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How to Register Your Musical Group or Band Name as a Trademark

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Jan 01, 2025 | 0 Comments

How to Register Your Musical Group or Band Name as a Trademark If you are a musician, band member, or musical content creator, you know that your stage or performance stage name is just as important as your songs or music.  Your band name or stage name under which you perform is your professional identity and the way in which you stand out from other performers and establish your valuable reputation and following.  After you have poured your heart, sweat and tears into your music, it would be foolish not to undertake the same effort and dedication to building and protecting your band or stage name. Trademarking your musical group's name gives you exclusive rights to its use, ensuring no one can cash in on your hard-earned reputation. While the trademark process is highly technical and can be confusing, we will attempt to give you an introduction to the process and what you absolutely need to know in order to register and protect your band name or stage name.

How can I Effectively Protect my Brand's Trademark Worldwide?

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Dec 15, 2024 | 0 Comments

How can I Effectively Protect my Brand's Trademark Worldwide? Whether your business is just starting out or has been growing for some time, it is inevitable that, at some point, you will want to know how you can protect your valuable brand identity and reputation beyond your current operations.  Such concern is important whether you plan on eventually expanding your operations or customer base, as well as to protect your brand identity from copycats.  A trademark registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office will protect your brand within the entire US, but what if that is not enough...what if your aspirations are global in nature?  Two common questions that are often asked of trademark attorneys are "Is there such a thing as worldwide trademark protection?" and "How can I effectively protect my brand worldwide?"  While there is no such thing as a "global" or "worldwide" trademark registration, that does not mean that a business owner does not have options to secure the protection of their valuable trademarks internationally.  This article shall serve as an introduction to that process.

How Long Does a Trademark Last?

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Sep 13, 2024 | 0 Comments

How Long Does a Trademark Last? If you are an entrepreneur, small/medium business owner, content creator, or founder, you likely know that your "brand" is one of the most important assets that needs to be protected.  You have probably heard about trademarks, and know that the process is undertaken via the Trademark side of the USPTO, and that, though technical in nature, it can be undertaken without an attorney.  But, do you know how long a trademark lasts?  More importantly, do you know what if anything needs to be done by you to keep that trademark registration valid?  If the answer is "I don't know" - don't worry, because most people do not know the answer.  If you would like to find out, this article will assist you. 

How E-Commerce Merchants Can Qualify for the Amazon Brand Registry

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Jun 16, 2024 | 0 Comments

How E-Commerce Merchants Can Qualify for the Amazon Brand Registry E-commerce has become one of the fastest-growing industries over the last decade.  Consumers are more likely to order items online from the comfort of their homes more so than in prior years.  While the number of e-commerce platforms and marketplaces has grown steadily, the most popular and famous platform and marketplace,  Amazon, has become more or less a household name. From a website selling books, Amazon has now become one of the leading e-commerce platforms for selling any and all types of products online. For an e-commerce merchant, getting their brand on the Amazon Registry and marketplace can be very lucrative (since each year, several billions of dollars in revenue are generated from sales via Amazon). While being on the Amazon Brand Registry is not a guarantee of success, it can catapult merchants in the right direction.  Therefore, it is unsurprising that many merchants desire to get their brands listed on Amazon.  However, the process of getting accepted into the Brand Registry can be confusing, frustrating, and time-consuming for small business owners and e-commerce merchants. This article will explain the process and provide insights into how a trademark attorney can make all the difference in helping you get started with the Amazon Brand Registry.

How to Transfer Ownership of a Trademark when You Re-Brand or Sell your Business

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | May 31, 2024 | 0 Comments

How to Transfer Ownership of a Trademark when You Re-Brand or Sell your Business Whether you are a large company or a small company, your US trademark is one of your most valuable assets. It represents your brand's identity and distinguishes your products or services from those of your competitors. But what happens when you need to transfer ownership of your trademark? Since a US trademark is registered, it needs to be treated differently from other company assets. Whether you're selling your business, undergoing a rebranding, or simply reorganizing your company structure, a trademark assignment (ie. recording a properly executed trademark assignment with the USPTO) is a legal process that ensures the new owner's rights in the trademark are made of record. In this article, our goal is to identify the key steps involved in a trademark assignment process, highlighting the legal requirements and best practices to ensure a smooth transition.

Got a Notice of Allowance on your Trademark Application?  Great!   But Now What?

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | May 23, 2024 | 0 Comments

Now What? Obtaining a trademark is crucial for any business owner or entrepreneur who wants to safeguard their brand. However, the process can be daunting for business owners who decide to go it alone without the benefit of an attorney leading the process.  Receiving a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a key milestone in this process. In this blog article, we'll discuss what a Notice of Allowance entails and guide you through the necessary steps to safeguard your trademark after receiving that notice.  Hopefully, this information will help alleviate some of the stress and confusion revolving around intent-to-use trademark applications.

Trademark Wars: Federal vs. State Registration Explained

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Apr 14, 2024 | 0 Comments

Trademark Wars: Federal vs. State Registration Explained Did you know that you have a choice between State and Federal trademark registration? Which is better for your particular business? What are the costs of each? As a business owner, navigating the multifaceted world of trademarks can often seem like engaging in a complex strategic game, one that requires savvy decision-making to protect your brand effectively. Understanding the difference between state and federal trademark registration is critical for creators, startups, and small business owners alike. But why choose one over the other, and what are the implications of your choice? This blog post will unpack the distinctions between state and federal trademark registrations, articulate their respective benefits, and provide insight into which might be the best choice for protecting your creative or commercial endeavors. It will also highlight the potential impacts on your brand's security, and the legal ramifications of each option.

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Dragan Ivetic, Attorney at Law, LLC, is here to listen to you and help you navigate the legal system.

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