Forming a Business: The Importance of Trademark Clearance Searches

It is a common belief among prospective business owners that because a business name is available for registration with the relevant Department of State, that name is free and clear for use generally. This is a misconception. The Department of State in any state allows formation of a business entity as long as there is no other entity with a …

Velcro Fights Genericism Through Song

In an effort to save their brand from genericism, the team at Velcro recently launched a witty campaign urging people not to use the Velcro trademark as a noun or a verb. To view the video click here. A term becomes generic where it becomes the commonly used term for a good or service, for example, escalator (formerly known as …

Trademark Application Post-Filing Solicitations

Trademark application post-filing solicitations by private companies are very common and can result in an applicant unwittingly paying money to a non-USPTO entity. These private companies are not affiliated with the United States Patent and Trademark Office but their names tend to somewhat resemble the USPTO’s name.  A few examples of these solicitations include requests for fees for publication of …

News: Top 40 Under 40 Intellectual Property Lawyers NY

News 1/25/2017   We are proud to announce that our Managing Attorney, Kristin Grant, was selected for inclusion in the American Society of Legal Advocates’ list of the Top 40 Under 40 Intellectual Property Lawyers in New York State. American Society of Legal Advocates is an invitation-only legal organization. The Top 40 under 40 award identifies attorneys who combine excellent …