Asked before the first message
If yours is not here, write, and I will answer it.
Who is this practice for?
People who make something and sell it under a name: founders, studios, makers, artists and the small brands they become. If you have a legal department, you probably do not need me.
Do I need to live nearby?
No. Trademarks and copyrights are registered federally, so most of the work is the same wherever you are, and most of it happens by email and a call.
How long does a trademark take?
Months, in a queue I do not control. That is the reason to start before you launch and not after. I can tell you where an application stands, and what the office usually does next.
Does registering guarantee I keep the name?
No. The office examines every application, and a registration can be challenged by someone with earlier rights. A good search lowers the risk. It does not remove it.
Do you go to court?
I write demand letters and handle filings with the Trademark Office. If a dispute needs a lawsuit, I will say so, and refer you to a litigator.
What does it cost to talk first?
The first call is about half an hour, and I tell you before it whether there is a charge. Work after that is quoted as a flat fee in writing.
Missing from the list?
Write the question as it occurs to you. I would rather answer a short one than have you guess.