that we’re only hiring competent people who are faithful to the American public,” and he’s pausing the hiring of any new IRS agents and is requiring the return of federal workers to the office.

Here is a list of other orders Trump signed.

Before Trump took the podium, headline speakers such as Elon Musk, Kash Patel and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin touted the imminent return of America’s glory days, when they claimed housing was affordable, cities were safe and the country was at the forefront of innovation.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we stand here on the dawn of a new age, where life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are available to every American,” Youngkin said.

Musk, who’s poised to play a unique role alongside the Trump administration as head of the new Department of Government Efficiency, said he’s ready to start the work of slashing the federal government’s budget through potential job and program cuts.

“I’m going to work my ass off for you guys, I really will. I’m super fired up for the future, it’s going to be very exciting. As the president said, we’re going to have a golden age,” Musk said, before leaving the stage and raising his hand in a gesture that drew outrage from critics on social media.

Musk has been active on X since his speech, posting and reposting clips of his remarks, but hasn’t addressed the gesture, which critics said resembled a Nazi salute, as of 5 p.m.

WTOP’s Scott Gelman spoke with several attendees who left the rally early because they had inaugural balls to get to on Monday night. The attendees told WTOP it was a great atmosphere, and that they were just excited to be part of a historic day.

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WTOP's Scott Gelman reports outside Capital One Arena during President Donald Trump's inaugural rally.

More inauguration news

Eager attendees brave freezing temps ahead of indoor parade

Excitement had been building outside the arena Monday morning, when WTOP’s Luke Lukert reported lines to enter snaked five to seven blocks. He said some people eager to see Trump began lining up at the venue at 11 p.m. Sunday.

Elizabeth, of West Virginia, said she got in line at 3 a.m. on Monday.

“It’s kind of a bucket list thing to see him take the oath, and we’re going to come and celebrate him,” she told WTOP. “That’s the least we can do — standing out in cold weather is nothing compared to what he’s given up.”

There was a bit of a hang-up for many entrants at security checkpoints, as officials indicated bags were prohibited from the modified inaugural parade.

Screenings, which started at 7 a.m., prompted those attending to leave a trove of bags along the checkpoint perimeter.

WTOP’s Scott Gelman reported that as the rally was happening inside the arena, workers with D.C.’s Department of Public Works were working to clear the area around it, “dumping purses and chairs and all sorts of stuff that was lying just in the middle of the street, that was not allowed to be brought in through the security checkpoint — basically your traditional garbage pickup truck.”

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Thomas Robertson is an Associate Producer and Web Writer/Editor at WTOP. After graduating in 2019 from James Madison University, Thomas moved away from Virginia for the first time in his life to cover the local government beat for a small daily newspaper in Zanesville, Ohio.

Several DC-area school districts announce closings, delays for Tuesday

Several school districts in the D.C. area are reporting closings and delays for Tuesday as freezing temperatures grip the region.Northern Virginia school closings and delays for Tuesday, Jan. 21:Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late Tuesday, as will FCPS full-day preschool (special education) and Early Head Start/PreK classes. Morning preschool (special education) classes are cancele...

Several school districts in the D.C. area are reporting closings and delays for Tuesday as freezing temperatures grip the region.

Northern Virginia school closings and delays for Tuesday, Jan. 21:

Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late Tuesday, as will FCPS full-day preschool (special education) and Early Head Start/PreK classes. Morning preschool (special education) classes are canceled; afternoon preschool will start at its regular time. Morning field trips and morning transportation for high school academy classes are canceled. Transportation will be provided for academy classes that start after 12:45 p.m. Adult High School and GED courses will start two hours late. Adult and Community Education (ACE) classes will start on time. Homebound and home-based instruction will begin at 10 a.m. School Age Child Care (SACC) centers will open at 8 a.m. Central Office employees may report two hours later than their regular scheduled time but no later than 10 a.m.

Fauquier County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday. Essential personnel are expected to report at 8 a.m. Administrative offices will open at 10 a.m.

Loudoun County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday. Administrative offices will open at 10 a.m. Scheduled activities on school campuses may be allowed after 4 p.m.; an announcement on those is expected by noon Tuesday, school district officials said.

Maryland school delays for Tuesday, Jan. 21:

Montgomery County Public Schools will open two hours late Tuesday, as will MCPS offices. Emergency personnel should report on time and follow guidelines for work on delayed openings; 12-month Transportation, Food Services and Department of Maintenance and Operations staff also should report on time. Before-school and childcare programs will open two hours late. Field trips and other activities and programs that begin at 10:30 a.m. or earlier are canceled. Infant and Toddler appointments scheduled before 10 a.m. are canceled; services scheduled after 10 a.m. will happen as scheduled. AM PreK/Head Start and AM PreK Special Education programs are canceled. PM PreK/Head Start and PM PreK Special Education programs will begin at their regular times.

Prince George's County Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay Tuesday due to low temperatures and icy conditions, school district officials said. PGCPS offices also will open two hours late. Emergency personnel must report on time and are not eligible for liberal leave. All athletic games and facility use are canceled. Extracurricular activities and practices are allowed until 6 p.m., but no bus transportation will be provided.

See more closings and delays here.

See weather alerts here.

Watch: Donald Trump hosts victory rally at Washington DC ahead of presidential inauguration

Support NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical...

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From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

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Warning: The following livestream has not been independently fact-checked and may contain misinformation.

Watch again as Donald Trump hosted the “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” at Washington on Sunday (19 January), the day before his presidential inauguration.

President-elect Trump took a victory lap at the campaign-style rally at the Capital One Arena.

It was also Trump’s first major speech in Washington since he urged his supporters to march on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

The rally featured performances from Kid Rock and The Village People, and speeches from the President-elect, Elon Musk, Megyn Kelly, and Vice President-elect JD Vance

The president-elect, Melania Trump, and their son, Barron Trump, arrived in the D.C. area on Saturday evening and traveled to Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia, to watch a fireworks display.

Earlier in the day, thousands of protesters marched to the Lincoln Memorial echoing the demonstrations of eight years ago when Trump first assumed office. While the numbers are smaller, protesters are keen to show they have not gone away.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.

Online Trademark Attorneys

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