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 Plymouth, Devon.
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 Plymouth, Devon, 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 Plymouth, Devon.
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 Plymouth, Devon 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 Plymouth, Devon, 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.
Newsletter Sign upGet your latest local news for free in your email inboxI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Dartmouth Chronicle. Read our privacy noticeIn a move towards greater local autonomy, the Leaders of Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, and Torbay Council are working together to explore the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority.A part of the Government’s new devolution ...
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In a move towards greater local autonomy, the Leaders of Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, and Torbay Council are working together to explore the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
A part of the Government’s new devolution plans, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take power out of Whitehall, bring decision-making closer to the people of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay and unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth and innovation.
A Mayoral Strategic Authority promises to supercharge the region’s ability to access greater powers and unlock additional funding for economic growth and infrastructure development, such as housing and transport.
By working together, the councils aim to ensure that Devon, Plymouth and Torbay are ready to seize this unique opportunity when the government calls for further submissions of interest.
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Councillor James McInnes, Leader of Devon County Council, said: “The formation of a mayoral strategic authority represents an opportunity for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay to speak with one voice at Westminster and attract significant additional funding and autonomy for the county of Devon.
“Other English regions have delivered more integrated transport networks, kickstarted economic development and focussed on health improvements for their residents through a mayoral model.
“We have already delivered a successful combined authority deal for Devon and Torbay and it is absolutely right we work together, and with the Government, to explore the potential benefits of deeper devolution for those we serve. Our part of the world is already a fantastic place to live and to do business. This has the potential to make it even better for all.”
Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:
“Devolution is a game-changer for our communities. The devolution of powers and funding to local decision-makers will enhance our ability to focus on our priorities such as increasing investment in our roads and public transport, providing better access to education and skills, tackling health inequalities and building new homes.
“By exploring the formation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority with Devon and Torbay, we’re taking decisive action to ensure that the region can harness the full benefits of local control and enhanced public services.
“Whilst Plymouth, Devon and Torbay are different places with our own cultures and identities, we also share distinct geographic characteristics, have clearly established economic connections, share existing public service boundaries, and of course already work together closely across a number of major programmes. By working together we can not only unlock greater powers and funding, but we can also ensure that our unique interests are understood by central government.”
Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said:
“The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority already gives us and our residents and businesses a stronger voice with Government. Working together – as councils and with the Government and our stakeholders – is key to us meeting our ambitions.
“It is really important that we explore the benefits that a Mayoral Strategic Authority could achieve for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.”
The councils also emphasised that Cornwall Council is welcome to join their discussions at any time, should they choose to reconsider.
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National garage chain ATS Euromaster has closed three of its Devon service centres as part of a cull of more than a third of its outlets. The tyre and service centres in Plymouth, Exeter and Newton Abbot have shut in the past f...
National garage chain ATS Euromaster has closed three of its Devon service centres as part of a cull of more than a third of its outlets. The tyre and service centres in Plymouth, Exeter and Newton Abbot have shut in the past few days.
All three no longer appear on the company’s website. The centres in Barnstaple, Crediton, Kingsbridge, Okehampton, Tavistock, Tiverton and Torquay are still listed as open.
ATS Euromaster service centres in Truro and Penzance, in Cornwall, have also shut, along with reported closures elsewhere in the UK including in Brecon and Macclesfield. PlymouthLive tried to contact ATS Euromaster this morning but was placed in a long telephone queue with a recorded message saying: “We are experiencing exceptionally high volumes of calls at present.” The company has since confirmed the closures.
Meanwhile, rival Halfords, the UK’s leading provider of motoring services and products, has extended an offer of interviews to all members of staff affected by the closure of the ATS Euromaster branches in Exeter, Plymouth, Newton Abbot, Truro and Penzance. It said it is also stepping in to help customers affected by the closures, ensuring they continue to have access to automotive services and that Halfords garages will prioritise MoT and other service bookings originally made with ATS wherever possible, helping customers avoid delays and ensuring their vehicles remain roadworthy.
Last month, Michelin-owned ATS Euromaster earmarked 86 of its services centres for closure - more than a third of its network. It blamed overcapacity, inflation and slow growth and that it was reviewing its operating model.
The company had been operating a network of more than 235 tyre and service centres but was looking to weed out the unprofitable ones. Trade press said it was thought that up to 400 workers could be affected by the closures.
Halfords has 639 garages nationwide, including branches in Exeter, Plymouth and Newton Abbot, and is one of the UK’s largest employers of automotive technicians. The company services, maintains, and repairs vehicles for 1,400,000 customers annually.
Halfords said the UK is experiencing a shortage of qualified automotive technicians, with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) estimating 20,000 vacancies in the sector. Chris Rose, Halfords’ divisional director, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with ATS to explore employment opportunities for affected colleagues, while also ensuring that motorists in these parts of Devon and Cornwall continue to have access to competitive, convenient, and trusted automotive services.”
Mary Poppins, Theatre Royal Plymouth, *****While the spring sun has begun shining down on Devon this week, the glorious cast of Mary Poppins have been bringing the sunshine feeling inside with a boost of wonderment and joy to lift up audiences in Plymouth. And it is certainly just the medicine we were after!This stage version has all the polish, unbelievable effects and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious routines to leave you cheering for more. Even by half time there was such a bubbling feeling of excitement I thought t...
Mary Poppins, Theatre Royal Plymouth, *****
While the spring sun has begun shining down on Devon this week, the glorious cast of Mary Poppins have been bringing the sunshine feeling inside with a boost of wonderment and joy to lift up audiences in Plymouth. And it is certainly just the medicine we were after!
This stage version has all the polish, unbelievable effects and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious routines to leave you cheering for more. Even by half time there was such a bubbling feeling of excitement I thought there was going to be a standing ovation mid-way through.
There can't be many who don't know of the tale of the no nonsense nanny who brings a sparkle of magic wherever she goes.
Based on the books of P.L. Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film it centres on a bygone time when a man went to work and 'all the best people' had their children looked after by a nanny. But after seeing off too many nannies to mention, it seems will take a special kind to tame Michael and Jane Banks. And when they pen their own advert for what they are looking for from a charge the enchantment begins.
With a set of Cherry Tree Lane which folds out like a picture book and toys come to life we are quickly drawn into this wondrous tale which opens our eyes to the glee of seeing the world from a child's point of view.
This was our first taste of the professional version of the production and my brood were utterly entranced and left babbling about their favourite parts with cries of 'how did they do that?'
After Disney and Cameron Mackintosh produced the show in Australia in 2023 to much success they have brought their Australian stars Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers over to the UK for this tour and while I initially thought I heard a twang of an accent, which might seem out of place, I was soon spellbound by their clear and obvious talent. This tremendous duo as Mary Poppins and Bert don't put a foot wrong and leave no chimney unswept as they recreate a winning combination.
The rest of the cast is equally impressive and the sensational Patti Boulaye as the bird woman kept this moment as poignant as I still remember as a tot.
The children played by Olivia Ainsworth and Joshua Miles alongside the epic ensemble provide, innocence, mischief, humour and group performances that are truly top marks.
With all the unforgettable songs and charm paired with the modern-day stage wizardry we left with a spring in our step.
Something not to be missed. Run along and see it now. Spit spot!
Mary Poppins is on at Plymouth's Theatre Royal until Saturday March 29.
Abi Parkes
For centuries, the tin miners of Devon & Cornwall operated under a distinct legal system known as Stannary law, granting them special rights and privileges that set them apart from the rest of England.The Plymouth Chronicle reports on events and traditions related to Plympton’s unique stannary heritage. The role of the Stannator, a ceremo...
The Plymouth Chronicle reports on events and traditions related to Plympton’s unique stannary heritage. The role of the Stannator, a ceremonial position rooted in the region’s tin-mining past, continues to be a focal point in the community, reflecting the enduring significance of stannary customs.
It is an established tradition that each Stannator plants a tree of their choice somewhere in Plympton at the end of their year in office. Fiona’s tree planting was delayed firstly by the Covid pandemic and then pending agreement on a location for the planting.
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Fiona chose to plant a rowan (sorbus pink pagoda) and this is now in place along the border between Plympton Library and the hedge above Ridgeway.
Fiona was assisted in the planting of her tree by David Frost, vice chair of Plympton Community Council and Plymouth Tree People member and supported by a number of previous Stannators and some of their spouses who turned out for the planting ceremony.
(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
Dating back to at least the 12th century, the system was established to regulate the thriving tin industry, which was a major source of wealth for the Crown. Tin miners, known as tinners, were granted special legal protections under royal charters, allowing them to be tried in their own courts and exempting them from certain taxes.
At the heart of Stannary law were the Stannary Courts, which administered justice to miners independently of England’s common law courts. These courts operated in designated stannary towns such as Tavistock, Chagford, Ashburton, and Plympton in Devon, and Lostwithiel, Truro, and Helston in Cornwall.
The Stannary Parliament, which convened in Cornwall, had the power to make laws specifically for the mining community. It was one of the few legislative bodies outside Westminster that could enact its own rules, reinforcing the autonomy of the tin industry.
The tin trade was of significant economic importance to English monarchs, who imposed levies known as coinage dues—a tax paid on refined tin. In return, miners were granted privileges, including freedom from regular jury service and the ability to settle disputes in their own courts.
However, with the decline of tin mining in the 18th and 19th centuries, the influence of Stannary law waned. The last recorded meeting of the Cornish Stannary Parliament took place in 1753, and its legal authority was gradually absorbed into the wider British legal system.
Georgina BarnesBBC News, South WestJohn DanksBBC News, DevonPlymouth Argyle's Green Army are hoping their team can give the defending Premier League champions a challenge in their FA Cup tie on Saturday.The Devon side, who are near the bottom of the Championship table, beat Premier League leaders Liverpool 1-0 in a fourth-round victory at Home Park at the beginning of the month.Their next o...
Georgina Barnes
BBC News, South West
John Danks
BBC News, Devon
Plymouth Argyle's Green Army are hoping their team can give the defending Premier League champions a challenge in their FA Cup tie on Saturday.
The Devon side, who are near the bottom of the Championship table, beat Premier League leaders Liverpool 1-0 in a fourth-round victory at Home Park at the beginning of the month.
Their next opponents Manchester City remain near the top of the Premier League table and boast some of the world's best players, although striker Erling Haaland's return from injury was still uncertain.
Elburton postmistress Tina Debenham said she hoped City would be "having a bad day" to give the Pilgrims more of a chance to win.
She said: "Of course we can do it.
"Maxi (Maksym Talovierov) will eat Haaland for breakfast if he's playing, but realistically it's our cup final.
"We've got the enjoy every minute of it."
Ms Debenham said "we'll be the talk of England" if Argyle win.
About 8,000 fans are expected to travel to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester to support the Pilgrims in the fifth-round tie.
Lifelong Argyle supporter Jo Benwell will be one of them.
She said: "There's always a real thrill as a lower league fan to go to these big stadiums and whenever Argyle fans travel in large numbers for big cup games it's always a great atmosphere.
"It's going to be a fantastic occasion for the club and one that the fans can really enjoy because there's no pressure on us to go there and win."
Plymouth Argyle are currently in 22nd place out of 24 spots.
Ms Benwell said if the club won the FA Cup but were relegated in the same season she would "take that".
"We can get through it again but the chances of ever winning the FA Cup again in our lifetime is unlikely."
The last win is the first time the Devon side have beaten Liverpool since February 1956, with fans describing it as a "magical afternoon".
Argyle legend and record appearance holder Kevin Hodges said under new manager Miron Muslic - anything was possible this weekend.
Argyle fan and Youtuber Harvey England said: "Coming up against a team which are dominant and wild football Premier League giants, Champion League giants, filled with the names of the game.
"Erling Haaland, whether or not he'll be playing, Kevin de Bruyne, one of the best midfielders in the world.
"It's going to be a boom in atmosphere and we've got to show Man City what we're about."
The teams will play each other at 17:45 GMT on ITV.
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