We work with individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses to develop, protect and promote their brands.
At Executive Legal, we help individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses develop, protect, and promote their brands through strategic trademark law services. Whether you’re in the process of creating a new brand identity or need support in maintaining and enforcing your existing trademarks, our tailored approach ensures that your intellectual property remains secure.
In the ever-evolving landscape of trademark law, it’s crucial to stay proactive in protecting your brand. Our team is dedicated to providing you with up-to-date legal advice and solutions that align with your business goals, ensuring that your brand’s identity is safeguarded at every stage.
We research and analyze potential conflicts and ensure that your brand elements are both unique and legally defensible.
We work to secure your brand’s name, logo, and tagline, in the registration process.
Your brand is one of your most valuable assets. Our goal is to help you protect it by offering legal counsel on the creation, protection, and enforcement of trademarks. We work closely with you to legally protect and positioned your business for long-term success.
At Executive Legal, we prioritize clear communication and a partnership-driven approach, providing you with the strategic support needed to navigate the nuances of trademark law.
What's Included
Our trademark law services are comprehensive, covering every aspect of trademark management to support your brand’s growth and protection, including:
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our tradmark law services.
A trademark is a symbol, word, phrase, design, or combination of these that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services of one party from those of others. Trademarks are essential because they protect your brand’s identity, ensuring that customers can distinguish your products or services from those of your competitors. A strong trademark helps build brand recognition, loyalty, and trust.
Protecting your trademark prevents others from using similar marks that could confuse customers or dilute your brand’s value. By securing a trademark, you gain legal rights that allow you to enforce your brand’s exclusivity in the marketplace.
Before you apply for a trademark, it’s crucial to conduct a comprehensive trademark search to determine if your proposed mark is already in use. This search involves reviewing existing trademarks in federal and state databases, as well as common law marks, which may not be registered but are still protected.
Conducting a thorough search helps avoid potential legal disputes and ensures that your trademark is unique and eligible for registration. It’s advisable to work with a trademark attorney who can guide you through the search process and provide a detailed analysis of potential conflicts.
The trademark registration process involves several steps, beginning with a thorough search to ensure your mark is available. Once you’ve determined that your trademark is unique, you’ll need to prepare and file an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The application will include information about your mark, the goods or services it represents, and evidence of its use in commerce.
After filing, the USPTO will review your application, which may take several months. If no objections are raised, your trademark will be published for opposition, giving others the chance to challenge it. If no oppositions are filed, your trademark will proceed to registration. Throughout this process, having legal guidance can be invaluable to navigate any potential issues that arise.
A trademark registration initially lasts for 10 years from the date of registration. However, to keep your trademark active, you must file maintenance documents, including a Declaration of Use between the fifth and sixth year following registration. If these documents are not filed, your trademark could be canceled.
After the initial 10-year period, you can renew your trademark indefinitely in additional 10-year increments, as long as the mark continues to be used in commerce. Regular maintenance and timely renewals are crucial to maintaining your trademark rights.
If you discover that someone is using your trademark without permission, it’s essential to take action quickly to protect your rights. The first step is often to send a cease-and-desist letter, informing the infringer of your trademark rights and demanding that they stop using the mark.
If the infringing party does not comply, you may need to escalate the matter by filing a trademark infringement lawsuit. An experienced trademark attorney can help you assess the situation and determine the best course of action to enforce your rights and prevent further unauthorized use of your trademark.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us for more information.
Designed to gather essential information about your business, legal needs, and specific challenges you’re facing.
A representative will reach out to schedule a consultation, based on your preference whether over a video call or in-person.
Develop a customized legal strategy tailored to your specific needs, including any immediate actions and long-term plans.
Our firm offers a comprehensive suite of legal products designed to meet the varied needs of entrepreneurs and businesses in North Carolina.