lm-double-shapeSausser Summers, PC

Providing U.S. trademark services throughout the U.S. 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 Quebec City, Quebec

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 U.S. 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 Quebec City, Quebec.

At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with U.S. trademark filing, U.S. trademark responses, and U.S. 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.

Resources

Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the U.S. 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 Quebec City, Quebec, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.

3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your U.S. 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 Quebec City, Quebec
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.

Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Quebec City, Quebec?

It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. 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.

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 Quebec City, Quebec

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 Quebec City, Quebec.

 Trademark Attorney Quebec City, Quebec

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 U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Quebec City, Quebec 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.

 Trademark Law Firm Quebec City, Quebec

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 Quebec City, Quebec, 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 Quebec City, Quebec
 Trademark Firm Quebec City, Quebec

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.

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 Quebec City, Quebec.
  • 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 Quebec City, Quebec

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.

Latest News in Quebec City, Quebec

Avalanche honours Nordiques, even in playoffs

In the playoffs, any means is good for motivation.We often see clubs counting the remaining victories to lift the Stanley Cup after a game, a tradition that has taken root in many NHL dressing rooms.Such is the case in Colorado this year. The Avalanche have decided to adopt the tradition, and they’re doing it in a big way.Every time the team wins a game, a fleur-de-lis is installed on the arm of a jersey found in the locker room…And it’s a nice touch, because the fleur-d...

In the playoffs, any means is good for motivation.

We often see clubs counting the remaining victories to lift the Stanley Cup after a game, a tradition that has taken root in many NHL dressing rooms.

Such is the case in Colorado this year.

The Avalanche have decided to adopt the tradition, and they’re doing it in a big way.

Every time the team wins a game, a fleur-de-lis is installed on the arm of a jersey found in the locker room…

And it’s a nice touch, because the fleur-de-lis represents the Quebec Nordiques.

Clearly, the organization’s history has never been forgotten there:

It’s special… And it’s sure to please Nordiques fans.

Especially since there are a few Quebecers playing in the Avalanche’s burgundy uniform!

The players in Colorado want to go all-in this season, as you can see in the photo above.

That said, the guys look motivated because for the past three games, the Avalanche seem to be unstoppable on the ice.

The Avalanche’s big guns have woken up at the right time, and yesterday it was Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin who led the charge in the club’s 5-1 victory.

It’s also easy to root for the Denver team because you know its history… And it would be cool, at the end of the playoffs, to see 16 fleurs-de-lis on the sweater used by the Avalanche.

It would be different, anyway.

In a gust

– With the dismissal of Dave Hakstol, Martin St-Louis is the 7th longest-serving coach with his club.

– Voilà!

– It’s got to be special.

– Whew. It’s going to be tough…

– It’s part of the game.

– Let’s see!

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Geneviève Biron named to head Santé Québec

The head of Santé Québec will be Geneviève Biron, who led private provider Biron Health Group from 2014 to 2021, Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé announced Monday afternoon.Biron’s announcement as president marks the official launch of Santé Québec, which was established following ...

The head of Santé Québec will be Geneviève Biron, who led private provider Biron Health Group from 2014 to 2021, Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé announced Monday afternoon.

Biron’s announcement as president marks the official launch of Santé Québec, which was established following the adoption of Bill 15 by the National Assembly in December to overhaul the health network. The agency will be responsible for co-ordinating network operations.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Trending

Article content

Article content

Dubé also announced Monday that Frédéric Abergel, head of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, will serve as executive vice-president of operations and transformation for the agency.

“A complementary duo with an external person but also an internal person,” Dubé said at an afternoon news conference in reference to both appointments.

Biron is the founder and current president of Propulia Capital, an “international investment platform,” according to its website. She has also been a member of Hydro-Québec’s board of directors since 2021.

“She’s a Quebec entrepreneur whose family founded one of our most beautiful Quebec jewels, who decided to throw herself into this big challenge with the main motivation of improving access to health and social services for the population,” Dubé said.

The government announced Biron will take measures to avoid potential conflicts of interest related to her professional activities and those of her family members.

“Biron will distance herself from decisions about her investments that could affect the health sector in Quebec,” the government statement read. “Furthermore, she will put in place an ethical screen, commonly called a Chinese wall, between herself and the members of her family. This screen provides that no exchange is possible regarding any file related to the field of health in which her family or her husband could be involved on a professional level and that could have a link with Santé Québec or the institutions or organizations that Santé Québec manages.”

Today's One Read

Get the most interesting story of the day.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

The Santé Québec board will ensure the law is respected, the statement said.

Responding to questions from journalists alongside Dubé and Abergel, Biron said she has no qualms about coming into the new position from the private sector, particularly because she said she dedicated her career to providing excellent customer service.

Biron thanked the government for its confidence, calling her appointment a privilege.

“Our health system is facing numerous challenges,” Biron said, “including problems with access, long wait times, staff shortages (and) the aging of the population. I recognize that a lot of things have already been done over the past few years; there have been actions we can be proud of, and on which we can build.”

Biron said her main focus will be improving access to services, adding that Santé Québec will make the health-care system “more human and more performant.”

“I arrive here today with a different view of our health system. I want to contribute to an innovative approach and a vision,” she said. “I think we’re all aware things have to change.”

Asked about specific objectives, Biron said she and Abergel will visit establishments over the next few weeks and months to meet with staff on the ground to identify main issues, then announce clear objectives. The pair will also build the rest of the Santé Québec team.

Advertisement 4

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Abergel agreed that the main goal will be improving access to health care, which he said involves three things: better co-ordination within the network, better world practices and innovation.

“My role will be to see how we can work better together to better serve Quebecers,” he said. “It’s by working together that we’ll be able to succeed together.”

Dubé described Abergel as an experienced manager familiar with the issues across the health and social services network.

“He will be dedicated to a better management of operations and to accelerate … the digital transformation,” Dubé said.

Biron will receive a base annual salary of $567,000 that will be bumped by 15 per cent (up to $652,050) for the first two years of her mandate. She will also enjoy a $610 monthly car allowance “in lieu of any reimbursement of any travel expenses incurred within a 16 km radius from (her) usual place of work.”

The new CEO will be entitled to a monthly allowance of $1,573 if “the distance between (their) place of work and their home requires they incur housing costs.”

The new agency chief will also be allowed to claim expenses of up to $4,830 a year and will enjoy six weeks of vacation.

News of the salary in January drew the ire of unions, who described it as excessive.

On Monday, Quebec opposition parties, union leaders and health-care groups expressed renewed concern over the creation of Santé Québec as well as Dubé’s decision to appoint someone from the private health sector to oversee it.

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Hitachi Energy announces over $100 million in modernization and upgrade of power transformer factory and facilities in Quebec, Canada

Montreal, Canada / Zurich, Switzerland, April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Energy today announced an ambitious upgrade and modernization of its power transformer factory in Varennes, and other facilities in Montreal, to address fast-growing customer demand for sustainable energy in North America. More than $100 million (approx. $140 million CAD) in projects around Montreal will include funding from the Government of Quebec through Investissement Quebec.This investment is in line with Hitachi Energy’s ...

Montreal, Canada / Zurich, Switzerland, April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Energy today announced an ambitious upgrade and modernization of its power transformer factory in Varennes, and other facilities in Montreal, to address fast-growing customer demand for sustainable energy in North America. More than $100 million (approx. $140 million CAD) in projects around Montreal will include funding from the Government of Quebec through Investissement Quebec.

This investment is in line with Hitachi Energy’s recent announcement to ramp up its global transformer manufacturing capacity to support the long-term plans and electrification efforts.

The Varennes facility is Hitachi Energy’s premier manufacturing location for large power transformers in North America, supporting national and regional power grids, and serving utility-scale renewable energy projects. The establishment of a new on-site transformer testing facility in Varennes is a critical element of the company’s efforts to meet growing demand in the province for sustainable energy solutions.

The additional 130,000 square foot (approx. 12,000 square meter) facility will support the certification of power transformers manufactured in Varennes, serving as an essential part of the final acceptance process for customers. The testing facility is expected to be completed before the end of 2027. This initiative aligns with Quebec's broader strategy to meet its ambitious energy goals, including the need for more than 150 terawatt-hours (TWh) of additional energy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 - around twice what Quebec consumes today.

“Globally, demand for transformers and electrical equipment continues to grow at an unprecedented scale. At Hitachi Energy we are continuously developing our global footprint and capacity to address our customers’ mid- and long-term needs. In addition to our global investments, the support of the Quebec Government will help to address North America’s rising demand for transformers to support fast-growing sectors like renewable energy, data centers, and industrial electrification, as Quebec strengthens its role as a key player in the energy transition,” said Bruno Melles, Business Unit Transformers, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy.

The Varennes factory designs and engineers a vast range of superior-quality transformers, including large power step-up transformers, auto-transformers with very high voltage, shunt reactors, and transformers for static compensators and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. The location’s manufacturing capacity ranges from 100 to 1,200 megavolt-ampere (MVA) and their operating voltage reaches as high as 800-kilovolt (kV), which is among the highest in the world.

Transformers play a key role across the power value chain, enabling efficient transmission and distribution of electricity. They are a key component for applications such as integrating renewables, grid interconnections, powering data centers and electrifying transportation, facilitating the decarbonization of energy systems.

The company’s manufacturing facility in Varennes has been in operation since 1971 and is one of the leading manufacturing locations of power grid equipment in the greater Montreal area. The facility covers over 300,000 square feet (almost 30,000 square meters) and employs around 330 people.

Hitachi Energy Canada employs more than 550 engineers and highly skilled manufacturing employees at its three facilities located in Varennes, Montreal, and Quebec City, and has more than 1,000 employees across Canada.

- End -

About Hitachi Energy Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world's energy system to become more sustainable, flexible, and secure whilst balancing social, environmental, and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. We integrate more than 150 GW of HVDC links into the power system, helping our customers enable more wind and solar. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ more than 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of over $10 billion USD. https://www.hitachienergy.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.