October 2018

 
To make sure that we can provide updates on trademark renewal deadlines, and to forward any correspondence received, we always try to maintain current physical and email addresses on file for clients. One way we to try to monitor addresses, and have some fun and remain in contact at least once a year (in addition to this newsletter!), is to send trademark registration "birthday" cards on the anniversary of registration dates. It is practical for us (address changes/forwards) and a playful way to remind clients about our brand and services. What are you doing to remind your customers about your brand and offerings?



 
International Trademark Protection

On a recent episode of my Tricks of the Trade(mark) podcast, I shared information about international trademark protection issues:


For more podcast episodes (always just a few minutes, filled with trademark and branding tips), see my iTunes page.

The solid roots of bold brands

To maximize the efforts to become a bold brand, solid roots should be established from the start. Without a proper foundation, it is much more challenging for a brand to be bold and to achieve considerable trademark protection.
The solid roots established by bold brands include:
  • A creative name
  • A name that is unique in the industry
  • Experienced counsel
  • Trademark registration
  • Proper use of trademark symbols
  • Monitoring and enforcement of any infringements
  • Timely renewal of any trademark registrations



 
Limousine tragedy ruins reputation of
unrelated businesses

Last week, a tragedy in upstate New York lead to many deaths in a limousine accident. The operating company, Prestige Limo, has of course received a lot of negative attention and may have had a spotty safety record. 

But now many other businesses in the industry with similar names are being confused with the operator at issue, and their reputations are likely to suffer as well. For example, the business below, Prestige Limousine, received so many inquiries, that they added a disclaimer to wither website. And here is an article about confusion Prestige Car Service:  Please Don't Confuse Prestige Limo With This Other Local Company

Of course, the human tragedy here is far more important than any trademark issue. But it does illustrate one more reason why having a unique and creative brand name avoids confusion with competitors.




 
Later this month, I will be speaking TTAB proceeding tips with Chief Judge Rogers at the  Intellectual Property Law Institute, presented by ICLE . October 25-26 in Dearborn, IL.  

In May, I will speaking at the North Carolina Bar Association's Intellectual Property Law Section Annual Meeting.

If you know of a business or law group that would benefit from hearing about trademark protection from me, please let me know.




 
 
If there are any topics or issues you would like to see covered here, let us know!

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This publication has been prepared for the general information of clients and friends of the firm. It is not intended to provide legal advice with respect to any specific matter. Under rules applicable to the professional conduct of attorneys in various jurisdictions, it may be considered advertising material.

© 2018 Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC. 
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.