Episode 1 – What Is A Trademark?
In this episode, we are going to discuss, in very general terms, three different types of intellectual property rights: trademarks, patents, and copyrights. A trademark is generally a word, phrase, slogan, symbol, or design, or combination thereof, that identifies the source of your goods and services and distinguishes them from the goods and services of another party.
Episode 2 – Should I Register My Trademark?
In this episode, we are going to discuss federal trademark registration. You may be asking yourself: Should I register my trademark with the USPTO and what are the benefits of trademark registration? (Hint: there are many!) In this video we discuss the benefits of registering a federal trademark on the USPTO Principal Register.
Episode 3 – Business Names & Domain Names
In this episode, we are going to take a look at the concepts of business names and domain names and describe how they differ from trademarks – as well as from patents and copyrights. These concepts can be a source of confusion for ANYONE navigating the ins and outs of starting, managing, and/or growing a business.
Episode 4 – Before Filing A Trademark Application
In this episode, we will discuss the most important issues you should be aware of before filing a federal trademark application with the USPTO. It is critical that every trademark applicant address these issues in order to avoid costly mistakes that could result in the USPTO refusing your trademark application and issuing you an office action.
Episode 5 – Selecting A Trademark
In this episode, we are going to be talking about selecting a trademark to register with the USPTO. Selecting a trademark is a one of the most important aspects of building a brand for your business. If you are starting – or growing – a business, you may already have an idea for your trademark. You may be coming up with ideas. Or you may not even know where to begin! The trademark video may help provide some guidance.
Episode 6 – Trademark Registration For Personal Names
In this episode, we are going to discuss the topic of trademark registration for personal names. From a trademark perspective, nothing serves as a stronger identifier than an individual’s personal name. But does this make personal names — first names, surnames, or a combination of the two — appropriate for trademark registration?
Episode 7 – Geographic Trademarks
In this episode, we will discuss geographic terms as they relate to trademarks. Geographic terms, in the trademark context, have traditionally been of great importance for many business owners. This is especially true for business owners selling food products, non-alcoholic beverages, and alcoholic beverages, such as beers, wines, and spirits. Disclosure of the geographic origin of some goods and beverages can often indicate to the prospective consumer significant information about the nature and quality of a product. However, geographic marks are generally not registrable because they are regarded by the law as not being inherently distinctive.
Episode 8 – Amazon Brand Registry Trademarks
In this episode, we will be discussing federal trademarks as they relate to Amazon Brand Registry. Let’s start with answering the question- what is Amazon Brand Registry? Amazon Brand registry is a program that gives brand owners increased control of their products in the marketplace. It is designed to assist online sellers in protecting their intellectual property, accurately manage their product listings, report counterfeit and otherwise infringing products, and increase online sales on the Amazon platform. The Amazon Brand Registry offers many benefits to online brand retailers who have registered federal trademarks.
Episode 9 – Walmart Brand Portal Trademarks
In this episode, we will discuss enrollment in the Walmart Brand Portal by holding an active trademark registration issued by the USPTO, as well as a few features of the Brand Portal designed to deter trademark infringers, product counterfeiters, listing hijackers, and other suspicious individuals lurking on the Walmart platform. Walmart built the Walmart Brand Portal with the goal to enable brand owners holding registered federal trademarks to better manage and protect their brands and products on Walmart.com. Similar to Amazon’s Brand Registry, Walmart’s Brand Portal is designed to be an easy-to-use unified platform where Brand Portal members may manage their registered brands, product listings, and associated intellectual property