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 Southampton, Hampshire.
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 Southampton, Hampshire, 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 Southampton, Hampshire.
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 Southampton, Hampshire 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 Southampton, Hampshire, 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.
Toys 'R' Us is set to make a return in Southampton and Fareham.The iconic toy brand is set to open stores inside two WHSmith shops in Hampshire between September 28 and Christmas.Owned by WHP Global, it has teamed up with WHSmith to launch a series of Toys 'R' Us shop-in-shops across the country.After opening dozens of shop-in-shops last year, the next round of Toys 'R' Us openings from WHSmith will start on Saturday, September 28, with Southampton being one of the first new stores to open their doors.The date for...
Toys 'R' Us is set to make a return in Southampton and Fareham.
The iconic toy brand is set to open stores inside two WHSmith shops in Hampshire between September 28 and Christmas.
Owned by WHP Global, it has teamed up with WHSmith to launch a series of Toys 'R' Us shop-in-shops across the country.
After opening dozens of shop-in-shops last year, the next round of Toys 'R' Us openings from WHSmith will start on Saturday, September 28, with Southampton being one of the first new stores to open their doors.
The date for the opening of Fareham's store is yet to be confirmed.
The new stores will bring a wide range of the latest toys and games to more families and customers, giving them more reasons to visit and shop with WHSmith during a key time of the year for high street retailers.
In Southampton, the Toys 'R' Us building on Western Esplanade has sat derelict since the retailer's collapse in 2018.
In 2022, WHSmith confirmed that they would launch a small-scale trial of Toys ‘R’ Us areas in nine of its high street stores early next year.
Sean Toal, managing director WHSmith said: “Nearly 40 years ago Toys R Us first came to the UK, and we take great pride in being the steward of this much-loved brand in the UK.
"We’ve had queues around the block for many openings in the last year which tells you just how much people are loving seeing Toys R Us back again.
"But our job isn’t done yet, and I’m pleased to be bringing the magic of Toys R Us to even more customers over the coming months ready for the best time of year – Christmas.”
WHSmith has said it will continue to open an average of three Toys R Us shop-in-shops every week in the build up to Christmas.
Michelle Phillips, WHSmith and Toys 'R' Us toys & games buying manager said: “In Toys R Us we offer so many different brands and have a wide range of choice for the whole family.
"We’re expecting Squishmallows to top the list of our bestselling toys this Christmas because we know they are really popular.
"Ladbaby have also just released a hilarious new game dedicated to their sausage roll obsession likely to be a family favourite.
"Stocks are limited so make sure you pick them up from our stores as soon as you can.”
A NEW Bishop of Southampton has been appointed and is to be consecrated next month.The Venerable Rhiannon King has said she is "delighted and humbled" to take on the role as suffragan bishop in the Hampshire city.This is a key leadership role in the Diocese of Winchester, covering the area around Southampton, Bournemouth, Eastle...
A NEW Bishop of Southampton has been appointed and is to be consecrated next month.
The Venerable Rhiannon King has said she is "delighted and humbled" to take on the role as suffragan bishop in the Hampshire city.
This is a key leadership role in the Diocese of Winchester, covering the area around Southampton, Bournemouth, Eastleigh, Lyndhurst, Romsey and Christchurch.
Yesterday, September 13, Rhiannon was introduced to representatives from across the region, first spending time at St Denys Community Food Project, before meeting students and staff at St Katharine’s CofE School in Southbourne. Finally, Rhiannon joined the community of Romsey Abbey for a service of prayer and blessing.
READ MORE: Winchester Acting Bishop to leave become Bishop of Peterborough
She will be consecrated as bishop on October 18 and welcomed formally at a service in Southampton, before moving to the city to begin her new role. She will be the 17th bishop of Southampton, following the Right Reverend Geoff Annas who has been acting bishop since November 2023, and the Rt Revd Debbie Sellin following her appointment as Bishop of Peterborough.
Rhiannon’s ordained ministry to date has spanned the dioceses of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Birmingham and Ely. She was ordained deacon in 2000 and worked first in a team ministry in the market town of Huntingdon, followed by being the Rector of a multi-parish benefice just outside Cambridge. She then became Director of Mission for the Diocese of Birmingham which involved leading their Growing Younger project and helping to implement their ‘Transforming Church’ and church-planting vision.
She currently serves as the Archdeacon of Ipswich and Director of the ‘Inspiring Ipswich’ project. Rhiannon is also a trustee of ‘Leading your Church into Growth’.
She is married to Philip, a physicist and photographer based in Oxford, and together they love to travel in the UK and further afield whenever possible.
Rhiannon grew up in Oxford and is from a strongly Welsh family. She has loved visiting nearby Hampshire over the years and has felt a strong call to this particular role. Her experience working in Ipswich and Birmingham will be invaluable as she moves to serve Southampton, Bournemouth and the nearby towns and villages in the south of the diocese.
Rhiannon said: “I am delighted and humbled to respond to this call to be the next Bishop of Southampton, and I am looking forward greatly to working with Bishops Philip and David, Archdeacon Jean and other colleagues across the Diocese, knowing that I have big shoes to fill, following Bishop Debbie. I am excited to have the opportunity to support the clergy and people here in mission and ministry. I don’t think there are many greater privileges than serving God and his Church and I can’t wait to learn from as well as contribute to what God is already doing here.
SEE ALSO: Bishop of Winchester confirmed in announcement at Southampton school
“Over the years I have especially loved working with local parish churches, helping them to grow generally and, in particular, to ‘grow younger’ as they reach out to their communities. I also enjoy helping individuals and churches to start new worshipping communities of all shapes and sizes and in the last decade have grown a special passion for estates, inner-urban ministry and work with asylum seekers and refugees.”
The Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen, said: “I am delighted that Rhiannon has been nominated as the next Bishop of Southampton. She brings an abundance of helpful experience in parish ministry and in diocesan leadership, not least in a highly successful programme for the revitalisation of the church in Ipswich. More than that, however, she brings with her a self-evident passion for people, for God’s Church and its mission - and for our God himself. I look forward very much to welcoming her to our Diocese and working with her for the coming of God’s Kingdom.”
A NEW Bishop of Southampton has been appointed and is to be consecrated next month.The Venerable Rhiannon King has said she is "delighted and humbled" to take on the role as suffragan bishop in the Hampshire city.This is a key leadership role in the Diocese of Winchester, covering the area around Southampton, Bournemouth, Eastle...
A NEW Bishop of Southampton has been appointed and is to be consecrated next month.
The Venerable Rhiannon King has said she is "delighted and humbled" to take on the role as suffragan bishop in the Hampshire city.
This is a key leadership role in the Diocese of Winchester, covering the area around Southampton, Bournemouth, Eastleigh, Lyndhurst, Romsey and Christchurch.
Yesterday, September 13, Rhiannon was introduced to representatives from across the region, first spending time at St Denys Community Food Project, before meeting students and staff at St Katharine’s CofE School in Southbourne. Finally, Rhiannon joined the community of Romsey Abbey for a service of prayer and blessing.
READ MORE: Winchester Acting Bishop to leave become Bishop of Peterborough
She will be consecrated as bishop on October 18 and welcomed formally at a service in Southampton, before moving to the city to begin her new role. She will be the 17th bishop of Southampton, following the Right Reverend Geoff Annas who has been acting bishop since November 2023, and the Rt Revd Debbie Sellin following her appointment as Bishop of Peterborough.
Rhiannon’s ordained ministry to date has spanned the dioceses of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Birmingham and Ely. She was ordained deacon in 2000 and worked first in a team ministry in the market town of Huntingdon, followed by being the Rector of a multi-parish benefice just outside Cambridge. She then became Director of Mission for the Diocese of Birmingham which involved leading their Growing Younger project and helping to implement their ‘Transforming Church’ and church-planting vision.
She currently serves as the Archdeacon of Ipswich and Director of the ‘Inspiring Ipswich’ project. Rhiannon is also a trustee of ‘Leading your Church into Growth’.
She is married to Philip, a physicist and photographer based in Oxford, and together they love to travel in the UK and further afield whenever possible.
Rhiannon grew up in Oxford and is from a strongly Welsh family. She has loved visiting nearby Hampshire over the years and has felt a strong call to this particular role. Her experience working in Ipswich and Birmingham will be invaluable as she moves to serve Southampton, Bournemouth and the nearby towns and villages in the south of the diocese.
Rhiannon said: “I am delighted and humbled to respond to this call to be the next Bishop of Southampton, and I am looking forward greatly to working with Bishops Philip and David, Archdeacon Jean and other colleagues across the Diocese, knowing that I have big shoes to fill, following Bishop Debbie. I am excited to have the opportunity to support the clergy and people here in mission and ministry. I don’t think there are many greater privileges than serving God and his Church and I can’t wait to learn from as well as contribute to what God is already doing here.
SEE ALSO: Bishop of Winchester confirmed in announcement at Southampton school
“Over the years I have especially loved working with local parish churches, helping them to grow generally and, in particular, to ‘grow younger’ as they reach out to their communities. I also enjoy helping individuals and churches to start new worshipping communities of all shapes and sizes and in the last decade have grown a special passion for estates, inner-urban ministry and work with asylum seekers and refugees.”
The Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen, said: “I am delighted that Rhiannon has been nominated as the next Bishop of Southampton. She brings an abundance of helpful experience in parish ministry and in diocesan leadership, not least in a highly successful programme for the revitalisation of the church in Ipswich. More than that, however, she brings with her a self-evident passion for people, for God’s Church and its mission - and for our God himself. I look forward very much to welcoming her to our Diocese and working with her for the coming of God’s Kingdom.”
Boat show, Romsey show, West End show, there's so much to do on and off the water this weekend.Here's our pick of five of the best family fun events in Hampshire on September 14 and 15.At Southampton International Boat Show...The Boat Show makes a return to the city this weekend and there will be plenty of exci...
Boat show, Romsey show, West End show, there's so much to do on and off the water this weekend.
Here's our pick of five of the best family fun events in Hampshire on September 14 and 15.
At Southampton International Boat Show...
The Boat Show makes a return to the city this weekend and there will be plenty of exciting attractions to try out.
Running from Friday, September 13 to Sunday, September 22 the event is in its 55th year.
Thousands of people will be able to explore various exhibits and ships on display, as well as a variety of attractions.
Featuring all the marine industry has to offer, expect everything from paddleboards to superyachts, kayaks to catamarans, and all the products and services in between.
At Romsey Show...
The highly anticipated Romsey Show returns on Saturday, September 14, at Broadlands Estate and this year's event promises to be even bigger and better than last year's.
On offer this year will be a blend of family entertainment, local traditions and exciting new attractions, building on the 2023 edition's roaring success.
The show has long been a cherished annual tradition, bringing together residents and visitors from across the region. Whether you are an agricultural enthusiast, food lover, or simply looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone.
This year's events include a "coaching class" from the coachmen seen in the Netflix TV series Bridgerton, a circus skills workshop, a "mud kitchen" and live music.
Aboard SS Shieldhall...
Southampton’s heritage steamship SS Shieldhall is staging a ‘Heritage Open Days’ sailing on Saturday 14 September between 4pm – 6pm.
This is the perfect opportunity to explore Shieldhall – a member of the National Historic Fleet - on a shorter cruise around the Southampton Docks.
Shieldhall’s last public sailing of the season takes place the following day on Sunday 15 September, and will see Shieldhall pass the assembled yachts moored close to Mayflower Park as part of the 2024 Southampton Boat Show.
At Mayflower Theatre...
From the producers that brought you The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Frozen, comes the spectacular Disney Broadway and West End musical Aladdin, which is flying in Southampton.
Already seen by over 14 million people worldwide, this exuberant production, based on the 1992 animated film is filled with unforgettable magic, comedy, breath-taking sets and dazzling costumes. It also features new music, alongside all the smash hit songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Friend Like Me, A Whole New World, One Jump Ahead, Prince Ali, and Arabian Nights.
Aladdin runs until September 29.
At Hampshire Country Sports Day...
The Hampshire Country Sports Day returns to the beautiful Bereleigh Estate, East Meon, on Sunday where visitors can enjoy a wide range of shopping, demos, 'have a go' activities and competitions.
Main Arena Attractions include demonstrations from on the Gundog by Nick Gregory, shooting by Chris Green the Countryman, fishing from Charles Jardine, terrier racing and the ever-impressive horse and hound parade.
'Have a go' activities include Olympic Medal Winner, Richard Faulds MBE creating a challenging shoot and taster sessions for beginners, using land on the estate not yet used for shooting. Raven Field Archers will be providing "have a go" archery.
There will be stands selling food and drink, crafts, sporting goods, clothing, and gifts.