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 Wolverhampton, West Midlands.
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 Wolverhampton, West Midlands, 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 Wolverhampton, West Midlands.
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 Wolverhampton, West Midlands 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 Wolverhampton, West Midlands, 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.
West Midlands Fire Service said the restaurant's fire alarms were 'inadequate' and planned escape routes 'unsuitable'CommentsBlack CountryA restaurant will have to face a grilling from council licensors after the fire servi...
A restaurant will have to face a grilling from council licensors after the fire service raised concerns about the venue’s safety measures.
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Gold Koast Restaurant in Cape Hill, Smethwick, applied to Sandwell Council for a licence to sell alcohol earlier this year but will be questioned over its fire safety measures after objections were raised by West Midlands Fire Service.
Fire safety officers visited the Cape Hill restaurant only to find fire alarms were ‘inadequate’ and escape routes at the restaurant ‘unsuitable.’
In its objection, West Midlands Fire Service said the fire separation between the ground and first floors was “inadequate” and there was not a suitable permanent fire detection and alarm system between the restaurant and the above flats.
The fire service added that the proposed fire escape route was “unsuitable” as it ran through the kitchen and was too long.
Emergency lighting and the restaurant’s fire alarms were “not suitably maintained and tested” and there was no emergency plan of fire risk assessment.
The restaurant’s artificial plants were also flammable and a fire hazard, the fire service said.
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Sandwell Council’s licensing subcommittee meets on April 24 to make a decision on the application.
The restaurant has been registered at the Cape Hill address with Leeds-based Frank Anane and Ransford Kwasi Nuer as directors since June 2023 according to Companies House.
The register of companies also shows the restaurant’s accounts are overdue from February and there is currently an active proposal to ‘strike off’ – which means the company is about to be dissolved.
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The West African restaurant opened in December 2023. It was given a ‘generally satisfactory’ three-star hygiene rating by the Food Standards Agency following an inspection in September last year.
Zakir Shah failed to comply with an Emergency Prohibition Order put in place at a three-storey property at High Street, Rowley RegisA rogue landlord who allowed tenants to live in 'dangerous' conditions - despite a prior warning - has been fined £2,200.Zakir Shah failed to comply with an Emergency Prohibition Order put in place at a three-storey property at High Street, Rowley Regis.Shah, the leaseholder, allowed occupants to use the residential parts of the property when they were in a haz...
A rogue landlord who allowed tenants to live in 'dangerous' conditions - despite a prior warning - has been fined £2,200.
Zakir Shah failed to comply with an Emergency Prohibition Order put in place at a three-storey property at High Street, Rowley Regis.
Shah, the leaseholder, allowed occupants to use the residential parts of the property when they were in a hazardous state.
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Sandwell Council officers inspected the property in 2023 and found it to be in a "dangerous condition with significant health and safety hazards".
The Emergency Prohibition Order was served on Shah, prohibiting the residential parts of the property from being used for the purposes of sleeping and residing.
But Shah continued to allow the property to be used and during follow-up inspections on April 16 and 18 last year, officers found the residential parts still occupied and in the same hazardous state.
Shah, of Brook Lane, Moseley, Birmingham, was found guilty of two charges of failing to comply with an Emergency Prohibition Order following a trial at Dudley Magistrates' Court on April 4.
He was fined a total of £2,200 - £1,100 per offence- and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £880, plus the council's full costs of £2,192.59.
The total sum of £5,272.59 was payable within 28 days, and a collection order was for the total sum.
Following the hearing, Councillor Vicki Smith, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for housing and sustainable development, said: "We are pleased with the outcome of this case.
"It sends a clear message that Sandwell Council will not tolerate any breaches of housing regulations.
"Our priority is to protect our residents and ensure they live in safe and healthy environments.
"We will continue to take firm action against landlords who disregard legal orders and put tenants at risk."
Anyone concerned about the condition of their private rental property can report their issues to Sandwell Council by calling 0121 368 1177 and selecting option 2.
Paramedics said the woman, found outside the home, sustained serious injuries in the blazeCommentsBlack CountryA woman who sustained serious injuries in a city house fire was airlifted to a specialist burns unit.Article con...
A woman who sustained serious injuries in a city house fire was airlifted to a specialist burns unit.
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The blaze broke out at a home on The Parkway in Perton, Wolverhampton, just before 4pm yesterday, Tuesday, April 15.
Paramedics found the woman, who had sustained serious injuries, outside the house.
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She received advanced trauma care at the scene before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for emergency treatment.
An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with medics on board responded to the incident.
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A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "A woman has been airlifted to a specialist burns unit after being involved in a house fire in Wolverhampton.
"We were called by the fire service to a property off The Parkway, Perton, Wolverhampton at 3.56pm yesterday afternoon to reports of a property fire.
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"Ambulance staff arrived to find the woman out of the house with serious injuries.
"She received advanced trauma care by the team of medics on scene before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further emergency care.
"An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with medics on board responded to the scene."
We have contacted West Midlands Fire Service for comment.
Staff at City of Wolverhampton College are celebrating after the organisation was ranked in the top three colleges in England — and best in the West Midlands — for overall student achievement rates.Last updated Just nowWatch more of our videos on ShotsTV.comand on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowThe latest Department of Education's (DFE) annual national achievement rates tables (NARTs) — published at the end of March ...
Staff at City of Wolverhampton College are celebrating after the organisation was ranked in the top three colleges in England — and best in the West Midlands — for overall student achievement rates.
Last updated Just now
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.comand on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The latest Department of Education's (DFE) annual national achievement rates tables (NARTs) — published at the end of March — show the college's results for the 2023/24 academic year increased to 92.7%, the third highest outcome for overall achievement across all general further education providers in England.
The increase - up from 89% in 2022/23 - also positions it as first in the West Midlands, ahead of neighbouring colleges in Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Telford and Walsall.
A breakdown of the results show the colleges is sixth in the country for achievement rates for full-time students aged under 19, and fifth for adult learners studying part-time courses.
Louise Fall, principal and chief executive of City of Wolverhampton College said: "We knew our overall performance in the last academic year was exceptional, but to be ranked in the top three colleges in England and the best college in the West Midlands is fantastic news
"This superb result is testament to the hard work and commitment to learning of students and apprentices of all ages and to the dedication and professionalism of all staff - whether in teaching or non-teaching roles - who strive every day to support and encourage them to achieve their qualifications.
"This ranking, combined with the opening of the new £61 million campus at the City Learning Quarter in Wolverhampton city centre this autumn and new facilities already open at the Wellington Road in Bilston, means that people of all ages and abilities who enrol here can be sure that they will be studying at one of the best colleges there is."
The college offers a wide range of full-time and part-time vocational qualifications, as well as employment courses for job seekers, and staff are holding an open evening on Wednesday, 30 April from 4pm-7pm.
You can book a place at the event at www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/open-events/
The town left its 140-year-old home in Queen Street in 2023 and several plans are in the works for the former newspaper buildingCommentsBlack CountryA move to open a climbing centre in a newspaper’s former press room has bee...
A move to open a climbing centre in a newspaper’s former press room has been given the green light.
City of Wolverhampton Council has approved plans to open the indoor climbing venue at the former Express and Star offices in Queen Street, Wolverhampton.
The former headquarters of the city’s newspaper, which moved out of its 140-year-home in 2023, is already being converted into new flats.
The new venue would create 33 jobs, according to the planning application by Climbing Hut Ltd.
A report by City of Wolverhampton Council’s planning officers said: “The proposals are a significant investment and would create new jobs at this important location.
“This portion of the building is currently vacant.
“The proposals would be an effective use of this floor space and the use would be compatible with the centre.
“Moreover, it is likely that this scheme would enhance the centre, and the wider city, providing a good quality leisure facility here.”
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The council’s planners approved a move at the start of the year to convert the now empty offices in Queen Street into new flats.
A total of 38 one-and-two-bed flats have been proposed for the second and third floors of the building alongside a “bar, restaurant, leisure, and event space” as well as a gym and offices.
A statement included with the application said the work would “transform” the former newspaper site, now dubbed ‘The Newspaper Building’.
City of Wolverhampton Council has highlighted the site as having space for up to 145 homes as part of housebuilding plans for the next decade.
The newspaper’s former printworks are also being converted into a beauty salon, barbers and cafe.
Staff at the Express and Star moved out of Queen Street in 2023, just months after its long-established home was put on the market and the title then sold to publisher National World.