Trademarks

The trademark attorneys in our Intellectual Property group represent clients in all facets of trademark law, from initial counseling at the selection of the mark, to the steps linked with the initial use in commerce, to the validation of marketing brochures and the use of legal disclaimers. We also manage the entire process of registration, renewals and expansion around the world, either directly in other countries or via the Madrid System for International Registration of Trademarks.

Our preliminary “knock out” searches are performed in-house, using selected databases containing U.S. and state registrations, foreign registrations and pending U.S. applications. With this in-house capability, we give clients immediate clearance and counseling on proposed marks, thereby avoiding problematic branding at the earliest steps of the process.

We have filed and managed thousands of marks both nationally and around the world, which include color marks, shape marks, word marks, design marks and certification marks.

When necessary, we handle appeals to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) in applications, as well as opposition and cancellation proceedings before the TTAB, and appeals of such proceedings to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Our capabilities include:

• Drafting trademark licensing agreements covering services and goods offered under a mark
• Franchising agreements and disclosure documents
• Joint ventures, strategic alliances, supply/distribution, co-branding and marketing/promotion/advertising agreements
• Sending and responding to demand letters and enforcing and defending against marks.