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 Leeds, West Yorkshire.
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 Leeds, West Yorkshire, 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 Leeds, West Yorkshire.
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 Leeds, West Yorkshire 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 Leeds, West Yorkshire, 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.
Friday, 25 April 2025 A woman has been jailed for causing the death of another woman and seriously injuring a man in a collision in Leeds.Romeesa Ahmed, aged 27, was sentenced to nine years at Leeds Crown Court today (Friday) for the collision, which occurred on Stanningley Road at its junction with Cockshott Lane on 22 February 2023.She was also given an 11-year driving ban and will need to pass a further test before she can obtain a driving licence again.Ahmed, of Princeville Street in Bradford,...
Friday, 25 April 2025
A woman has been jailed for causing the death of another woman and seriously injuring a man in a collision in Leeds.
Romeesa Ahmed, aged 27, was sentenced to nine years at Leeds Crown Court today (Friday) for the collision, which occurred on Stanningley Road at its junction with Cockshott Lane on 22 February 2023.
She was also given an 11-year driving ban and will need to pass a further test before she can obtain a driving licence again.
Ahmed, of Princeville Street in Bradford, was driving a Volkswagen Golf along the road towards Bradford at about 8.30am, when she collided with mature student Athira Anilkumar Laly Kumari and a bus stop.
Athira, who was 28, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
A 40-year-old man who was waiting at the bus stop suffered serious injuries which required an extensive stay in hospital.
An investigation by the Major Collision Enquiry Team found that Ahmed had been speeding and using her mobile phone at the time of the collision.
She was subsequently charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Paying tribute to Athira, her family said:
“She was not just a member of our family – she was our foundation, the glue that held us all together. A loving daughter, a devoted wife, a doting mother and a source of light and inspiration to everyone who knew her.
“Athira was the heart of our lives. Her absence has left a void so deep, so profound, that even words fail to convey the magnitude of our grief.”
Speaking after Ahmed had been sentenced, Detective Constable Adele Murphy-Hartley, said:
“Speeding and using a mobile phone while driving are considered as two of the most common contributory factors to serious injury and fatal road traffic collisions, and this should be a warning to all of what can happen when these factors come into play.
“Ahmed’s recklessness has resulted in the loss of a determined woman who came to England to better herself and secure a bright future for her and her family.
“Athira made the difficult decision to leave her young daughter in the care of family in order to do so, and now her young daughter will have to grow up not knowing her mother. Her husband has been widowed and her parents have been left to deal with the death of their much-loved daughter.
“Ahmed’s actions have also resulted in the life of one man being changed forever, both physically and mentally.
“I hope she uses her time in custody to reflect on the totality of her actions and the pain and suffering she has caused.”
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Tuesday 8th April 2025 A man has been given a 24-year sentence for a series of sexual offences against children in Leeds.Karl Davison, 43, of Turnberry Gardens, Tingley, approached all of his victims on an electric scooter last summer, in some cases talking to them about the scooter or letting them ride it before assaulting them.Following a trial at Leeds Crown Court in February, Davison was convicted of three counts of sexual touching on a child aged under 13, one count of assault by penetration on a ch...
Tuesday 8th April 2025
A man has been given a 24-year sentence for a series of sexual offences against children in Leeds.
Karl Davison, 43, of Turnberry Gardens, Tingley, approached all of his victims on an electric scooter last summer, in some cases talking to them about the scooter or letting them ride it before assaulting them.
Following a trial at Leeds Crown Court in February, Davison was convicted of three counts of sexual touching on a child aged under 13, one count of assault by penetration on a child under 13 and one count of sexual assault on a child under 16.
The offences relate to five female victims aged as young as 10 and occurred in Thorpe, Middleton and Belle Isle on 6 and 7 August last year.
Davison was caught after officers on patrol in Lofthouse stopped a man matching the description of the offender in the early hours of 8 August.
Despite giving false details, Davison was quickly identified and arrested.
Police then searched his home and found a mobile phone containing a large amount of explicit images. Davison pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing indecent images of children before his trial.
Today (8th April), Davison was given a 24-year sentence consisting of 17 years in prison and a 7-year extended license period. He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order which includes a ban on him entering parts of Wakefield and Leeds. He will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Detective Superintendent Emma Winfield who led the investigation said:
“These were truly despicable offences, and I welcome the sentence handed down to Davison today. He is a dangerous predator who tried to entice young children to ride his scooter, with a view to sexually assaulting them.
“The victims and their families have shown immense bravery throughout this investigation, and I hope the fact Davison has been brought to justice can give them some sense of comfort moving forwards.
“Crimes of this nature are always taken extremely seriously, and I would urge any other victims of sexual offending, recent or not, to come forward so we can investigate it.
“We have specially trained officers who treat all reports sensitively and will support victims to secure justice for them.”
A proposal to expand newly-promoted Leeds United's Elland Road stadium has been backed by senior councillors in the city.The club's return to the Premier League was secured on Easter Monday, with the side hoping to increase the ground's capacity from 37,645 to about 56,500.The expansion would be made possible by the sale of council land around the stadium to the club, with council representatives approving the agreement at a meeting on Wednesday.Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's deputy leader, told the hearing: "...
A proposal to expand newly-promoted Leeds United's Elland Road stadium has been backed by senior councillors in the city.
The club's return to the Premier League was secured on Easter Monday, with the side hoping to increase the ground's capacity from 37,645 to about 56,500.
The expansion would be made possible by the sale of council land around the stadium to the club, with council representatives approving the agreement at a meeting on Wednesday.
Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's deputy leader, told the hearing: "If we're a Premier League team, we need a Premier League stadium."
The expansion of nearly 20,000 seats would make Elland Road England's seventh-biggest football stadium, the council said.
Daniel Farke's side thrashed Stoke City 6-0 earlier on Monday, with promotion confirmed after Burnley beat Sheffield United in the day's late kick-off.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the club is expected to submit a formal planning application outlining the scheme in the coming weeks.
Councillors were told it would form part of wider regeneration work in south Leeds, with surrounding land becoming a "thriving 365 day a year destination".
Construction work could start on the West Stand "in the next 12 months", according to the report.
Subsequent work on the North Stand would form the second phase of the redevelopment.
Pryor said the club's promotion back to the top flight of English football after a two-year absence "puts Leeds on the map".
He told the meeting the local authority would work with Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin to bring a mass transit network to the Beeston area of the city, where Elland Road is located.
Allan Lamb, who leads the Conservative group on the Labour-run council, said promotion would put "much more of a spotlight on the city".
"The key hope is Leeds will be in the Premier League to stay - and they need a stadium to fit that," he said.
A public consultation would take place after a planning application was submitted, the local authority said.
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