Following up on my What’s the Difference Between a Trademark, a Copyright, and a Patent? blog post, someone asked, “Do I automatically get copyright protection when I create something?” And the short answer is yes – sort of. Automatic Protection In the United States, copyright protection attaches automatically to original […]
When you receive notice that an administrative complaint, notice to show cause, or other charging document has been filed against your license, your first instinct may not be to reach out to your customers. After all, telling your customers that your livelihood is at risk can feel counterintuitive. But in […]
Clients often want to know how long it takes to register a trademark. The short answer is that it can take anywhere from a few months to several years. The good news is that many of the variables affecting how long it takes for a trademark application to mature to […]
For many small and mid sized business owners, the promise of automation, artificial intelligence, and passive income can seem like the next logical step in scaling operations or diversifying revenue. Unfortunately, these aspirations are increasingly targeted by bad actors offering fraudulent “AI powered” business opportunities. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) […]
You see them all the time, ™ © ®, but what do they mean? Let’s start with the © symbol since it’s not like the other two. The © symbol is part of a statutory copyright notice pursuant to 17 U.S.C.§ 401(b)(1). Prior to March 1, 1989, copyright notices were […]
Oftentimes, the first step in starting a new business is coming up with a name. Not just any name, but a name that uniquely identifies your business. If that name is already someone else’s trademark, that could have serious consequences for you and your business. Not only could consumers get […]
I’m often asked, ‘When should I apply to register my business name as a trademark?’ Like with buying real estate, the best time was yesterday; the second-best time is today. That’s because trademark rights are based on priority of continuous use, and the sooner you register your trademark, the earlier […]
Many business owners are confused about the differences between trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Understanding how each works is the first step toward creating and protecting your intellectual property portfolio. What’s a Trademark? A trademark is the most common, and often the most useful, intellectual property right that small and medium-sized […]
Protected Series LLC Florida’s new Protected Series LLC law, passed under CS/SB 316 and CS/HB 403, which took effect on July 1, 2026, introduces a powerful option for business owners looking to separate liabilities and streamline operations within a single legal entity. Modeled after the Uniform Protected Series Act, this […]
CHOICE Act Florida’s new CHOICE Act, as provided under Section 542.43, Florida Statutes, took effect on July 1, 2025. The Act represents a major shift in how businesses can structure post-employment restrictions for key employees. Short for “Creating Honorable Opportunities and Incentives for Career Employment,” the CHOICE Act expands the […]