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Trade Dress Protection

101 Series – Trademark Licensing and Franchising

As part of running a business, business owners occasionally need to license their trademarks.  Because trademark licenses typically require that the brand owner control use of their trademarks, the agreements require control over the mark.  However, if done wrongly, a trademark license can accidentally create a franchise.  In some cases a business owner wants to Read more about 101 Series – Trademark Licensing and Franchising[…]

Registering a Trademark used in Commerce

Registering a Trademark Trademarks are protected under state, federal and common law based on proof of actual use of the particular word, phrase, style, design, color, smell or sound.  Registration provides several important benefits, including the ability to obtain monetary damages and certain presumptions after a period of time on the principal registry. Federal registration Read more about Registering a Trademark used in Commerce[…]

101 Series – Service Mark

What is a Service Mark? A service mark (or servicemark) is just like a trademark but it is used in connection with services.  A trademark is typically used in connection with goods.  A mark is the general term for both a service and a trademark.  Generally, service marks relates to companies who provide services instead of Read more about 101 Series – Service Mark[…]

The Importance of Trademark Goodwill

A “trademark” (less commonly called a “service mark”) can be a single word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services. Some trademarks are a combination of words and symbols, and many evolve over time. For example, Target’s trademark has become a red bull’s eye, now widely recognized by Read more about The Importance of Trademark Goodwill[…]

In the name of Santa Claus

It seems like Christmas is getting earlier and earlier, with Santa holiday advertisements appearing even before Halloween or Thanksgiving.  With Santa appearing so often and so long, overpowering almost every other holiday, one has to wonder who owns Santa.  I don’t mean the spiritual visitor, but the name and image Santa Claus which we see Read more about In the name of Santa Claus[…]