Patents and Trademarks: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know

Description

Join Craig Morris from the United States Patent and Trademark Office Outreach Program to learn more about trademarks, common mistakes business owners make and how to prevent them.  This program is a must for marketing teams, graphic artists and entrepreneurs.

The program starts by discussing the difference between trademarks, copyrights, and patents, as well as domain names and business name registrations.   It then explains, once it is established that trademark protection is appropriate, the importance of selecting a strong mark, that is, one that is both federally registrable and legally protectable.   It highlights factors important when choosing a mark, such as the possibility of a likelihood of confusion, and explains the importance of doing a complete search and whether an attorney should be used.   It identifies other potential grounds for the USPTO to refuse registration.  Finally, it establishes what may happen if another trademark owner believes it has stronger rights in a mark and issues a “cease-and-desist” letter.  It concludes with information on how to find an attorney and the distinction between what the USPTO does in the federal registration process and what a private attorney could do.

Presented in partnership with the US Patents and Trademarks Office and the Fullerton Public Library.