Sausser Summers, PC

Providing CA trademark services throughout the CA and across the globe.

Lower Cost
Faster Process
Experienced Trademark Attorneys

File a Trademark for $399 + $250 Government Filing Fee

Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Abbotsford, BritishColumbia

If you're an entrepreneur, you know that protecting your intellectual property should be high on your list when it comes to safeguarding your company. However, as a successful business owner, you also know the steps and costs of filing a trademark in the CA can be expensive and arduous.

This conundrum can be even more overwhelming for new business owners who want to do everything possible to minimize the price of securing trademarks. They try to handle complicated tasks like trademark registration on their own, which can be a big mistake - especially when juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a business. You may be thinking, "But what about those set-it-and-forget-it services you can find online? All you have to do is plug in your info, and you're done." Using pre-made templates for trademark filing can be tempting, but doing so can leave you with inadequate protection and hurt you in the long run.

So, what is the easiest, most cost-effective route to consider that also minimizes legal risk? The truth is, before you spend money on an online filing service, it's best to consult with a trademark attorney working with clients in Abbotsford, BritishColumbia.

At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with CA trademark filing, CA trademark responses, and CA trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.

Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Abbotsford, BritishColumbia
Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the CA Trademark Process
Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Abbotsford, BritishColumbia?
Additional Benefits of Using a Trademark Attorney
Steps to Renew Your Trademark
How to Avoid Having to Refile Your Trademark

Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the CA Trademark Process

Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.

Using a trademark attorney for filing in Abbotsford, BritishColumbia, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The CA government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.

At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.

In terms of filing a CA trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:

1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.

2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the CA Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.

3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your CA trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.

The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.

Online Trademark Attorney Abbotsford, BritishColumbia

The bottom line?

At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Abbotsford, BritishColumbia?

It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the CA Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.

The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Call us (843) 654-0078

Additional Benefits of Using a Trademark Attorney

Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:

Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.

Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.

Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.

Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.

Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.

Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.

Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.

Online Trademark Lawyer Abbotsford, BritishColumbia

Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.

What About Online Filing Services?

Online services, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in Abbotsford, BritishColumbia.

Trademark Attorney Abbotsford, BritishColumbia

Although online filing services offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. Online filing services' disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, online filing services cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.

In other words, online filing services can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.

For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.

Understanding Trademarks Over Time

Trademarks in the CA can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Abbotsford, BritishColumbia can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.

The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Call us (843) 654-0078

Trademark Law Firm Abbotsford, BritishColumbia

Steps to Renew Your Trademark

Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.

During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.

After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.

It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.

By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in Abbotsford, BritishColumbia, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Abandonment

In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Inappropriate Licensing

In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.

How to Avoid Having to Refile Your Trademark

If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.

To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.

It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.

Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.

Trademark Lawyer Abbotsford, BritishColumbia

Trademark Firm Abbotsford, BritishColumbia

What Makes an Online Trademark Attorney Great?

At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.

When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.

Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.

In summary:

Be sure you're using a licensed trademark attorney helping clients in Abbotsford, BritishColumbia.
It's best to work with a trademark lawyer who has years of experience filing trademarks.
Ensure that your trademark lawyer is willing to provide ongoing notifications relating to your trademark application process.

Trademark Registration Lawyer Abbotsford, BritishColumbia

Trademark Attorneys Working Hard for You

Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.

With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.

If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.

Can the answer to future flooding be found in resurrecting an ancient lake?

Following the recent floods in Abbotsford and on the territory of the Semá:th (Sumas) First Nation in British Columbia, some researchers are renewing their calls to bring part of the ancient Sumas Lake back to life.The idea could mitigate the growing risk of flooding in the region. However, the restoration of floodplains raises significant economic, political, and social implications.Under heavy rain, Kwilosintun (Murray Ned), a member of the Semá:th First Nation, whose ancestral territory is located in the Abbots...

The idea could mitigate the growing risk of flooding in the region. However, the restoration of floodplains raises significant economic, political, and social implications.

Under heavy rain, Kwilosintun (Murray Ned), a member of the Semá:th First Nation, whose ancestral territory is located in the Abbotsford region of British Columbia, walks along the last vestige of an ancient lake.

"This is the Sumas River. Pretty much what's left of the remnant of the Sumas Lake," says Kwilosintun, executive director of the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance.

Recurring floods

In mid-December, flooding hit the region, surfacing memories of the catastrophe four years ago. In 2021, waters submerged roads, farms, and homes, causing more than $450 million in insurable property damage in British Columbia.

In Abbotsford, the deluge submerged many farms. But it also revealed a glimpse of the area’s past.

"It was both a bit tragic in terms of, chaos the water was creating for the people. But for me, I was able to go and kind of harmonize, take a look at what our ancestors would have seen, and maybe embrace it for a little while," says Kwilosintun.

An ancient lake

Before the 1920s, the Sumas prairies were covered by a lake. A floodplain whose area varied from 3,600 hectares to more than 10,000 hectares, the equivalent of nearly 20,000 football stadiums.

To increase farmland space, local authorities drained the lake. The project subsequently profoundly altered the environment and displaced the Semá:th.

"It meant everything to us. So when they drained it, essentially we didn't have the resources to sustain ourselves after that," explains Kwilosintun.

Rethinking climate change adaptation

As climate change drives flood risk in the Fraser Valley, Kwilosintun believes that remembering what this territory once was could be one solution to flooding.

"I think mankind has to figure out a way to harmonize versus trying to challenge Mother Nature, building bigger dikes and larger pump stations all the time," Kwilosintun said.

Kwilosintun and Tara Martin, a professor from the University of British Columbia, published a study in 2024 examining the feasibility of restoring Sumas Lake.

The study concludes that allowing the lake to return would involve a planned relocation strategy at a cost of approximately one billion dollars for property buyouts.

"We compare that price tag to what's being proposed by the City of Abbotsford, the price tag for building new dikes for an additional pump station, for upgrades to the pump station exceed $2.4 billion," states Martin, who leads the Conservation Decisions Lab.

Despite these figures, Martin says the study was quickly dismissed by local authorities.

"I think overall there has been very much a faith in traditional business as usual solutions to try to deal with this issue rather than thinking outside the box. The challenge is that none of those traditional solutions are guaranteed to work."

In an email, the City of Abbotsford states that it prioritizes flood protection measures over the option of putting the territory back underwater, because "re-flooding would be an entirely different direction and one that would involve all governments."

Funding request refused

The city also indicated that it submitted a $1.6 billion funding request in July 2023 for its long-term flood prevention plan to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF).

This plan includes a new pumping station. In 2024, the federal government rejected this $1.6 billion proposal.

Ottawa replied by email that since its launch, the DMAF has received hundreds of applications from across the country. However, the fund has exceeded its available resources.

Kwilosintun wants to see the federal government more present in the city's adaptation efforts.

"We need the federal government at the operational scale, not just sending funds this way. We need them at the table, to be decision makers in the process."

The authors acknowledge more economic analysis, such as quantifying the financial impact on agricultural land and a full assessment of costs related to restoring the lake.

Agriculture remains a critical part of the region’s economy, and Kwilosintun doesn’t downplay this reality.

"We don't want to see people displaced, but at the same time, we want to see some semblance of balance with the ecosystem, with the spirit of the lake, with the lake itself."

For Kwilosintun, the lake is gone but a spark of life remains.

"I think it's always been a lake, and I think it's going to be a lake into the future. From my perspective, within this century, I think it's going to return one way or the other," he says.

Mopping up Abbotsford, B.C.’s Castle Fun Park after recent flooding

Skip navigationSign in0:02 / 1:56In this video Mopping up Abbotsford, B.C.’s Castle Fun Park after recent flooding 140K subscribersSubscribe121ShareSaveCBC/Radio-Canada is a Canadian public broadcast service.Wikipedia Businesses in B.C.’s Fraser Valley are continuing with flood recovery efforts on Thursday. Among those cleaning up is the Castle Fun Park amusement park in Abbotsford. CBC’s Baneet Braich takes us behind the scenes, where the...

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Mopping up Abbotsford, B.C.’s Castle Fun Park after recent flooding

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CBC/Radio-Canada is a Canadian public broadcast service.

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Businesses in B.C.’s Fraser Valley are continuing with flood recovery efforts on Thursday. Among those cleaning up is the Castle Fun Park amusement park in Abbotsford. CBC’s Baneet Braich takes us behind the scenes, where there’s cautious optimism for the future.

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