General
1. Is your principal attorney's name Dragan or Dan Ivetic?
Both are his name. His given/legal name is "Dragan" which is a Serbo-Croatian name which means "dear one." "Dan" is a name that he has used most of his life, and is an Americanized version of his given/legal name. For further details about our principal attorney, visit his Attorney Bio Page.
2. Where are your Offices located?
Our office is located in downtown Chicago, at 33 N. Dearborn St., on the 10th Floor (Suite 1000). This building is across the street (kitty corner) from the Daley Center Courthouse and Plaza. This is in the center of the so-called "legal district" in Chicago. View our location on our Contact Page.
3. What areas of law do you practice?
Visit our Practice Page to learn more about the areas of our practice.
4. Do you handle personal injury cases?
No, unfortunately we do not handle personal injury cases. You are better off seeking a law firm or attorney who specializes in such cases.
5. Can I pay for your services by credit card?
Yes! Our firm accepts online payments (credit card or e-check) via a secure link and processor (Clio).
6. In what jurisdictions are you licensed to practice law?
For details about our professional licenses, and othe credentials, please refer to our Credentials Page. Under certain circumstances, we can and have previously been admitted pro hac vice to appear in other jurisdictions on a limited basis (both internationally, and within the United States).
7. What kind of fees do you charge for legal representation?
Our legal fees depend on the type of legal matter that you need assistance with. We offer both flat fee and hourly billing. Contact us for more information - Contact Us.
8. Can you provide references or reviews from prior clients?
Please refer to our Reviews Page to read recent reviews from real clients we have assisted.
9. How can I schedule a consultation with your office to discuss my legal matter?
The best way to contact us is by email, or by using our form - Contact Us. The more information that you provide, the better able we are to determine if we can help you, how we can help you, and what the applicable fee would be.
Trademark Law
1. Are you a US-licensed trademark attorney?
Yes, our principal attorney is a US-licensed trademark attorney! He is further authorized to represent clients before the USPTO (Trademark Office) and the TTAB (Trademark Trial and Appeal Board). for further details regarding licensing and credentials, visit our Credentials Page.
2. What kind of clients do you usually help with Trademarks?
Our firm has helped small and medium business clients across the United States with their trademark matters. Additionally we have helped international (non-US domiciled) clients from across the world. Our clients have been start-ups, not-for-profits, content creators, family businesses, restaurants, manufacturers, e-commerce retailers, and a host of others.
3. How long is the process to attain a US trademark?
We can get an application on file rather quickly (depending on several factors). Once the application is submitted, we have to wait for the USPTO to take action. Currently, there is a backlog at the USPTO, and the process from application to a final decision is taking, on average, about 12+ months time. For more information on the process, see our Trademark Registration page and Blog
4. What is a Clearance Opinion?
It is recommended (though not required) that you obtain a trademark Clearance Opinion before filing the application. The purpose of that opinion is to determine (through analysis) whether any risks are presented by existing registered and unregistered trademarks that may impact on the success of your application. We conduct such Clearance Opinions based on a comprehensive search report from reputable 3rd party vendors. (you can pick the vendor for us to use based on your budget) For more information, see our Clearance Opinion and Comprehensive Search blog articles.
5. Do I need a lawyer, or can I file a trademark by myself or a DIY service?
If you are a non-US domiciled applicant, you are required by law to be represented by a US-licensed attorney. If you a US resident, you can file on your own or use a service, but there are several disadvantages (including that the success rates are higher for attorney led applications). For more information, view our Blog article on this topic.
6. I registered my company name with the State, and I registered my domain name with my ISP- do those count as Trademark protections?
Registering a corporate name or a domain name do not provide trademark protection on their own! For further information, view our Blog article on this topic.
7. How long does a federal trademark registration last?
So long as you keep using the trademark in commerce for the stated goods/services, and so long as you file timely renewal documents with the USPTO, a federal trademark does not expire.
Copyright Law
1. What does Copyright actually protect?
Copyright law protects original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible form. This includes a wide range of creative works, such as literary works (books, articles), musical compositions, sound recordings, dramatic works, visual arts (paintings, photographs), and architectural works. It's important to note that copyright does not protect ideas, facts, systems, or methods of operation. It only protects the specific way those ideas are expressed.
2. Can your Firm help with Copyright registration?
Yes! Our firm assists clients through every step of the copyright registration process. We help ensure that your application is complete and accurate, increasing your chances of a successful and timely registration. Our attorneys can also advise you on the best strategies to protect your specific works.
3. What is the US Copyright Office?
The United States Copyright Office is a federal agency that acts as the primary administrator of the nation's copyright system. While it is a government body, it is unique because it is a department of the Library of Congress and therefore sits within the Legislative Branch of the government, rather than the Executive Branch.
4. Do I have to register my work with the US Copyright Office?
No, copyright protection is automatic. Your work is protected by copyright from the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form, like being written down or recorded. However, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office is highly recommended. Registration provides a public record of your claim and is required before you can file a lawsuit for copyright infringement in federal court. It also offers stronger legal remedies if you win your case. Our firm can guide you through the registration process to ensure your rights are fully protected.
5. How long does copyright protection last?
The duration of copyright protection depends on several factors, including when the work was created. For works created on or after January 1, 1978, copyright protection typically lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. For works made for hire, and for anonymous or pseudonymous works, the copyright lasts for 95 years from the date of first publication or 120 years from the date of creation, whichever expires first.
6. Can you help with a Copyright NDA or License?
Yes! For Copyright Licensing, check out our practice page - Copyright Licensing. For Non-Disclosure Agreements, check out our Contracts Practice Page - NDA Agreements.
Contract Law
1. Why should I have a lawyer review my contract?
Contracts can contain complex language and hidden clauses that may not be immediately apparent. Every word in a contract has legal meaning, and the combination of words can create a different legal meaning, just by making a minor change in order. A professional review ensures you fully understand your rights and obligations, protects against hidden risks, and confirms compliance with applicable laws.
2. What types of contracts do you have experience with drafting or reviewing?
We have experience with many different types of contract, and that includes drafting/reviewing/negotiating new contracts, as well as litigating contracts (by others) that have gone wrong. We can use that vast knowledge and experience to ensure that the contract fits your needs and does not have any unforeseen flaws that can hamper enforcement. We have experience in a wide range of contracts, including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), employment contracts, vendor and supplier agreements, real estate contracts, licensing agreements, work-for-hire agreements, social media management contracts, independent consultant agreements, disclaimers and more.
3. How long does a contract review take?
The time required depends on the complexity of the contract. Simple reviews can be completed within a few hours, while more detailed agreements may take a few days to ensure thoroughness. Since we also need to consult with you after our review, the process takes a few days.
4. Can you draft a customized or bespoke contract for our business?
Yes, we offer custom contract drafting services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need a contract created from scratch or modifications to an existing one, we ensure your agreements are clear, enforceable, and aligned with your goals.
5. Is it safe to just use a template contract I found online?
While template contracts can be a good starting point, they often lack the customization needed to address your specific needs and circumstances. For one thing, you don't know if a lawyer drafted them, or if they are customized for your state. Using a template without legal review can leave you vulnerable to loopholes, ambiguous terms, or non-compliance with laws. Templates may not address the unique aspects of your business or transaction, leaving critical terms undefined or irrelevant clauses included. Many templates are not state-specific and may fail to comply with local laws, making them unenforceable in your area. Templates often contain vague, ambiguous or imprecise language that can be exploited, leading to disputes or unintended obligations. In short, using a template may not fully protect your rights or address potential risks, leaving you vulnerable to legal or financial consequences.
We can help tailor a template to ensure it aligns with your goals, complies with applicable laws, and provides the protection you need.