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 Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
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 Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, 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 Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
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 Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire 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 Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, 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! nowBuckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is no longer facing extra scrutiny, as it continues to make progress following a damning report released in late 2023.Today, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has confirmed the service is no longer subject to an enhanced level of monitoring from independent inspectors....
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Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is no longer facing extra scrutiny, as it continues to make progress following a damning report released in late 2023.
Today, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has confirmed the service is no longer subject to an enhanced level of monitoring from independent inspectors.
Extra measures were brought in to examine the service’s performance after a report released in 2023.
All fire services are monitoring by HMICFRS, but if concerns are raised with how the service is performing it can be put under an enhanced programmed called in Engage. This happened to the service covering Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire in November 2023.
Engage monitoring has been removed after the HMICFRS found that the service had improved its ability to prioritise risk. A new document from the watchdog has outlined how the service is better at prioritising buildings most at risk of fire for a fire safety audit.
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has also improved its equality, diversity and inclusion policy, according to HMICFRS. The report states that this has a positive effect on the service’s culture and working environment. The report states: “It has recruited a people and culture officer and a director of people and organisational development. There has been an increase in the diversity of its latest firefighter recruitment.”
HMICFRS no longer classifies these as areas of concern and has noted how the service has implemented its recommendations.
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service says that the improvements show its unwavering commitment to community safety.
Chief fire officer, Louise Harrison, said: “I am very proud of this service and this recognition from HMICFRS is a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of every single person in our organisation.
“Everyone has played a vital role in focusing our collective efforts to address, at pace, our CFCs and ensuring that these improvements are sustained and embedded. Together, we have worked to protect and safeguard people and places, ensuring that our service is stronger, safer, and more effective than ever before.
"We have embraced change, strengthened our processes, and demonstrated our commitment to being a modern and agile Fire and Rescue Service that puts our communities first. I would also like to sincerely thank our partners and critical friends whose insight, challenge, and support have been invaluable in shaping our approach and driving these improvements forward.
“Our journey does not stop here. While this is a moment to celebrate, we remain committed to continuous improvement so that we can provide the very best service to the people of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, now and in the future.”
HM Inspector Roy Wilsher, who signed off the five-page document ending the Engage project, said: “I am pleased with the progress that Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has made so far. Whilst there is still more to do, I have recommended removing the service from our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and return it to routine monitoring.
“I am reassured by the plans Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has in place to continue making improvements. This decision is supported by the fact we have been able to close its causes of concern.”
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is set to return to Milton Keynes Theatre in 2025.The production, known for its unique interpretation of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, will be showcased from April 15 to April 19.This comes as part of a UK tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of the world-renowned show.Mr Bourne said: "It’s hard to believe that our Swan Lake is now 30 years old and even harder to acknowledge that we are now casting most swans and princesses who were not even born at the time of the show’s p...
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is set to return to Milton Keynes Theatre in 2025.
The production, known for its unique interpretation of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, will be showcased from April 15 to April 19.
This comes as part of a UK tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of the world-renowned show.
Mr Bourne said: "It’s hard to believe that our Swan Lake is now 30 years old and even harder to acknowledge that we are now casting most swans and princesses who were not even born at the time of the show’s premiere."
He added: "Many dancers have grown up with this production and dreaming of one day dancing in it, so I am particularly excited to announce this line-up of young performers."
The show will feature the debuts of New Adventures stars such as Harrison Dowzell, Jackson Fisch, and Rory Macleod.
They will be joined by James Lovell, Leonardo McCorkindale, and Stephen Murray, among others.
The show has been hailed as the most successful dance theatre production of all time.
It first premiered almost 30 years ago and has continued to inspire audiences with its bold, witty, and emotive performances.
Mr Bourne said: "Many of these dancers have been nurtured through our talent development programmes at New Adventures, notably Swan School.
"I know from experience what a life-changing experience this show has been for previous casts and how it has inspired new audiences for dance throughout the world.
"I am therefore truly thrilled to welcome the next generation of swans and swan watchers as we celebrate three decades of our Swan Lake."
The production is best known for shattering convention by replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble.
This genre-defining event first took the dance theatre world by storm when it was staged at Sadler’s Wells in London in 1995.
It has since become the longest-running full-length dance classic in the West End and on Broadway.
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake has been performed worldwide, earning over 30 international accolades including the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production and three Tony Awards for Best Director of a Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Costume Design.
Fortnum & Mason is the official partner of Swan Lake, with Edwardian Hotels as the official hotel partner.
Tickets for the Milton Keynes performances are available now on the ATG Tickets website.
Evening performances begin at 7.30pm, with matinees on April 16 and 19 starting at 2.30pm.
Bookings can be made online.
The much-loved show Only Fools and Horses The Musical will be coming to Milton Keynes Theatre in March.The production, fresh from a sell-out run in London's West End, will grace the stage from March 17 to March 29.The show takes fans back to the heart of Peckham, where Del Boy is on a quest to find his soulmate, Rodney and Cassandra prepare for their wedding, and Trigger is set to go on a date.Boycie and Marlene are also contemplating parenthood one last time, and Grandad is finally ready to sort out his piles.The...
The much-loved show Only Fools and Horses The Musical will be coming to Milton Keynes Theatre in March.
The production, fresh from a sell-out run in London's West End, will grace the stage from March 17 to March 29.
The show takes fans back to the heart of Peckham, where Del Boy is on a quest to find his soulmate, Rodney and Cassandra prepare for their wedding, and Trigger is set to go on a date.
Boycie and Marlene are also contemplating parenthood one last time, and Grandad is finally ready to sort out his piles.
The roles of the Trotter brothers and Grandad will be played by Sam Lupton, Tom Major, and Philip Childs respectively.
Rising star Tom Major will make his professional theatre debut as Rodney.
The rest of the cast is equally impressive, with Georgina Hagan reprising her role as Raquel, and Craig Berry and Nicola Munns returning as Boycie and Marlene.
Nicola will also take on the role of Cassandra.
Other familiar faces from the West End cast, including Lee VG as Trigger, Bradley John as Denzil, and Darryl Paul as Mike/Tony Driscoll/Cripps, will also be part of the production.
The musical is directed by the original West End director Caroline Jay Ranger, and based on John Sullivan’s record-breaking television show.
The script and original score are the handiwork of John’s son, Jim Sullivan, and Paul Whitehouse.
Loyal fans of the TV series can look forward to experiencing the classic comedy brought to life on stage with an inventive script and 20 humorous songs.
The show promises a musical treat with contributions from the iconic Chas & Dave, and a fresh take on the beloved theme tune.
There are also several new songs brimming with character and cockney charm.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a feel-good celebration of working-class London life in 1989, and the aspirations shared by all.
The show will run at Milton Keynes Theatre from March 17 to March 29, with evening performances at 7.30pm and matinees at 2.30pm.
Tickets start at £37.50.
Theatre-goers are reminded that booking fees may apply, and calls for ticket bookings can cost up to 7p per minute, along with the phone company’s access charge.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical promises a 'right ol’ knees-up' that no fan should miss.
It's a chance to reunite with Britain’s most lovable rogues and experience the cherished material from the much-loved TV series.
Don't miss out on the fun and laughter that the Trotters will bring to Milton Keynes this March.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowA Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes is being launched with Buckinghamshire Council inviting residents to get involved....
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A Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes is being launched with Buckinghamshire Council inviting residents to get involved.
Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes is home to a wide range of habitats and species, including internationally rare chalk streams, ancient woodland and nationally significant populations of species such as native black poplar trees and black hairstreak butterflies. The health of the natural environment is critical in supporting these habitats and species. Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “Nature is vital for making our county a healthier, cleaner place where we can enjoy life in our natural environment. We rely on nature to provide us with clean air, water, productive soil for food, flood protection and space for recreation.
"This work will be all the more vital with the government imposing more than 100,000 new developments on the county and we will use this strategic framework, alongside our work on Biodiversity Net Gain to help mitigate this damage.”
“Following an extensive period of stakeholder engagement we have developed a draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes to help reverse the decline in nature in our local area. “We want to hear your views on our draft priorities and measures for nature, together with the associated mapping of areas that could become of particular importance for biodiversity, so they align with the nature you think is important to see in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes in the future. You do not need to be an expert on nature to take part.” You can tell the council your views in one of the following ways:
Complete the online survey and mail to lnrs@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or write to LNRS priorities, The NEP, Planning and Environment, Buckinghamshire Council, Walton Street Offices, Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UA
Views need to be submitted by March 24. The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Natural Environment Partnership is leading the development of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council, with the support of representatives from, Milton Keynes City Council, Natural England and many other organisations including Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Chilterns Conservation Board, and the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust.
Further information on the LNRS consultation can be found online here
Milton Keynes Theatre is set to welcome back the award-winning musical Kinky Boots for a limited run.The Olivier, Tony, and Grammy award-winning musical is returning to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday, March 11, to Saturday, March 15, as part of its UK and Ireland tour.Producers ROYO and Curve are thrilled to present this brand-new Made at Curve production, which has been a Broadway and West End sensation, based on a true story and a 2005 film of the same name.The musical tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherits...
Milton Keynes Theatre is set to welcome back the award-winning musical Kinky Boots for a limited run.
The Olivier, Tony, and Grammy award-winning musical is returning to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday, March 11, to Saturday, March 15, as part of its UK and Ireland tour.
Producers ROYO and Curve are thrilled to present this brand-new Made at Curve production, which has been a Broadway and West End sensation, based on a true story and a 2005 film of the same name.
The musical tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherits his family's struggling shoe factory.
On the brink of losing everything, he finds salvation in Lola, a dazzling drag queen whose daring footwear designs could just be the factory's saving grace.
The show promises to be a joyous celebration of individuality, packed with heart-warming moments and dazzling performances.
The cast is led by Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe as Lola, alongside Dan Partridge from Grease as Charlie Price and Courtney Bowman from Legally Blonde as Lauren.
They are joined by a host of talented actors, including Newtion Matthews, Kara Lily Hayworth, and Joe Caffrey, among others.
The musical features a score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and a book by the acclaimed playwright Harvey Fierstein.
It is directed by Curve’s artistic director Nikolai Foster, known for his work on The Wizard of Oz, A Chorus Line, and Billy Elliot.
The production also boasts choreography by Leah Hill, set and costume design by Robert Jones, and musical supervision by George Dyer.
The team behind Kinky Boots is committed to bringing an unforgettable experience to audiences, with every element of the show meticulously crafted to provide a feast for the senses.
From the toe-tapping music to the eye-catching costumes, every detail is designed to leave a lasting impression.
Kinky Boots is more than just a musical; it's a feel-good experience that promises to lift spirits and celebrate diversity and acceptance.
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the story, this production promises to deliver a top-notch theatre experience.
Performances will be held in the evenings at 7.30pm, with matinee shows at 2.30pm.
Tickets, starting from £27, can be booked online.
Don't miss this chance to see Kinky Boots on tour, starting in January 2025.
For further information, visit the Milton Keynes website online, or call the theatre's box office.
Group bookings are available.
Prepare for an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and inspiration as Kinky Boots struts its way back into Milton Keynes Theatre.