Securing Your Brand’s Identity
Your brand is one of your business’s most valuable assets, representing the trust, reputation, and recognition you’ve built in the marketplace. Whether it’s a unique logo, business name, slogan, or trade dress, a strong trademark sets your company apart from the competition.
Why Registered Trademark Protection Matters
A registered trademark legally protects your business’s symbols, names, and logos. Registering your trademark prevents others from using or copying your brand identity. A strong trademark protects your reputation, builds customer trust, and provides significant commercial advantages.
A registered trademark offers far-reaching benefits, including:
- Exclusive Use: Prevent competitors from using confusingly similar marks.
- Legal Protection: The ability to take legal action against infringers.
- Brand Confidence: Increase customer trust and loyalty by protecting your brand.
- Business Valuation: Build brand equity and increase your business’s value.
Susan Dierenfeldt-Troy offers comprehensive trademark services for both US and international clients to protect their brand and help them maintain a competitive edge. Her services are specifically tailored to her clients’ needs and objectives and include the following:
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Trademark Searches
Before applying for a trademark, it’s crucial to ensure that your desired brand elements are unique and don’t infringe on existing trademarks. A trademark search is also important for identifying potential registration issues. Susan conducts comprehensive trademark searches to identify potential infringement and registration problems.
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Trademark Application Prosecution
Filing a trademark application involves more than simply filling out a form. Susan files trademark applications that define your brand’s identity, ensuring compliance with the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO’s) registration requirements. She navigates the nuances of the trademark registration system, to maximize your chances of approval. Should the trademark application face registration challenges from the trademark application examining attorney, Susan will respond to office actions on your behalf. She will work diligently to resolve issues, defend your trademark, and ensure your brand is registered successfully.
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Post Registration Management, TTAB Proceedings, and Trademark Licensing
Trademark protection doesn’t end with registration. Susan also assists clients in managing the ongoing requirements to maintain and renew their trademarks, ensuring their brands remain protected for years to come.
She also represents clients in trademark cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) whether as a client seeking cancellation of a registered mark owned by another or as a client facing cancellation of its registered mark.
Registered trademarks may be licensed providing certain requirements are met as a way to monetize the registered mark beyond direct usage in commerce by the trademark owner. Susan drafts appropriate trademark licensing agreements to ensure that they will not be deemed a “naked” license. Naked licensing agreements can lead to a loss of trademark rights and legal challenges.
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Trademark Enforcement
Registered trademark owners have the right to protect their marks from infringement. Susan provides strategic legal counsel for enforcing her clients’ trademark rights against infringers, helping them maintain control over your brand. From cease-and-desist letters to litigation, she will aggressively pursue violators to protect her clients’ interests. Susan also provides defense strategies for individuals or businesses accused of trademark infringement.
