This blog focuses on the legal aspects of choosing and securing a trademark.  But picking a name also comes with several practical questions.  One of the most important of these is determining when to purchase domain names.  After all, you can end up infringing when you purchase someone else’s trademark as a domain.  You also … Read more

Intellectual property rights are especially important in the music industry.  Musicians are creators, and we primarily think of their work as the songs protected by copyright law.  But a musician’s brand is also important, whether that brand consists of a stage name for a solo performer or a band.  Band trademarks and stage names have … Read more

In the United States, you get trademark rights by using your trademark in commerce.  When there is a dispute over a trademark, a major issue is determining which party had trademark priority.  In other words, “who established rights first?”  You should file your trademark application as early as possible to prevent a situation where someone else … Read more

New business owners often choose to get their start in the clothing industry.  They usually have a catchy name or slogan that they want to put on a shirt.  And like other business owners, they want to protect their brand.  However, it’s important to understand the difference between ornamental use and trademark use for a … Read more