What is the Supplemental Register for U.S. Federal Trademark and Service Mark Registration?

August 9, 2013.Reading time 7 minutes.

The Federal Trademark Register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has two sections: the Principal Register and the Supplemental Register. The vast majority of the time, a trademark applicant applies for registration the Principal Register. The Supplemental Register is reserved for marks that are currently “nondistinctive” in the eyes of the USPTO (or […]

Safe Deposit Box: Best Place to Keep a Will?

August 6, 2013.Reading time 13 minutes.

A safe deposit box seems like the perfectly logical place to store a will and other estate planning documents. They are probably the most important documents we will ever have, so shouldn’t they be kept in the safest place? But is it a safety deposit box the best place? Or should you keep it in […]

Not so Easy: How to Choose a Name or Design for Your Future Trademark or Service Mark

June 26, 2013.Reading time 5 minutes.

Intending to name your business and obtain a federal trademark or service mark registration for the name? Just choose a name or design that reflects your passion, search the USPTO database to see that it’s free and (application in hand) you’re on the path to registration, right? Not so fast. How easy it will be […]

Founding Your Nonprofit: Incorporation and Tax Exemption

June 10, 2013.Reading time 3 minutes.

Taking a nonprofit from a dream to a viable entity involves weeding through the state incorporation and federal tax exemption process. Would-be founders of a nonprofit often find this a daunting marathon rather than a quick sprint. Indeed, there are many steps to be followed (with the proverbial “i” dotting and “t” crossing) and a […]

My Biggest Risk, Finding My Core – One Year Later

April 30, 2013.Reading time 9 minutes.

One year ago today, I walked out the doors for the last time of a safe, stable and seven-year long job. It wasn’t a bad job, all things considered. I learned a tremendous amount, made some good friends and enjoyed the challenge of being under fire from time to time. There were major and petty annoyances, like any other job, but it was fine. The ubiquitous “fine”.

Lawyers’ Fees Be Damned. Why Can’t I Just Use LegalZoom?

March 28, 2013.Reading time 11 minutes.

At some point, just about every lawyer is asked this question by a client or friend. Why do I need to pay lawyers’ fees to create my LLC, file my trademark, draft my will, etc.? I like to keep things simple. Why can’t I just use LegalZoom or another self-service documentation provider? [Note: This post was […]

A Yo-Yo By Any Other Name

February 12, 2013.Reading time 5 minutes.

A yo-yo by any other name…. I had never intended to follow up with another trademark post so soon, but I received some comments to the prior post that behoove me to do just that! Today, the topic is genericide and, as I said in a Facebook post last month, “no, that’s not a typo.” […]