Online Trademark Attorneys
Sausser Summers, PC
- Lower Cost
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File a Trademark for $399 + $250 Government Filing Fee
Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Bournemouth Town, Dorset
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 Bournemouth Town, Dorset.
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.
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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 Bournemouth Town, Dorset, 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 Bournemouth Town, Dorset?
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 Bournemouth Town, Dorset.
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 Bournemouth Town, Dorset 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 Bournemouth Town, Dorset, 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 Bournemouth Town, Dorset.
- 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 Bournemouth Town, Dorset
MP says Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole need elected mayor
BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68005901
A Dorset MP says his area is missing out on vital investment because it does not have a directly elected mayor.Tobias Ellwood, Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, says Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole needs to be led by a "big personality" with vision.Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, led by the Three Towns Alliance, has refused to comment.Local government minister Simon Hoare said ministers would not be dictating to people what is best for their area.Mr Hoare said: "If the ma...
A Dorset MP says his area is missing out on vital investment because it does not have a directly elected mayor.
Tobias Ellwood, Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, says Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole needs to be led by a "big personality" with vision.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, led by the Three Towns Alliance, has refused to comment.
Local government minister Simon Hoare said ministers would not be dictating to people what is best for their area.
Mr Hoare said: "If the man from the ministry starts coming into town halls and county halls, lecturing what it should be, that's always a recipe for disaster."
Mr Ellwood told the BBC: "It's been a bumpy journey for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
"Things have settled but where's the big vision of where the area is going to go? Where's the big personality that could to drive this?"
Mr Ellwood denied his suggestion was motivated by the fact that BCP Council was led by a coalition which does not include Conservatives, saying it was instead due to the "absence of a vision and a strategy".
He said: "Many people are hard pushed to know who their local councillor is, let alone who the leader of the council is.
"I certainly believe we need a better cheerleader for the area. You could go to Westminster, demanding more funds."
Mr Hoare, who is also MP for North Dorset, said: "The whole levelling up agenda is not about what type of local government you have, it is about identifying need.
"Bids and suggestions for funding can be made by a county council or unitary council as much as it can be by a regional mayor so it's not so much about the individual, it's about what the application is talking about."
Peter Henley, BBC South Political Correspondent
They're celebrities - leading the charge, taking the flak.
The first directly elected mayor was in London, Ken Livingstone, later followed of course by Boris Johnson.
As the cheerleader for a local area or a focus of criticism for things people want done better, they get listened to more perhaps than the usual Leader and cabinet format of local authorities.
There are 24 directly elected mayors in England - Labour's Andy Burnham in Manchester is one of the most prominent, covering an area where three million people live. In Birmingham a Conservative - former John Lewis boss Andy Street - does the job for a similar number of people.
Designed to connect better with the public, the idea of a mayor is remarkably unpopular. Only 17 of the referendums needed to bring in the post has there been a yes vote - 37 times people voted no - and three times where a mayor was established, people later voted to scrap the post.
Dorset has already seen big upheaval of local politics with the formation of two new mega councils. If it gets to a vote, will people see this as more costly meddling, or creating a simpler, smarter form of democracy for the future?
Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.
SEND: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole schools face 'terrifying' cuts
Emily Hudsonhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-67997385
By Emily HudsonBBC NewsSchools face "terrifying" cuts as part of a government rescue plan following overspending of a council's SEND budget, a teachers' union has warned. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has been asked to join the government's Safety Valve scheme as its deficit is predicted to be £63.4m.More than 2,000 people have signed a petition opposing school spending cuts.The government said Safety Valve was about using "available funding in the best way&qu...
By Emily Hudson
BBC News
Schools face "terrifying" cuts as part of a government rescue plan following overspending of a council's SEND budget, a teachers' union has warned.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has been asked to join the government's Safety Valve scheme as its deficit is predicted to be £63.4m.
More than 2,000 people have signed a petition opposing school spending cuts.
The government said Safety Valve was about using "available funding in the best way".
The national programme is designed to help local authorities tackle overspending on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services.
It offers investment from Department for Education (DfE) but local authorities must agree to balance their education budget.
BCP Council is forecasting a £63.4m designated schools grant (DSG) budget deficit by 31 March as a result of overspending its SEND budget.
A plan to balance BCP Council's books in five years has been rejected by head teachers and the council, but they have offered to do it in 15 years.
Head teachers rejected plans to cut 0.5% from their budgets to fund SEND support at the authority's schools forum on Monday.
Parents also fear joining Safety Valve will mean less money to support SEND children and in school budgets overall.
Poole resident Rachel Filmer, whose sons have autism, said "things are already poor" for SEND children.
"If budgets are cut our children will suffer, more SEND children in mainstream school will impact them but also every child in every classroom, this could be devastating. Things are already poor."
Kate Carter, chair of primary school head teachers in the area, said schools were already setting deficit budgets, making cuts and trying to compensate for part-funded pay increases and inflation rises.
She told the BBC: "A number of heads have spoken to me about having to make redundancies and also concerns over the safety of their children with any further cuts in staffing."
Dr Dorian Lewis, headmaster of Bournemouth School, said schools were being asked to bear more responsibility for students with additional needs, while seeing funding reduced.
"No concern has been shown for the potential impact of accepting such proposals on the quality and the breadth of provision for our young people, or how they might impact on the school workforce," he added.
Ian McCann, regional organiser for the National Education Union, said it was "really concerned about schools having less in their budgets for the next 15 years".
"It is terrifying for everyone in the school community. There is simply not enough money at the moment - to lose money on top of that with costs going up, it is unattainable for any school to carry on as it is," he added.
BCP Council said it told DfE it could not balance its DSG budget within five years without cutting schools' budgets by more than 10%.
Richard Burton, portfolio holder for children and young people, said the five-year plan was "unworkable".
"SEND is costing the local authority more than we are being given, that's why there's a deficit," he added.
"We need to cut the money being spent on specialist private schools and educate our children in mainstream schools, and local authority provision."
The council said it intended to take the DfE funding and offer to balance its books within 15 years.
DfE said it could not comment on ongoing Safety Valve negotiations but added participation in the programme was "entirely voluntary".
"The programme is not about cuts to services but ensuring local authorities use their available funding in the best way, for the benefit of children and young people," it added.
Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.
New digital darts experience launches in pub in Bournemouth town centre
Mike Taylorhttps://www.dorset.live/whats-on/whats-on-news/new-digital-darts-experience-launches-8970724
A new digital darts experience has launched at a pub in Bournemouth town centre. Pub and restaurant company, Mitchells & Butlers, has launched Arrowsmiths at the Brass Haus, a digital darts experience where guests over the age of 18 can book a 90-minute session from £11 per person.The new area of ...
A new digital darts experience has launched at a pub in Bournemouth town centre. Pub and restaurant company, Mitchells & Butlers, has launched Arrowsmiths at the Brass Haus, a digital darts experience where guests over the age of 18 can book a 90-minute session from £11 per person.
The new area of the pub consists of five individual booths for groups of up to 12 people — perfect for Christmas parties or a weekend visit with friends, colleagues or anything in between. The venue's new experience, which is for everyone from beginners to darts experts, has electronic boards that do all the maths for punters.
James Williams, General Manager at Brass Haus Bournemouth, said: "Seeing the space come together has been so exciting and has really elevated the mood at the pub.
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“Arrowsmiths officially launched last year and following the success in multiple locations across the country, it's an exciting time to see this digital darts experience expanding to Bournemouth as well. We can’t wait for our regulars and new guests to experience the fun, especially in the lead up to the most wonderful time of the year!”
Anna-Marie Mason, Director for the Pubs Division at Mitchells & Butlers, said: “We can’t wait for guests to experience darts with a difference. It’s the perfect spot to get together with friends, family and colleagues to relax and have a lot of fun playing great darts challenges and enjoying our signature great food and drinks.”
In between throwing arrows, guests can enjoy a choice of hand-stretched stone-baked pizzas, mix and match tapas including crispy king prawns and BBQ-pulled beef tacos. Guests can also enjoy two cocktails for £12.50, Sunday to Thursday and even pre-book drinks packages to make the experience extra special.
For the festive season, there are two Christmas packages available — a standard package for £35 per person and a premium package for £40 per person. In addition to darts and drinks, both packages provide a festive buffet menu including cranberry & camembert paninis, Yorkshire puddings with pulled beef rib & Irish whiskey sauce and smoked turkey wraps.
You can book a Christmas party or to book an experience, through their website or call 01202 589681.
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Poole Town defeat Wimborne Town in Dorset Senior Cup
Bournemouth Echohttps://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/24181060.poole-town-defeat-wimborne-town-dorset-senior-cup/
LATE STOPPAGE TIME drama capped off a tight Dorset Senior Cup tie as Poole began the defence of their crown with a 2-1 win over local rivals Wimborne Town.Toby Holmes’ first half strike had seemingly decided the quarter-final tie, only for Jack Hoey to reply at the start of second-half stoppage time.However, there was still time for Poole to win the tie without the need of penalties, Harvey Wright their saviour.Bot...
LATE STOPPAGE TIME drama capped off a tight Dorset Senior Cup tie as Poole began the defence of their crown with a 2-1 win over local rivals Wimborne Town.
Toby Holmes’ first half strike had seemingly decided the quarter-final tie, only for Jack Hoey to reply at the start of second-half stoppage time.
However, there was still time for Poole to win the tie without the need of penalties, Harvey Wright their saviour.
Both sides made mass changes, a sprinkling of senior players among youthful line ups.
Changes were so thorough that even the men leading each side in the dugout were switched.
Magpies assistant was Chris Senior in charge of the hosts, whilst Poole’s under-23s manager Luke Burbidge in the away dugout.
Early on Holmes was released on goal, the former Wimborne frontman clipping the top of the bar with a rasping drive.
Some good footwork from Tyler Forbes released Holmes one-on-one once more, this time the striker keeping his cool slot past Ben Rodwell and open scores.
Wright descended on a surging run but was taken out in front of the area by Sonny Pike, the resultant free kick smashed into the Wimborne wall.
After rounding Will Butler in the Poole goal Baker fired at an acute angle, only for Jack Foden to be well placed to clear off the line.
That allowed Poole to flow up the other end on the counter, Holmes denied by the outstretched Rodwell at the near post.
Just before the break, Wimborne must have thought they had levelled scores.
Addwell Chipangura arrived at the back post to bundle home a cross, but somehow the ball was kept out by the sprawling Butler.
The last action of the half would fall to Holmes, the Poole striker again springing the offside trap.
However, he once again found Rodwell his equal, the score remaining 1-0 at the break.
In the second period it took some time for a notable opportunity.
Ky Samadi skipped past the heavy challenge of Connor Cocklin to slip in Forbes, his drive batted away by Rodwell.
Finn Toghill’s cross from the left just about found Jack Hoey, the Wimborne attacker’s flick pushed away by Butler.
Shortly after Magpies went close again, Chipangura powering an effort past the far post.
At the start of added seven minutes, Magpies would find their equaliser.
As Forbes attempted to hit Wimborne in the counter, he was halted by an inch perfect Ryan Watkins slide tackle.
That allowed Wimborne to get back up the pitch and find the awaiting Hoey in the area, who smashed past Butler to seemingly send the tie to penalties.
But there would be another twist in the tale.
Poole earnt a corner, which was delivered towards Wright.
The defender stooped low to steer past Rodwell and seal progression for his side.
Poole move on to play Wessex Premier League Shaftesbury in the semi finals.
The winners of that tie will play Hamworthy Recreation in the final.
Magpies: Rodwell; Hall, Pike (Arnold, 69), Cocklin, Watkins (Thornton, 90+1); Carmichael, Toghill (Whetton, 88), Griffiths (Sheehy, 71); Hoey, Chipangura, Baker.
Unused subs: Kelly.
Dolphins: Butler; Wright, Foden, Hutchinson, Marshall; Coombs (Coat, 69), Matthews, Tshaka (Best, 82), Forbes, Samadi (Whitbread, 71); Holmes.
Unused subs: Seal, Brewster.
Dorset Christmas lights switch on: Weymouth, Poole, Bournemouth and more
Mike Taylorhttps://www.dorset.live/whats-on/whats-on-news/christmas-lights-2023-switch-events-8925297
Even though December is still a way off, towns across Dorset are preparing their annual Christmas lights switch-on ceremonies. From Weymouth to Wareham and Bournemouth to Blandford, every town will be lit up beautifully this winter.While our county’s switch-ons might lack some of the star power of other places in the UK, they’re still a sight to behold. And as November is already cracking on, things are beginning to look rather festive.So pour yourself a glass of mulled wine and get ready for Christmas with our hand...
Even though December is still a way off, towns across Dorset are preparing their annual Christmas lights switch-on ceremonies. From Weymouth to Wareham and Bournemouth to Blandford, every town will be lit up beautifully this winter.
While our county’s switch-ons might lack some of the star power of other places in the UK, they’re still a sight to behold. And as November is already cracking on, things are beginning to look rather festive.
So pour yourself a glass of mulled wine and get ready for Christmas with our handy guide to when and where you can watch your local switch-on.
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Bournemouth Christmas lights switch on
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland will kick off on Friday, November 17 andrun up until Monday, January 1, 2024. The light trail has had a refresh and will feature new light installations along with some old favourites.
Visitors to the Lower Gardens will be greeted with a new 20-metre light tunnel that sets the tone for the updated illuminations. New additions include projections from lampposts around the gardens, a lantern archway, flashing light stems, and a new walk-through Christmas present.
This year the 60ft 3D walkthrough tree will be dressed with decorations in the shape of Christmas trees. At night, visitors will be treated to laser lights shooting out the top amid the new white lights of the tree.
Returning old favourites will include Seattle and Kyiv trees, the Bethlehem scene, ceiling of light, giant reindeer and the beloved Santa.
Where?
Various
When?
Friday, November 17 and run up until Monday, January 1, 2024.
Blandford Forum Yuletide and Christmas lights
The switch-on in Blandford will mark the beginning of the Yuletide festival evening in the town. There will be a Lantern Parade through the town by pupils from the primary schools in the Blandford Schools Network, led by The Mayor and Father Christmas.
After the Lantern Parade, Father Christmas will join the Mayor on the green in front of the Church to officially turn on the Christmas Tree. Following the tree lighting, The Stour Valley Band will be playing and everyone can join in carol singing.
There will be a laser light show during the event. This is a free event, however donations are gratefully received and can be given at the barrier entrances.
Where?
Blandford Forum town centre
When?
Friday, December 1, from 5pm until 9pm.
Christchurch Christmas lights switch on
There will be a Christmas lights switch-on event in the High Street and Saxon Square on Saturday, November 25. During the day between 11am and 7pm there will be performances from singers and groups including Soul To Soul Choir, The Choir Engine Christchurch and Charlie Greenwood.
Where?
High Street and Saxon Square
When?
Lights will be switched on Saturday, November 25 at 5.30pm
Corfe Castle Christmas lights switch on
Residents and tourists are encouraged to go to the village to hear the children singing at 4.30pm followed by the switching on of the lights at 5pm. Santa will also arrive with gifts for the children.
Refreshments will be available, and many of the shops will still be open so you can start your Christmas Shopping.
Where?
The Village Square, Corfe Castle
When?
Saturday, December 2 at 5pm
Dorchester Christmas lights switch on
Dorset’s county town will be kicking off Christmas in its iconic Brewery Square. There's the much anticipated return of Skating In The Square, live music, performances, displays, shows and more.
Where?Brewery Square
When?
Saturday, November 25 at 6.30pm
Lyme Regis Christmas lights switch on
A Christmas lantern workshop in Lyme Regis Baptist Church Pine Hall at 2.30pm Children and adults are invited to join in the fun and make a lantern. A free event with all materials provided.
Judging of the lanterns in Lyme Regis Baptist Church will take place at 4.30pm with prizes for best entries in each of the age categories. Lanterns made at home are welcome to enter.
From 5pm, Lyme Regis Majorettes, Fitsteps and Lyme Morris will be performing in Broad Street followed by a parade of Christmas lanterns. Santa will arrive on his sleigh who will start a countdown to the big switch-on.
Where?
Town centre
When?
Saturday, November 25, from 5pm
Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival
Visitors will get to enjoy twinkling lights, a marching band, giant illuminated anchors and even a glimpse of Father Christmas. This free illuminating trail is returning for five weeks over the Christmas period, thanks to a partnership between Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and main sponsor Poole Business Improvement District (BID), with further support from South Western Railway.
The festive trail features several maritime light installations in celebration of Poole’s nautical heritage including a tall ship, giant anchor and starfish tree decorations. There are also some new installations to delight visitors including a 3D walk-through ribbon arch, illuminated tree with a smartphone app interactive element to control the tree’s lights, Poole lettering and icicle lights hanging from the buildings in Poole Old Town.
On the launch night, Poole BID’s choral singers will be in Falkland Square from 4.30pm as the lights turn on around dusk, with further renditions at 5.30pm outside The Fish Shambles.
Where?
Poole Town Centre and Quay
When?
Saturday, November 25 from 4.30pm onwards
Shaftesbury Christmas lights switch on
The Chamber of Commerce's ever-popular Christmas Light Switch On and Late-Night Shopping event will return again this year.
Where?
Town centre
When?
Monday, November 27 between 4pm and 8pm
Swanage Christmas lights switch on
The official illumination of the holiday lights will mark the start of the festive season. Christmas lights switch on 3pm to 4.30pm in Swanage town centre by The Mowlem.
People are encouraged to come early to do their Christmas shopping.
Where?
The Mowlem
When?
Saturday, November 25 at 4.30pm
Weymouth Christmas lights switch on
Weymouth will be filled with elf-themed festivities from hat-making and gingerbread decorating. Not forgetting Weymouth’s Elf Parade where we hope to fill the town with the sound of elves singing throughout the streets, and who knows, maybe smash a record whilst we’re at it – so don your elf fancy dress and come along for the fun.
With a main stage of entertainment throughout the afternoon, street performers and a host of shops and eateries all joining in the fun, it’s the perfect festive family day out.
Where?
Central Weymouth
When?
Saturday, November 25 at 5pm
Wimborne Christmas lights switch on
Starting from 1pm, enjoy family entertainment from local schools and choirs. The light switch-on ceremony starts at 4.15pm, with the lights turned on at 4.30pm. The Wimborne Militia will then be firing a display at Minster Green.
Where?
Wimborne town centre
When?
Saturday, November 25 at 4.30pm
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