Many people come to me with their list of goals they want to achieve. In the past, their lists included investments in their retirement fund, stock investments, real property, etc. However, more and more clients are seeing the value in Trademarks, as intellectual property.
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Attorney Michelle DelMar
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Michelle DelMar, Esq. Small Business Lawyer, Trademark Attorney and Executive Contract Lawyer. Martindale-Hubbell® Client Review Rating: “Preeminent” (5 out of 5) Peer Review Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Michelle DelMar, Legal Strategist for Top Growing Businesses, provides information, guidance and services for small businesses:Taking small businesses From Startup:
- Business Planning,
- Protecting Assets of Owners,
- Joint Venture Agreements,
- Funding and Financing information
- Incorporating and Limited Liability Companies,
- Buying a Business,
- Trademark and Copyright registration,
- Commercial Leasing and
- Licensing and Permits,
to Operation:
- Contracts,
- Distributorship Agreements,
- Non-Compete Agreements,
- Non-Disclosure Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements
- Licensing Agreements,
- Executive Contract,
- Employer Compliance,
- Sales and Service Agreements, etc., and
- Selling a Business,
- Sale of Lease Assignment,
- Merger or other disposition.
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Michelle DelMar, Esq.
Business Lawyer, Trademark Lawyer and Executive Contract Lawyer
Trademark Registration, a valuable property investment.
Tags: Strategies from Business and Trademark Lawyer, Licensing Agreement Checklist, What are Trademarks, Trademark Lawyer
Many people come to me with their list of goals they want to achieve. In the past, their lists included investments in their retirement fund, stock investments, real property, etc. However, more and more clients are seeing the value in Trademarks, as intellectual property.
Trademark Lawyer Blog, Part 5 | Can I obtain Trademark Registration for my SLOGAN? Copyright registration for SLOGANS?
Can I obtain Trademark Registration for my slogan? Do I have copyrights for my slogan? This article addresses this common question.
Protecting your rights to your trademarks is essential to protect your investment, whether it be time, effort, money or other resources, in marketing your a product or service. It is also important to know what the limits are, for such protection, so that your marketing strategy can be developed in a manner that will allow for the greatest protection of your mark.
1. Trademark.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has strict regulations regarding whether or not a slogan may be registered as a trademark. Here is a summary of issues that are relevant in determining whether a slogan is registerable.
(a) The slogan should be used to identify the source of the goods or services and not merely “laudatory,” “informational” or “generic” (that is, the should be capable of distinguishing your particular service or product from the service or product of another source).
(b) For products, the slogan should be made a part of the packaging to show that the mark is being used as a source identifier.
(c) The slogan should either
(i) be inherently distinctive and qualify as a trademark in itself;
(ii) be identified with the product or service to the extent that consumers, when seeing or hearing the slogan, relate the slogan to your particular product or service (that is, show that the slogan has developed what the law refers to as a “secondary meaning, e.g., Nike’s “Just Do It”).
Note, even if a slogan does not amount to a registerable mark, under federal registration guidelines, laws protects certain slogans under “common law” principles relating to unfair competition, that is, where the mark has acquired a “secondary meaning.”
2. Copyright.
The United States Copyright office regulations prohibit copyright registration for “short phrases” and “slogans.” In addition, such regulations prevent the registration of the registration of “words, phrases, symbols, or designs that identify the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguish them from those of others.” Instead, related protections fall under the trademark laws.
Also note, if a slogan can pass the “originality” test and is not intended to identify the source of the services or products (that is, the slogan is not intended to be used as a trademark) then copyright protection may be possible. See article concerning copyright protection.
In addition, make sure your slogan is available for your use (will not infringe on the rights of others), before your invest your time, effort, money and other resources. Contact a qualified Trademark Lawyer to obtain professional advice concerning the availability of your slogan for your use and for advice concerning strategies that will help you get the greatest protection for your mark.
Michelle DelMar, Esq. is an experienced Trademark Lawyer. Click here to contact Attorney DelMar to start the conversation about your business plans and trademarks.
Related Articles and Information:
Tags: Strategies from Business and Trademark Lawyer, What are Trademarks
Can I obtain Trademark Registration for my slogan? Do I have copyrights for my slogan? This article addresses this common question. Protecting your rights to your trademarks is essential to protect your investment, whether it be time, effort, money or other resources, in marketing your a product or [...]
Trademark Lawyer Blog, Part 4 | License Agreement Checklist
Trademark Licensing Agreement Checklist
Tags: Joint Venture Agreement Checklist, Strategies from Business and Trademark Lawyer, What are Trademarks, Trademark Lawyer
Trademark Licensing Agreement Checklist
Confidentiality Agreement Checklist
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT CHECKLIST
Checklist for Confidentiality Agreements ( NDA )
Consider the following important subjects to be addressed in Confidentiality Agreements. To learn about When Do I need a Confidentiality Agreement?, click here.
1. Full names and physical address of each party (P.O. box not sufficient). The individual as well as the company.
2. Statement regarding whether this involves a contemplated business arrangement, business discussions or existing business relationship.
3. Describe the consideration offered to create an enforceable Confidentiality Agreement (contracts must have consideration to be binding and enforceable, with limited exceptions).
4. Clarify tangible and intangible format for information.
5. Clarify the required marking on the material, e.g. marked "Confidential" or "Proprietary" or lack of such requirement.
6. Intended recipient must agree to the following regarding the information:
a. maintain the secrecy;
b. shall not disclose;
c. take all reasonable steps and precautions to preserve;
d. notify discloser of unauthorized release of Confidential Information;
e. use the Confidential Information solely [ complete ];
f. not use any of the Confidential Information for its/her/his own benefit, except as expressly authorized;
g. not use any of the Confidential Information for the benefit of any third party;
h. deliver to the Discloser Confidential Information;
i. acknowledge that all Confidential Information is and will be the sole and exclusive property of the Discloser;
j. direct Recipient's representatives, agents and employees (Recipient's Representatives), not to, disclose to any person the Confidential Information or any part thereof;
k. accept full responsibility for any violation of any term of this Agreement made by one or more of the Recipient's Representatives.
7. Describe exceptions to the Confidentiality Agreement, as required by law.
8. Provide for Recipient's payment of attorneys fees and costs in event of breach of Confidentiality Agreement.
9. Provide for period of enforceability of the Confidentiality Agreement.
10. Provide for intended third party beneficiaries of the Confidentiality Agreement, if applicable.
AND DON'T FORGET THE SIGNATURE OF THE PARTY BOUND NOT TO DISCLOSE!
Related Information and Checklists:
When Do I need a Confidentiality Agreement?
Non-Compete Agreement Checklist
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Tags: Understanding Business Agreements, Confidentiality Agreement Checklist, Joint Venture Agreement Checklist, Non Compete Agreement Checklist, Selling a Business, Strategies from Business and Trademark Lawyer, Checklists for Businesses, What are Trademarks, International Business Law, NDA
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT CHECKLIST Checklist for Confidentiality Agreements ( NDA ) Consider the following important subjects to be addressed in Confidentiality Agreements. To learn about When Do I need a Confidentiality Agreement?, click here. 1. Full names and physical address of each party [...]
Why do I need a Confidentiality Agreement?
WHY DO I NEED A CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT?
The Simple answer to the question, "Why do I need a Confidentiality Agreement (or NDA)?" is, "BEFORE YOU DISCLOSE ANY PROPRIETARY SECRET." If you don't want someone else to use the information that you are disclosing, get their promise not to disclose in writing!
Generally, Confidentiality Agreements, also known as non-disclosure agreements or NDA's, are contracts wherein each party agrees not to disclose and to keep confidential certain information that is disclosed by the other party.
The Confidentiality Agreement is often utilized where one party intends to disclose to the other party, confidential, proprietary, information, such as a secret idea, process, service or product. Such disclosure typically occurs when the disclosing party wants another person and/or company to evaluate the secret information prior to entering into a comprehensive Joint Venture Agreement, Collaboration Agreement or Licensing Agreement.
The benefits of utilizing a well-drafted Confidentiality Agreement include the following:
First, the Confidentiality Agreement reduces the risk that the valuable secret information will be disclosed to, and possibly used by, third parties. If the secret information is disclosed to a third party and such disclosure amounts to a breach of the Confidentiality Agreement, the party that is the owner of the secret information, will have a cause of action for breach of contract and will be able to seek injunctive relief (where the court orders the breaching party to cease disclosure and use) and may also seek monetary damages.
Second, an important benefit of utilizing a well-drafted Confidentiality Agreement is that it will reduce the risk of forfeiture of your valuable patent rights. That is, public disclosure may result in your development or secret to be determined, not patentable and patent rights may be forfeited.
Third, Confidentiality Agreements define in writing, specifically what, if any, information can and cannot be disclosed by the receiving party and when and under what circumstances such disclosure can occur. Typically the disclosing party will prefer the protected information to be as broad as possible and the receiving party will prefer a more narrow protection.
Fourth, the Confidentiality Agreement may provide for limitations on the receiving party's use of the confidential information, e.g., to be used solely for the purposes of evaluating the specific business opportunity.
What can be protected by a Confidentiality Agreement?
A well-drafted Confidentiality Agreement can protect any information that is disclosed to the other party, such as, processes, recipes, test results, systems, new products, client lists, other trade secrets, etc.
It is very important that the receiving party make sure that there are exceptions to the confidentiality provisions set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement, e.g., information that the recipient had prior to the disclosure, information in the public domain, information created by recipient, etc.
The disclosing party may want to provide provisions within the Confidentiality Agreement that require certain treatment of the material provided. Again, if reasonable steps are not taken, trade secret protection may no longer apply to the material.
Also, the Confidentiality Agreement should set forth a time period for the making of disclosures and the period during which confidentiality of the information shall remain confidential and not disclosed.
Furthermore, Confidentiality Agreements often contain provisions confirming that there is no license granted to the disclosed material, within that agreement, express or implied and that any and all material disclosed shall be returned to discloser upon request.
Thus, there are many situations where a Confidentiality Agreement is not only appropriate, but essential to business success. Contact an Experience Business Attorney today for a Free Consultation with regard to your specific circumstances.
Related Information and Checklists:
Confidentiality Agreement Checklist
Non-Compete Agreement Checklist
Want to discuss your business issue?
Click here to schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Boston Business Lawyer / Maine Business Lawyer.
Tags: Publishing Agreement Checklist, Understanding Business Agreements, Confidentiality Agreement Checklist, Independent Contractor or Employee, Joint Venture Agreement Checklist, Non Compete Agreement Checklist, Strategies from Business and Trademark Lawyer, Contracts, What Business Owners Should Know; Corp.'s & LLC's, Licensing Agreement Checklist, What are Trademarks, International Business Law, NDA
WHY DO I NEED A CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT? The Simple answer to the question, "Why do I need a Confidentiality Agreement (or NDA)?" is, "BEFORE YOU DISCLOSE ANY PROPRIETARY SECRET." If you don't want someone else to use the information that you are disclosing, get their promise not to disclose in [...]
More About Trade Secrets and Why Businesses Don't Patent
This article supplements "What are Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets?"
Tags: Executive Contract, Non Compete Agreement Checklist, Strategies from Business and Trademark Lawyer, What are Trademarks
This article supplements "What are Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets?"
Understanding the Joint Venture Agreement
Understanding the Joint Venture Agreement
A well-drafted Joint Venture Agreement is key to successful multi-party projects. It is essential that all participants understand their rights and obligations and the rights, obligations and expectations of all other participants.
Tags: Joint Venture Agreement Checklist, Strategies from Business and Trademark Lawyer, Contracts, What Business Owners Should Know; Corp.'s & LLC's, What are Trademarks, International Business Law
Understanding the Joint Venture Agreement A well-drafted Joint Venture Agreement is key to successful multi-party projects. It is essential that all participants understand their rights and obligations and the rights, obligations and expectations of all other participants.
Understanding Contracts.
Understanding contracts. What is a contract?
GET IT IN WRITING . . . BEFORE YOU COMMIT YOUR VALUABLE MONEY, TIME AND EFFORTS.
A contract is a promise or set of promises, for breach of which the law gives a remedy, or the performance of which the law in some way recognizes as a duty.
Risk. The biggest risk is not having a signed comprehensive contract; the second biggest risks, is in not fully understanding your contract.
Tags: Confidentiality Agreement Checklist, Distributor Contract, Executive Contract, Independent Contractor or Employee, Joint Venture Agreement Checklist, Non Compete Agreement Checklist, Strategies from Business and Trademark Lawyer, Contracts, What Business Owners Should Know; Corp.'s & LLC's, What are Trademarks, International Business Law
Understanding contracts. What is a contract? GET IT IN WRITING . . . BEFORE YOU COMMIT YOUR VALUABLE MONEY, TIME AND EFFORTS. A contract is a promise or set of promises, for breach of which the law gives a remedy, or the performance of which the law in some way recognizes as a duty. Risk. The [...]
Website Compliance
Website Compliance
One of the first things new businesses do, typically is, create a website. Business owners should understand that it is important to have proper web site content including, appropriate terms of use, privacy policy and copyright notices.
This content protects your rights, as well as, provides for compliance with laws such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, etc.
Some examples are as follows:
a. Privacy Policies, amongst other things, often give notice with regard to what you will and will not be doing with the information of visitors to the site.
b. Clear and comprehensive Return Policy pages are essential for retail sites.
c. Terms of Use often include provisions that protect your intellectual property rights.
Make sure you do it right the first time and avoid costly remedial measures later. Discuss your business with a competent experienced Boston business lawyer or Maine business lawyer to determine what policies and provisions would be best to include in your web site.
Related Articles:
Trademarks and Trademark Registration
Want to discuss your issues with an experienced Boston business lawyer or Maine business lawyer?
Click here to schedule a consultation with a Boston business lawyer and Maine business lawyer.
Tags: Strategies from Business and Trademark Lawyer, Contracts, What Business Owners Should Know; Corp.'s & LLC's, What are Trademarks, Website Design Agreement
Website Compliance One of the first things new businesses do, typically is, create a website. Business owners should understand that it is important to have proper web site content including, appropriate terms of use, privacy policy and copyright notices. This content protects your rights, as well [...]
Understanding the Letter of Credit
Understanding the Letter of Credit
One of the biggest risks in using a Letter of Credit, is not fully understanding the terms. Clarification can be obtained easily, with proper counsel.
Tags: Strategies from Business and Trademark Lawyer, Contracts, What Business Owners Should Know; Corp.'s & LLC's, Understanding the Letter of Credit, What are Trademarks
Understanding the Letter of Credit One of the biggest risks in using a Letter of Credit, is not fully understanding the terms. Clarification can be obtained easily, with proper counsel.