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®, ™, and ℠ Trademark Symbols Explained: What Each One Means and When to Use It

In Business Tips, Copyright, Intellectual Property, Trademarks by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

Trademark Symbols Explained: ®, ™, and ℠ for Business Owners You spot a small ® next to a company logo. Across the street, another business uses ™ on its sign. Same idea, right? Not quite. These trademark symbols carry very different legal weight, and using the wrong one can weaken your brand protection or even land you in trouble with …

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What Happens When You Sell Your Name?-The Hidden IP Risks of Business Sales

In Business Tips, Business Transactions, Intellectual Property, Non-Compete Agreements, Trademarks by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

Selling Your Business Name? Know the IP Risks First When your personal name is also your business name, selling that business may mean permanently surrendering the right to use your own name commercially. Understanding the intellectual property risks of selling a business name—before you sign—can protect your identity, your future ventures, and your earning potential. Building a business from the …

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What’s the Difference Between a State Trademark and a Federal Trademark?

In Business Tips, Intellectual Property, Trademarks by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, protecting your brand should be a top priority. Trademarks are a critical step in safeguarding your logo, slogan, business name, and other identifying assets. However, when choosing between a state trademark and a federal trademark, many are unsure which path to take. Both have their merits, but they serve different purposes depending …

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How a Lawyer Can Protect Your Business’s Trade Secrets

In Intellectual Property, Trade Secrets by Larry DonahueLeave a Comment

Your business’s trade secrets are key components of your company’s success and profitability. Trade Secrets are unique assets that hold intrinsic value and competitive advantage. Therefore, it’s necessary to safeguard them at all costs to avoid potential breaches by competitors, employees or hackers. Hiring a lawyer is one of the best ways to protect your business’s trade secrets and confidential …

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Protecting Your Business’ Trade Secrets

In Business Tips, Trade Secrets by Gage AndersonLeave a Comment

Trade secrets are perhaps the most valuable assets any company can have. They give businesses an edge over competitors, keep customers loyal, and help maintain a company’s brand or reputation. Trade secrets are a combination of confidential information, including processes, formulas, designs, and methods that give companies a competitive advantage. Furthermore, it is essential to protect these trade secrets to …

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The Benefits of Working with a Trademark Attorney

In Trademarks by Larry DonahueLeave a Comment

Filing a trademark application is an important step in the process of protecting your intellectual property. While you can file the application on your own, it’s highly recommended that you seek the assistance of a trademark attorney to ensure that everything is done correctly and efficiently. Here’s why it’s important to have a trademark attorney help you with your trademark …

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What is Intellectual Property and Why You Need to Know About It?

In Intellectual Property by Larry DonahueLeave a Comment

If you’re in the process of hiring a lawyer, chances are you’ve heard of intellectual property. But what exactly is it and why does it matter? In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of intellectual property and how it can help protect your business from potential litigation. What is Intellectual Property? Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of …

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BLSW Tops Expertise.com’s List of Litigators

In Break-ups & Partnership Disputes, Business Transactions, Dispute Resolution, Employment Law, Estate & Probate, Expungement of a Criminal Record, Intellectual Property, Litigation & Lawsuits, Partnerships by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

A Ranking in Professionalism, A+ Ranking in Reputation Once again, Business Law Southwest has been recognized by Expertise.com for their outstanding New Mexico Litigation Team ! Expertise’s Selection Criteria: Availability-Consistently approachable and responsive, so customers never feel ignored. Qualifications-Building customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards. Reputation-A history of delighted customers and outstanding service. Experience-Masters of their craft, based on …

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Sour Grapes. When Similar Names Create Confusion

In Business Tips, Copyright, Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property, Trademarks by Ben AlbrightLeave a Comment

Stag’s Leap Wine vs. Stags’ Leap: A Tale of Two Wineries Stag’s Leap Wine, product of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars rose to prominence in 1973 when it competed against wines around the world in the Judgement of Paris and won. At the time it came as a shock that an American wine could compete against a French wine. This …

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What is the Supplemental Register for Trademarks?

In Business Tips, Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property, Trademarks by Kameron KramerLeave a Comment

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has two registers for trademarks: supplemental and principal. The supplemental register is reserved for descriptive, surname, and geographical marks that do not qualify for the principal register. Ideally you will be on the principal register, but sometimes, you are asked to be on the supplemental register. You can make arguments against the …