Providence, Rhode Island Businesses Use Cohn Legal for Trademark Services
The attorneys of Cohn Legal, PLLC have extensive experience handling all aspects of trademark law—from transactional work to trademark prosecutions. We have the skills and expertise to provide clients in Providence, Rhode Island with outstanding legal representation and counsel. It’s our goal is to ensure our client’s trademark and intellectual property rights are protected and enforced at every turn.
Top 5 Questions Providence Businesses Have About Obtaining a Trademark
Should I hire a trademark attorney to help me register my trademark?
Whether or not you are required to hire an attorney depends on where you live.
If you’re living outside of the United States, then the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) actually requires that you hire an attorney who is licensed to practice law in the United States to represent you.
If you are living in the United States, then you aren’t required to hire a trademark attorney. However, it’s strongly recommended that you do hire an attorney who specializes in trademark law even if you do live within the United States. This is because your attorney will conduct a robust trademark search to ensure your mark isn’t too similar to an existing mark. In addition, your application will be submitted completely and accurately and will be more likely to move through the approval process more quickly.
What does the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board do?
The purpose of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) is to help resolve certain conflicts that may arise between trademark owners. For example, the TTAB will intervene if:
- One party believes another party’s existing or pending trademark will harm their business and should be canceled.
- A party wants to appeal an examining attorney’s decision to reject their trademark application.
TTAB proceedings have specific procedures and time-sensitive deadlines that must be adhered to. It’s in your best interest to hire a trademark attorney to assist you. A trademark attorney can guide you through TTAB proceedings and settle the dispute while keeping your best interests in mind.
Does my business need more than one trademark?
Most businesses do require more than one trademark. For example, you may want to trademark the name of your business, your logo, and the name of a product or service you offer. Speak to the trademark attorneys at Cohn Legal for advice on what pieces of intellectual property you should trademark.
Can I submit a trademark application prior to selling any products or services?
You can submit a trademark application before you’re ready to bring your products or services to market. You would just need to indicate that you are filing your application on an “intent to use” basis. This tells the USPTO that you intend to use the mark, but aren’t ready to yet.
If the trademark application is approved, then you’ll receive a Notice of Allowance (NOA) from the USPTO. That means you’ll have 6 months to either provide proof to the USPTO that you are using your trademark in commerce, or request a 6-month extension. You are allowed up to 5 extension requests.
What is TEAS used for?
TEAS is the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). This online portal enables you to quickly and easily submit your trademark application and other documents to the USPTO. You can also use this system to pay USPTO fees by using a credit card, electronic funds transfer, or through an existing USPTO deposit account.
Why Trademark Registration Matters for Providence Businesses
People love Providence, Rhode Island because it effortlessly combines the small-town charm and friendliness with big-city culture and sophistication. With a thriving arts community, clean and safe neighborhoods, and a steady influx of tourists, Providence is the perfect place to start a successful business venture.
Business owners in Providence are known for being budget-conscious. Being aware of spending is a good thing, especially when starting out. However, that means many entrepreneurs wind up putting off the trademark registration process. That may save a few dollars upfront, but will ultimately be costlier down the line.
Imagine the following: Jolene is skilled in cosmetic dentistry and has been working at a dental practice for about 10 years. Now, she’s ready to take a chance on herself and start her own practice. Jolene decides on the name The Perfect Providence Smile for her new business venture.
Jolene knows a bit about trademark registration, however, she’s really watching her spending as she launches her business. She decides that registration can wait. Instead, she spends her money on leasing space in downtown Providence, developing a website, printing marketing materials, ordering signage, and getting the best dental equipment she could find.
Finally, after months of hard work, Jolene is ready to open her practice. It’s a year later and Jolene couldn’t be more pleased about the success she’s enjoying. She’s built a loyal client base and new clients are coming in every week. Her reputation as the best cosmetic dentist in Providence is spreading fast.
Unfortunately, Jolene is about to get some unsettling news that will certainly cause her to frown. She receives a cease-and-desist letter from a chain of cosmetic dentistry offices with locations in Providence, Illinois, and Providence, Indiana. The name of that small chain is very similar to the name of Jolene’s practice.
Since the other practice had registered their trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office more than 15 years ago, they were well within their rights to ask Jolene to shut her practice and not reopen until she renames her business. They even threaten legal action if she does not comply by the given deadline.
Now, Jolene will have to shut down her business and invest a lot of time and money into rebranding. Meanwhile, she runs the risk of losing the clientele she’s worked so hard to build up over the past year.
Had Jolene spent the money on hiring a trademark attorney and registering her trademark, then she would not be in this situation today. As a business owner, it’s wise to want to save money, but don’t skimp on registering your trademark. Not pursuing trademark registration early on could wind up costing you more than you ever imagined.
If you have questions about trademark registration, then contact the attorneys at Cohn Legal for a no-cost trademark consultation.
** Cohn Legal, PLLC is not located in Providence and yet it can assist businesses from Rhode Island in registering a federal Trademark because trademarks are governed under federal law.
Trademarks Services for Providence Businesses
Submit Your Trademark
Now in 4 Easy Steps
TRADEMARK INFORMATION
Complete the Trademark Registration Form.
PRELIMINARY SEARCH
Our IP Attorneys will run a search of your trademark in the USPTO.
TM APPLICATION
We draft your TM Application and send it to you for your Review.
USPTO
We File the Application with the USPTO.