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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The tequila industry has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the global spirits market. Premium brands like Casamigos and Don Julio command high prices and enjoy strong consumer demand, built on a promise of authenticity and quality. That promise is now under intense legal scrutiny. On May 5, 2025, […]
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 […]
Being served with a lawsuit is among the most stressful and disruptive events a small or midsize business (SMB) can face. Legal disputes often arise with little warning and immediate consequences. It may be tempting to try to handle the matter yourself. However, business litigation is not something most business […]