Successful brands don’t just appear out of thin air—they must be developed, built, supported, and protected. Today, any business--big or small--can have a strong global presence, whereas in the past, only large companies with deep pockets could afford strong brand development and protection.
Since 1999, I have worked with thousands of small business owners to build and protect their brands. EMP&A has become one of the most recognized brands in the field of trademarks, and I share all my tips and tools in Building a Bold Brand - a single resource created specifically for brand managers and business owners.
Begin your journey to Building a Bold Brand.
Video Series
What Makes This Book Different
Listen to Erik discuss what makes this book a unique resource for any business, whether a start-up with a new brand, or established with a growing brand.
Overview of contents
With content is brought to life through shared real-world examples from familiar brands, as well as through actual client success stories.
- In Part One of Building a Bold Brand, we will cover the fundamentals of choosing a brand name, and we’ll explore and explain the different types of name choices.
- In Part Two, we’ll take a deep dive into the how and why of the trademark registration process. In Part Three, proper use of a trademark is detailed, along with registration renewals.
- In Part Four, I cover special considerations for small businesses and a variety of specific industries.
- Finally, Part Five is a compendium of valuable resources for working with your brand(s).
Rave Reviews

Access to special videos and visuals is available for purchasers of the book.
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About the Author
Erik Pelton, founder and lead attorney at Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC (EMP&A), has dedicated his career to making intellectual property protection understandable, accessible, and affordable for businesses and entrepreneurs of all sizes and types. Erik got his start as a trademark examiner for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) before launching his own boutique trademark law practice, with the goal of making the process of protecting a company brand easy—whether for a solo practitioner or an international corporation—through the enduring ideals of great customer service, affordability, and clarity.
With 20+ years of experience in the field of trademarks and more than 3,000 trademarks registered, Erik is also intent on sharing his knowledge through workshops, conference speaking engagements, free video tutorials, and a blog that focuses on current issues and cases regarding intellectual property.
Outside of the office, Erik can be found volunteering with the local Economic Development Authority, testing his mettle in a triathlon, drumming up support for charity, or wrangling kids on Bike to School Day. He and his family live in Falls Church, Va.