Trademark Law Articles

Are Trademarks Assets?

Are Trademarks Assets? The short answer:  Yes and No. Trademarks do have some characteristics of assets.  Many businesses assign a valuation to their trademarks (be they registered trademarks or unregistered, common-law trademarks). Understanding Trademarks as...

What is a Letter of Protest in a Trademark Application?

What is a Letter of Protest in a Trademark Application? Letters of Protest are underused tools in the toolbox of the trademark application process to block the registration of a mark. The Letter of Protest is a strategic maneuver designed to influence the United...

Where does the Trademark Symbol Go?

Where does the Trademark Symbol Go? The r-in-a-circle ® symbol for a federally registered trademark must be placed next to the trademark. The circle r symbol is only for an official trademark registration and not for common law trademarks.  Unregistered trademarks are...

IP Lawyer vs. Patent Attorney

Navigating the World of Intellectual Property: IP Lawyers vs. Patent Lawyers Here at Verna Law, P.C., we receive phone calls and e-mails asking for "IP Lawyers" or "Patent Attorneys." Our setup is quite simple.  Our Managing Partner is Anthony Verna.  Our Patent Agent...