A creator‑ and founder‑friendly guide to trademarks: how rights arise, how federal and state protection differ, how to register, how enforcement works, and how to avoid common brand mistakes.
Securing federal trademark registration through the USPTO is important — but did you know that you have protections before your mark is federally registered? Even if you never file for federal protection, there are some tools you can use to assert rights to a mark.
For inventors and trademark holders battling copycats overseas, the International Trade Commission offers a powerful tool. Learn how the ITC can block imported products that infringe patents or trademarks at the U.S. border. This article shows a unique route—outside of court—that creators can use to protect their innovations.
It sounds wonky, but the “nondelegation” doctrine could affect who makes the rules that inventors and artists live by. This article addresses the constitutional question about how much power Congress can delegate to agencies like the patent office. It then explains in plain language why a legal principle from civics class might shape the future of innovation and creative industries.
When two brands butt heads, they don’t always go to court—sometimes they go to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). This article explains what the TTAB is (a legal forum within the trademark office) and how it works. Discover when businesses or entrepreneurs might use the TTAB to dispute trademarks, oppose new ones, or appeal decisions, all without a federal lawsuit.
The patent office isn’t a black box (though it sometimes feels like one)—it’s run by people with specific roles. Take a tour inside the USPTO and meet the key players who turn your idea into an issued patent. From the examiner who reviews your application, to the supervisors, board judges, and others behind the scenes, this article gives a human face to the process of protecting innovation.
If you discover someone potentially infringing your intellectual property, your first move could make all the difference. This article offers cautious advice on addressing IP conflicts without immediately demanding that the infringer stop infringing.
Trademark law can be a little dry… unless you add hot sauce. In this entertaining piece, an IP attorney literally downs shots of Tabasco® while explaining how trademarks work. It’s an offbeat experiment that spices up brand protection lessons—showing you the basics of trademarks (and the effects of serious heat) in a way you won’t forget!
New to the world of intellectual property? Start here. This overview breaks down the different types of IP in plain language. Get to know patents (for inventions), trademarks (for brands), copyrights (for creative works), trade secrets, and even publicity rights. It’s a friendly primer on how each category protects a different aspect of creativity and innovation, giving you the big picture of idea protection.
One minute is enough to grasp the basics of trademarks. This rapid-fire article covers how trademarks safeguard names, logos, and slogans—the identity of businesses and products. Learn why even small entrepreneurs should consider trademarking their brand, the gist of how the registration process works, and how that little ™ or ® symbol can be a big asset in protecting the identity of your venture.
