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 Brighton and Hove, East Sussex.
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.
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 Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Brighton and Hove, East Sussex.
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.
Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex 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.
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 Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowA proposal to turn two historic Martello Towers into holiday homes has been withdrawn.An application to Eastbourne Borough...
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
A proposal to turn two historic Martello Towers into holiday homes has been withdrawn.
An application to Eastbourne Borough Council sought permission to change the use of Martello Tower 66 and Martello Tower 64 to a holiday home and add a rooftop structure.
The proposals also included the ‘retention and repair or reinstatement’ of the Grade II listed towers’ ‘main historic features’.
Plans were drawn up in consultation with Historic England, according to the owner, to ensure the buildings were still in keeping with their surroundings.
They stated: “Over the past few years we have worked closely with Historic England to achieve a design proposal that has their support as well as the Secretary of State approval.
"The proposed conversion with its new roof is designed to have a minimal effect on the setting and external appearance of the tower, maintaining its current profile and silhouette.”
They also expressed interest in installing a solar panel system on the tower’s new roof, stating that this was ‘supported by Historic England’.
On March 5, plans were withdrawn.
Written objections to the proposal had been published on Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning portal.
In her objection Angela Corke wrote: “This application raises serious concerns over the nature and safety of the beach around the Tower.
"The application states White Point residents are positive towards the development. Whilst we are in favour of the historic building being restored, the plans for services supply, waste disposal and in particular access and parking needed for the intended purpose, gives us serious concern.”
Emily Appleby also objected to the proposal adding: “Access to Towers 64 and 66 should be pedestrian only.
“The Council will recall that this beach should remain natural and open to the public with access restricted to sea defence contractors, EA (Environment Agency) and emergency vehicles.
“People wander across the entire open space with no regard for the sea defence lorries during their shingle movement.
"I am very concerned that regular vehicular traffic across the beach could lead to public safety issues with walkers, including children, and dogs.”
The application was supported by some residents on the portal.
Steve Ricketts said: "If the road comes in from the beach area good idea it will take away the traffic from Martinique Way.”
H D’Cunha added: “I thoroughly support this proposal, it will ensure the restoration and maintenance of this historic tower. It is currently deteriorating after so many years of neglect, with the added problems we have seen of people getting inside this unprotected tower recently, inevitably more damage could be caused.
"Converting these towers has proved to be very successful in other parts of the country Martello Tower 2 in Folkestone being an example.”
Martello Tower 66 is situated at the head of a shingle beach, immediately south of Sovereign Harbour.
It lies around one kilometre south west of its surviving neighbour, Martello Tower 64 in Pevensey Bay.
The pair formed part of a long chain of low-lying towers, constructed in 1805-6 to guard the coastline around Pevensey Bay from the threat of Napoleonic invasion.
A total of 103 Martello towers were built in England, along the coast from Aldeburgh in Suffolk, and from Kent to Seaford.
Related topics:Historic EnglandProposalsPeopleEastbourne Borough CouncilGrade II
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Nathan BevanBBC News, South EastAllison FernsBBC News, South EastThe boss of Brighton Palace Pier has said that Brighton and Hove faces a "very difficult future" if more is not done to attract visitors there.Anne Ackord, who is CEO of Brighton Pier Group, claimed there is a general "lack of recognition" in the city over the importance of tourism, adding that "incisive action" is required.Speaking ahead of the pier's admission fee ...
Nathan Bevan
BBC News, South East
Allison Ferns
BBC News, South East
The boss of Brighton Palace Pier has said that Brighton and Hove faces a "very difficult future" if more is not done to attract visitors there.
Anne Ackord, who is CEO of Brighton Pier Group, claimed there is a general "lack of recognition" in the city over the importance of tourism, adding that "incisive action" is required.
Speaking ahead of the pier's admission fee doubling to £2 this weekend, she warned those running bars, restaurants and hotels in the area not to "simply assume" people will come.
Ms Ackord also defended the rise in the East Sussex attraction's entry price saying it was vital to maintaining the 126-year-old structure.
A leisure industry veteran, Ms Ackord was appointed as Brighton Pier Group Chief Executive Officer in April 2017.
"There is a lack of recognition in this city about how important tourism is, and we risk having a very difficult future unless all get together to take incisive action," she said.
"We all need to attract people here and not assume they'll just come."
She added that Brighton and Hove had not been as good as places like Bath and York in "making sure standards are as high as possible" to encourage footfall.
Ms Ackord added that a "coordinated approach, attention to detail and the belief in working towards the same goal" were missing.
She explained away the pier's new £2 entry fee on "a very difficult trading situation over the last few years, wherein costs have risen overall by about 50%".
She added that the 1899 construction needs constant maintenance, from its ageing steel substructure battered by the sea to its 17 miles of wooden decking that gets walked on daily.
"The pier is 126-years-old this year and I'd like to think she'll still be here in 126 years time, but it annually costs millions to keep her standing," said Ms Ackord.
Councillor Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage & tourism at Brighton & Hove City Council, agreed there had been "a real lack of focus, historically" regarding tourism, but she added it was "something I am trying to address" following several months off work through ill-health.
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There’s a real sense of optimism in the city at the moment. This year the start of spring marks the beginning of devolution and local government reorganisation in Sussex, and an unprecedented opportunity for our public services and the communities they serve.On February 5, the Government accepted Sussex onto its priority devolution programme to create a new strategic authority for the region, with an elected mayor.Since that announcement there has been much healthy discussion and speculation about what this could mean &nd...
There’s a real sense of optimism in the city at the moment. This year the start of spring marks the beginning of devolution and local government reorganisation in Sussex, and an unprecedented opportunity for our public services and the communities they serve.
On February 5, the Government accepted Sussex onto its priority devolution programme to create a new strategic authority for the region, with an elected mayor.
Since that announcement there has been much healthy discussion and speculation about what this could mean – and some myths have crept into the conversation which I’d like to address.
Firstly, I’d like to reassure everyone that our councils will not be swallowed up into a "super council" for Sussex. A Mayoral Strategic Authority is a new and separate tier of local government that will have powers and money transferred to it from central government, to be used directly for communities in Sussex.
Creating a new regional authority will move decisions closer to local places and people, not further away from them. The real difference for us as a city is that more decisions will be made locally rather than at Westminster, giving local people, communities, and businesses a stronger voice in the public services that directly affect them such as transport, health, education and the environment.
It won’t replace councils either or take over the services we provide. A new regional authority will offer greater freedom and flexibility for all our councils to deliver better-targeted public services, economic growth, and stronger local partnerships.
I am really looking forward to the collaboration that devolution will bring, but as a council our focus is continuing to respond to the needs of the city, delivering the best possible public services from social care and housing to education and environment.
Local council leaders will sit on the board of the Sussex and Brighton Mayoral Strategic Authority with the elected mayor. We will actively work with the new authority to bring more funding and local decision-making directly to communities and neighbourhoods.
More than half of the population of England is already covered by devolution. Some of the advantages areas like Greater Manchester and West Midlands enjoy include greater control over public transport, including the rail network, and powers to support economic growth through investment in infrastructure, housing, and skills.
At the same time as transferring new powers to the region, the Government has set out its aim for local communities to be served by "unitary" councils in their area, where services are delivered together.
These would replace two tier councils where services are split between county and district or borough councils.
This is known as local government reorganisation.
Brighton and Hove is already a unitary council but our neighbours in East and West Sussex have two tier councils. These will change and as they do we have the opportunity in Brighton and Hove to consider whether to stay as we are or combine with other areas.
The Government has set a challenging deadline for an interim plan to be submitted by March 21. We want residents, businesses and organisations to be involved right from the start and set the direction for the city.
I want to encourage as many people as possible to complete our short survey and give their early thoughts by the end of Monday, March 10. It only takes a few minutes to complete, and your views will inform the plan. No lines have been drawn on a map at this stage, so it really is up to you to tell us how you see the future of your city.
You can take part on our Your Voice platform at yourvoice.brighton-hove.gov.uk.
We’ll share the results and discuss the interim plan at our cabinet meeting on March 20.
This is just the beginning, with detailed engagement over the summer on a formal proposal.
Brighton and Hove became a unitary council in 1997, and since then we’ve seen the positive impact of bringing local government services together.
Set against the background of devolution, this time local government reorganisation looks very different. It’s an opportunity to think about our place in Sussex, and how to develop high quality, sustainable and responsive public services into the future, while maintaining the unique identity of Brighton and Hove.
As we move forward from what has been a long and difficult winter, I really believe that for the first time in a generation devolution offers the opportunity to address the gap in public services. It’s a chance to reduce inequality, unlock new investment, give more power to people to decide and challenge where the money goes, and provide financial stability for the long term.
You can also take part in the government-led consultation on devolution at consult.communities.gov.uk.
Timescale for Devolution
April 13: Government consultation ends
Spring 2025: Results of the devolution consultation followed by a Ministerial decision on whether to proceed with a Mayoral Strategic Authority
May 2026: Elections for mayor
Timescale for Local Government Reorganisation
March 21: Interim plan submitted to government
April 2025 to September 2025: Engagement and consultation to develop a full proposal
September 26: Government deadline for submitting a full proposal
End of 2025 to early 2026: Ministers will consider proposals for new unitary authorities
Consultation on creating a new Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex and Brighton starts today, Monday, 17 February.The Government-led consultation is seeking views on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the local government areas of East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton.Take part in the consultation...
Consultation on creating a new Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex and Brighton starts today, Monday, 17 February.
The Government-led consultation is seeking views on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the local government areas of East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton.
Find further information, including the full consultation document, on the gov.uk website.
There will be an opportunity to attend an in-person event in the city during the consultation period, date and venue to be announced.
The consultation will run until 11:59pm on 13 April 2025.
The consultation seeks views from interested parties, including those who live and work in the area, on establishing a Mayoral Combined authority in the area.
It includes questions on the proposed geography and how the Combined Authority will make decisions, together with questions on the effects of working across this geography through a Mayoral Combined Authority.
The consultation specifically asks about:
Councillor John Hewitt, Brighton & Hove’s Cabinet adviser for Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation, said: “This is an historic moment for our county – an opportunity to bring powers and money down from central government to our region, for investment in communities, businesses and public services.
“I hope as many people as possible will take part in the consultation to tell the government their views and help shape the future of Sussex.”
On 5 February, the Deputy Prime Minister announced a major package of devolution, with six new areas confirmed to join the government’s Devolution Priority Programme: Cumbria, Cheshire & Warrington, Norfolk & Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex & Brighton and Hampshire & the Solent.
The Devolution Priority Programme will provide a fast-track to mayoral devolution - aiming to see a new wave of mayoral elections in May 2026. Read the full Written Ministerial Statement on the UK Parliament website.
Find more information about Devolution in Sussex on our website.
Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club has partnered with the UK’s largest train company, Govia Thameslink Railway, to deliver a range of projects set to benefit thousands across Sussex. Schoolchildren will be among those receiving important safety talks as part of the deal, alongside existing sessions with the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation – which already provides a wide range of programmes at more than 100 schools in the region.Fans travelling to Albion’s home matches in Brighton will ...
Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club has partnered with the UK’s largest train company, Govia Thameslink Railway, to deliver a range of projects set to benefit thousands across Sussex.
Schoolchildren will be among those receiving important safety talks as part of the deal, alongside existing sessions with the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation – which already provides a wide range of programmes at more than 100 schools in the region.
Fans travelling to Albion’s home matches in Brighton will also continue to benefit from Southern and Thameslink train travel included with their matchday ticket to and from the Amex stadium, under the renewed partnership which was announced today.
Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer at Govia Thameslink Railway said: “Just like the work Brighton and Hove Albion does in Sussex, the railway plays an integral part of bringing communities in the region together – especially on matchdays.
“We are pleased to have signed a renewed partnership with the club to work together in delivering important safety workshops to young people.”
The one-hour-long workshops will take place in schools and clubs, helping young people understand the dangers of the railway, and how to use it safely. Govia Thameslink Railway has already engaged with 4,000 youngsters in Sussex and Surrey since August 2024.
Albion's chief operating officer Paul Mullen said: “We are pleased to announce a new and much wider ranging partnership with Govia Thameslink Railway and delighted to welcome them as a new club partner.
“We hope this new long-term arrangement will enable us to work even closer with Govia Thameslink Railway, and continue providing the matchday train service to fans travelling to and from the American Express Stadium.
“Additionally, we are delighted that they will be supporting the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation in their work across Sussex, delivering rail safety talks and supporting our award-winning disability work.”
ENDS
Matchday tickets are valid from the following railway stations in Sussex to Falmer station in the three and a half hours before kick-off.
Aldrington | Berwick | Bishopstone | Brighton |
Burgess Hill | Cooksbridge | East Worthing | Eastbourne |
Falmer | Fishersgate | Glynde | Hampden Park |
Hassocks | Haywards Heath | Hove | Lancing |
Lewes | London Road | Moulsecoomb | Newhaven Harbour |
Newhaven Town | Plumpton | Polegate | Portslade |
Preston Park | Seaford | Shoreham-by-Sea | Southease |
Southwick | Wivelsfield | Worthing |
For more information, contact the press office on 0203 750 2031.
Govia Thameslink Railway
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) operates Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express services as follows:
www.southernrailway.com, www.thameslinkrailway.com, www.gatwickexpress.com, www.greatnorthernrail.com