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 Ipswich Town, Suffolk.
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 Ipswich Town, Suffolk, 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 Ipswich Town, Suffolk.
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 Ipswich Town, Suffolk 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 Ipswich Town, Suffolk, 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.
Cameron Burgess has rejected Ipswich Town’s offer of a new contract in favour of joining fellow Championship side Swansea City.With his deal at Portman Road due to expire at the end of June, the club has been locked in discussions with the Australian defender for a number of months in a bid to tie him down to fresh terms.However, those talks failed to come fruition and instead the 29-year-old has agreed a contract with the S...
Cameron Burgess has rejected Ipswich Town’s offer of a new contract in favour of joining fellow Championship side Swansea City.
With his deal at Portman Road due to expire at the end of June, the club has been locked in discussions with the Australian defender for a number of months in a bid to tie him down to fresh terms.
However, those talks failed to come fruition and instead the 29-year-old has agreed a contract with the Swans that runs until the summer of 2028.
Writing on Instagram following confirmation of his departure, Burgess said: “Dear Ipswich, what a ride! Sometimes the game gives you opportunities to look at what is important in our short careers and I am able to write this excited for what lies ahead for me and my family while knowing you have given me the best four years of my career to date.
“To the fans, you helped us all through back-to-back promotions. From the scenes at Portman Road to the countless sell outs away, I thank you for it all.
“To the staff and my team-mates, I owe you all the world. You have helped me grow into the player I am today and given me memories I thought I would only dream of. I cannot thank you enough.”
Meanwhile, Swansea head coach Alan Sheehan told the Welsh club’s website: “We are delighted that Cameron will be joining us at Swansea City.”
“He is an experienced and consistent performer that has seen him rise up through the divisions in the last few years and become a full international.
“During our conversations Cameron really bought in to what we are trying to do at Swansea and I believe he will be a great addition for us on and off the pitch driving standards throughout the club, and we look forward to getting to work with him.”
Having joined Ipswich from Accrington Stanley in 2021, Burgess went on to make 127 appearances for the Suffolk club, from which he scored five goals.
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy has told the BBC the Blues have a 'good chance' of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking.The Egyptian midfielder led the side to back to back promotions, reaching to top flight, before relegat...
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy has told the BBC the Blues have a 'good chance' of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The Egyptian midfielder led the side to back to back promotions, reaching to top flight, before relegation back to the Championship at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
The 33-year-old midfielder has now made more appearances for Ipswich than any other club during his playing career.
Despite the drop, Morsy thanked the "tremendous fans" for their support last season.
"The objective was to stay in the league and we didn't quite do it, so it was disappointing.
"We took loads of lessons but special moments at the same time.
"To play in the Premier League was a lifelong ambition, a footballing dream and not many people get the opportunity to do it. It's a dream come true."
Despite 165 games for Ipswich and a total of 574 career appearances under his belt, Morsy admitted to still learning from the opposition Town faced in the top flight.
"I'm always learning, trying to improve and when you see some of the top guys, the way they operate. There's definitely things to work on and to develop".
"The summer is about making memories with your family. Relaxing is important, the season can be stressful, so it's good to ground yourself and re-connect.
"There's different expectation. The goal is to make an immediate return to the Premier League which is going to be really difficult. We have a good squad and a good manager and we'll have a good chance".
Morsy said the continued support from Town fans would be key to their success next season.
"The fans have been tremendous in terms of support. They have always been there for us and we appreciate it massively, Morsy added.
"They sing their hearts out every time and they support us through the thick and thin which is really important."
"My message to the fans is to get ready to go again. Enjoy it, we'll need you home and away.
BBC News, SuffolkEd Sheeran has teamed up with an artistic project to create a gig-style poster for Ipswich Town's final game in the Premier League.Call Me Ted was launched in 2024 to create a range of posters for each game at Portman Road this season.They have since featured both inside and on the front page of the club's match day programme, with founder Steve Haugh saying the project "snowballed".Sheeran, a lifelong Tractor Boy, designed the final poster for Ipswich's match against West Ham after fall...
BBC News, Suffolk
Ed Sheeran has teamed up with an artistic project to create a gig-style poster for Ipswich Town's final game in the Premier League.
Call Me Ted was launched in 2024 to create a range of posters for each game at Portman Road this season.
They have since featured both inside and on the front page of the club's match day programme, with founder Steve Haugh saying the project "snowballed".
Sheeran, a lifelong Tractor Boy, designed the final poster for Ipswich's match against West Ham after falling in love with the artwork.
The singer said he had even framed some of the posters in his studio.
"It's a painting I painted in Suffolk," he said of his design, due to feature on 25 May.
"It made me happy and I'm chuffed it's getting used on something else that makes me feel happy."
Nineteen artists have produced the unique posters since Call Me Ted started in August, following Town's promotion to the Premier League.
The collectable artwork has been placed in numerous shops, cafes and pubs to celebrate the football club's success.
Sheeran's piece featured the lyrics "Follow the Town, up or down", taken from a fan-favourite chant, and placed over one of his original paintings.
"I like feeling part of something, part of the community, and having a shared love of the club with people that are my neighbours and mates," he added.
Mr Haugh founded the project alongside his brother, Richard, and friends Andy Mortimer and Kevin Bennett.
He said it was a "leap of faith", with the team unsure if 19 artists would want to work with them.
However, he said it took off after the first few posters were made and artists from across the world had taken part.
"As the project expanded, we've gone further and further afield," Mr Haugh explained.
"We've had an Ipswich Town-supporting artist based on the other side of the world in Melbourne; we've had artists that are working in London for huge clients, and what it's done is create this brilliant diversity of designs."
All of the posters are being exhibited at Unit 1 in Buttermarket over the next week.
Richard Haugh added: "To have Ed provide the artwork for our final poster is the icing on the cake.
"Despite him being a superstar with millions of fans around the world, he's managed to stay connected to his roots, and it's impressive that he continues to support creativity at a grassroots level."
Ipswich Q&A: Is there a chance Delap could stay?BBC Radio Suffolk sports editorIn part three of Thursday's Ipswich Q&A, our expert Graeme McLoughlin from BBC Radio Suffolk looks to the long-term plan and Liam Delap's future:Gavin: Mark Ashton has talked a lot about the long-term plan. Did the Premier League come a season or two too early in the plan?Graeme: I'm not sure the Premier League can ever come too early. Maybe it came too early in terms of having a realistic chance of stayin...
BBC Radio Suffolk sports editor
In part three of Thursday's Ipswich Q&A, our expert Graeme McLoughlin from BBC Radio Suffolk looks to the long-term plan and Liam Delap's future:
Gavin: Mark Ashton has talked a lot about the long-term plan. Did the Premier League come a season or two too early in the plan?
Graeme: I'm not sure the Premier League can ever come too early. Maybe it came too early in terms of having a realistic chance of staying up this time around, but I very much doubt that Mark Ashton, Kieran McKenna, the Town players and ownership group would opt to spend these last 9 months in the Championship if they could have their time over again. All will have learned majorly from this experience, and I would back the club to be much better prepared for the top flight should a return happen in the not too distant future.
AJ: Is there a chance Liam Delap could stay at Ipswich?
Graeme: The manager talked about this still being a possibility at a recent pre-match press conference, but if you forced me to call this one way or the other, I'd probably edge towards him leaving. He's hit double figures for goals in his first full season in the Premier League, at a club that have ultimately fallen well short of staying up. Delap has his suitors, and given his release clause, whoever gets his signature won't feel like they've broken the bank. The one thing that gives me the slightest bit of belief that he will stay is his relationship with Kieran McKenna and just how much his game has improved under him. Come on Liam, do the right thing, and help Town get back up at the first attempt!
Listen to The Blue Hour with Brenner Woolley every Monday and Matchday Preview with Graeme McLoughlin every Friday, along with live coverage of every Ipswich Town game, home and away, on BBC Radio Suffolk.
BBC Radio Suffolk reporterThroughout Thursday, BBC Radio Suffolk Graeme McLoughlin will be answering your questions in a special Ipswich Town Q&A.In part two, he dives into Summer plans, recruitment and how not to do a 'Luton'.Alex asked: What should Ipswich's priority be going into the summer?Graeme: I'm fairly certain there will be incomings and outgoings in all positions, but it's probably the midfield area that requires looking at most. Town have good numbers in defence and in the fina...
BBC Radio Suffolk reporter
Throughout Thursday, BBC Radio Suffolk Graeme McLoughlin will be answering your questions in a special Ipswich Town Q&A.
In part two, he dives into Summer plans, recruitment and how not to do a 'Luton'.
Alex asked: What should Ipswich's priority be going into the summer?
Graeme: I'm fairly certain there will be incomings and outgoings in all positions, but it's probably the midfield area that requires looking at most. Town have good numbers in defence and in the final third, but in the middle of the park they'll lose loanees Kalvin Phillips and Jens Cajuste when the season ends, and possibly Massimo Luongo as well if his contract isn't renewed.
If Cajuste is interested in making his move a permanent one then I think the majority of supporters would be delighted with that. I'm confident Sam Morsy can also still play a major role. Kieran McKenna might have a decision to make on Jack Taylor and whether he is ready for more minutes, given more than two thirds of his appearances in Town colours have come as a substitute. If he's not seen as an out and out starter, then surely another body will be sought. Meanwhile, Cameron Humphreys will return from Wycombe off the back of his best season to date in terms or regular game time and influence on a team, but would he be ready to go in the second tier?
Peter asked: For 2025-26 stability of staff is key. How do we keep attracting quality players to improve the group when several are wanting to leave to continue their careers at the highest level of the game?
Graeme: While some players may want to leave this summer to remain at the highest level, I don't see there being a mass exodus at Portman Road. I also don't think Town will have any problems attracting quality players to improve the group this summer or in the years to come. The club has come a long way since the previous relegation (to League One in 2019). We didn't see a way back at that point, but despite this season's setback, Ipswich remains a club that is very much on the up, and one that plenty will want to play for.
Neil asked: How can we ensure that we don't do a Luton, but get promoted back to the Premier League at the end of next season?
Graeme: Win far more football matches than you lose!
In all seriousness Neil, I really can't see Town doing a Luton and going down again, but I also don't think it's a given that they will come straight back up with few problems. There will definitely be more of a target on Town's back, along with a pressure to be one of the frontrunners in the Championship, which is a pressure Kieran McKenna and his players didn't have when they shocked the division not so long ago.
Town need to recruit well again, have far more luck with injuries than they did this season, and also maintain the togetherness that continues to remain evident in the squad.
Nobby asked: When is the new kit released?
Graeme: I have no idea on a kit date but do wonder if Ed Sheeran might play a part here. He's playing three dates at Portman Road in July, and Town have three kits to release. Might he wear a different one for each gig? Again, I'm only speculating!
Check back later for part three of the Q&A