CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT (CTA) COMPLIANCE UPDATE: The Department of Treasury has issued a new interim final rule that states that the CTA will no longer apply to domestic (US) based companies. Entities formed in other countries that register in the US will still need to report. US formed entities that already filed do not need to file any updates and US formed new entities or those that have not filed yet do not need to file at this time. More information can be found: HERE.
*This update is purely informational and is not to be relied upon as legal advice
Trademark Monitoring
W H Y ?
Think about why you applied for a trademark to begin with. Probably you wanted to ensure no one can take your name, logo, or slogan, but also because you don’t want another company replicating your brand (and thus, taking customers). In today’s world where e-commerce and digital marketing are king, monitoring and enforcing your trademark ensures you are staying ahead of the curve to increase your company’s IP value and ensure there is no brand confusion with others. Trellis therefore offers 2 services to monitor your mark (and a combined service as well). These services are PER MARK (so if you have more than one mark the fees apply to each). Check out the packages and information on billing below and reach out to help us help YOU protect your trademark!
Packages
1
Monitoring the
USPTO Database
With this service, we monitor trademarks filed at the state and federal level to make sure you are aware if a similar mark is being filed. After being notified, we can strategize whether/how you want to enforce your rights. For example, if a similar mark is filed, and the examiner doesn’t flag it, you have the option to file an Opposition action through the Trademark Trial and Appeal board. On the other hand, if the examiner attorney doesn’t let it through and the applicant continues use, you have the option of sending a cease and desist.
2
Brand
Monitoring
With this service, we provide you a comprehensive report every 3 months of individuals/companies using your brand (whether through their company name, domain name, hashtag, social media handle, commercial products, etc.) on all social media, google, and e-commerce platforms. Having this knowledge helps you enforce your brand, or even subtly watch other brands and strategize when/if you need to file a cease and desist.
Additional Details
and Pricing
Both options include our renewal monitoring service where we monitor, track, and notify you when your trademark renewal deadline approaches and advise you of next steps (remember you have to renew your mark between years 5-6, year 10, and every 10 years thereafter). The USPTO monitoring service is $100 per year/mark and the Brand Monitoring is $250/mark. You can also sign up for our Big Picture package where both services are included for $325 per year/mark.
Billing
You will be billed on an annual basis. You will first be billed when you first sign up and then your renewal date will be based on your sign up date. You will need to provide 30 days notice prior to the renewal date to cancel for the following year. Pricing does not include the sending of any cease and desists, trademark renewal, actual filings, or other legal services, which can be quoted upon request. If you do not sign up for these services you are solely responsible for monitoring and enforcing your trademark, but you can always reach out to us for aid in drafting cease and desists, advising and representation related to brand infringement you discover, renewal filings, or other intellectual property needs.
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Email courtney@trellispgh.com to sign up
or to receive more information!