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 Surrey, British Columbia.
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.
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 Surrey, British Columbia, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Surrey, British Columbia.
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.
Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Surrey, British Columbia 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.
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 Surrey, British Columbia, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
A Surrey accountant has received a two-year conditional sentence and two years of probation after pleading guilty to tax evasion charges, according to the Canada Revenue Agency.Aeddy Leung worked as the bookkeeper for the Quality Hotel Airport (South) and the Coast Vancouver Airport Hotel during the 2014 through 2018 tax filing periods, the CRA said in a statement Friday.During those years, the Surrey resident “intentionally filed false GST/HST returns and failed to file GST/HST returns as required,” according to th...
A Surrey accountant has received a two-year conditional sentence and two years of probation after pleading guilty to tax evasion charges, according to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Aeddy Leung worked as the bookkeeper for the Quality Hotel Airport (South) and the Coast Vancouver Airport Hotel during the 2014 through 2018 tax filing periods, the CRA said in a statement Friday.
During those years, the Surrey resident “intentionally filed false GST/HST returns and failed to file GST/HST returns as required,” according to the statement.
“This resulted in the evasion of $987,863 in net GST/HST that was owed by the hotels,” the statement reads.
Leung pleaded guilty to willfully evading remittance tax and to making false statements on GST/HST returns.
The sentence was handed down in provincial court in Vancouver on April 15, the CRA said.
The agency thanked the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) – the federal anti-money-laundering agency – for its “significant contribution” to the investigation that led to Leung’s guilty pleas.
“Combatting tax evasion and other financial crimes is important for the protection of Canada’s tax base,” the CRA said. “The majority of Canadians pay their taxes in full and on time. To ensure that the tax system is fair for everyone, the CRA makes sure that people who try to avoid or evade paying taxes are held accountable.”
In addition to any court-imposed fines or jail sentences, convicted taxpayers must pay the full amount of tax they owe, plus any interest and penalties assessed by the CRA.
In Leung’s case, the conditional sentence of two years less a day will be served in the community, rather than behind bars. CTV News has reached out to the CRA for clarification about whether it is Leung or the hotels that are responsible for repaying the evaded taxes. This story will be updated if a response is received.
MenuSearchVideoChannelsHomeNewsOlympicsParalympicsSportsArtsLifeArchivesMusicDocsVideo will keep playing when you leave this pageDesireé Belisle recounts the moment a herd of water buffalo escaped from a nearby farm and surprised bystanders when they strolled through the streets of Surrey, B.C....
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Desireé Belisle recounts the moment a herd of water buffalo escaped from a nearby farm and surprised bystanders when they strolled through the streets of Surrey, B.C.
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The City of Surrey has been recognized by the BC Recreation and Parks Association with two prestigious provincial awards, celebrating innovation, leadership, and community engagement in recreation, parks and culture.Surrey, B.C. – The City of Surrey has been recognized by the BC Recreation and Parks Association with two prestigious provincial awards, celebrating innovation, leadership, and community engagement in recreation, parks and culture."These awards highlight Surrey’s commitment to creat...
The City of Surrey has been recognized by the BC Recreation and Parks Association with two prestigious provincial awards, celebrating innovation, leadership, and community engagement in recreation, parks and culture.
Surrey, B.C. – The City of Surrey has been recognized by the BC Recreation and Parks Association with two prestigious provincial awards, celebrating innovation, leadership, and community engagement in recreation, parks and culture.
"These awards highlight Surrey’s commitment to creating outstanding events, programs, and facilities that have a meaningful impact on our community," said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Our council prioritizes the development of parks and civic facilities to support our rapidly growing city. This recognition reflects our dedication to fostering high-quality and accessible recreation opportunities that enhance residents’ quality of life and connect our community. Together, we are building a city where everyone matters—a place that celebrates diversity, supports families, and fosters a sense of belonging."
The Surrey Accessibility Leadership Team (SALT) received the Community Leadership Award, acknowledging its outstanding contributions in fostering accessible and inclusive environments throughout Surrey’s Parks, Recreation and Culture programs and services. SALT is dedicated to advancing inclusion for all Surrey residents. Composed of City of Surrey staff and community members with diverse lived experiences of disability and identity, the team works to address systemic barriers and advocate for equitable access to programs, services and public spaces.
"We are incredibly proud of the Surrey Accessibility Leadership Team for being recognized with the Community Leadership Award.” Said Amit, Co-chair SALT. “This honour reflects the dedication and vision of a team committed to building a more inclusive city. Through lived experience and diversity, SALT continues to lead meaningful change in how we design and deliver accessible recreation and park services across Surrey."
In addition, Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House with the Facility Excellence Award for capital projects under $6 million. This award recognizes outstanding facility design that reflect community culture and ultimately enhances the wellbeing of the community. Totest Aleng is a unique space that is dedicated to Indigenous cultural practices, employing or collaborating with Indigenous cultural practitioners through artist residencies, public workshops and lectures, special events, private gatherings, and curriculum-current school programs.
"Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House receiving the Facility Excellence Award is a testament to meaningful and respectful consultation and collaboration.” Said Kristin Hardie, Heritage Services Manager. “This is a special space that enables a broad range of Indigenous cultural programming and celebrates community connections and learning. We are honoured to see it recognized this way."
BC Recreation and Parks Association program recognizes outstanding special events, programs, facilities, parks and dedicated individuals whose ideas, innovation, and services make an impact in the recreation, parks and culture sector.
Friday’s Lotto Max draw just made someone in Metro Vancouver very wealthy — like $80 million rich.Article contentThe B.C. Lottery Corporation says a single ticket bought in Surrey matched seven out of seven winning numbers.Article contentArticle contentThe numbers are: 06, 10, 16, 17, 30, 38 and 48, and the bonus number 25, according to the BCLC.Article contentAccording to Playsmart.ca, the odds of winning $80 million are one in 33,294,800.Article contentArticle conte...
Friday’s Lotto Max draw just made someone in Metro Vancouver very wealthy — like $80 million rich.
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The B.C. Lottery Corporation says a single ticket bought in Surrey matched seven out of seven winning numbers.
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The numbers are: 06, 10, 16, 17, 30, 38 and 48, and the bonus number 25, according to the BCLC.
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According to Playsmart.ca, the odds of winning $80 million are one in 33,294,800.
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Matt Lee, a spokesperson for the BCLC, said it’s the first time anyone in B.C. has won $80 million since the cap on winnings was extended only last year.
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“It’s truly a rare event,” said Lee.
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When BCLC first introduced Lotto Max, there was a $50 million cap on winnings, but that steadily increased to $60 million, then $70 million and then $80 million in September.
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The earliest the BCLC will find out who won would be Monday when the player services office opens.
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“Every winner is unique. Some winners will choose to come in as soon as the doors open after the weekend,” said Lee. “And sometimes you’ll see winners take a more methodical approach, deciding to maybe consult with legal and financial services or family members before making that decision to come into the office to claim their prize.”
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Winners have up to 52 weeks to come in and claim the prize.
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He said if the winner scans the ticket at a gas station, grocery store or lotto app — the $80 million would flash on the screen.
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“I think that’s when people find out sometimes, and it’s probably a huge moment of shock and awe,” he said.
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Lee said anyone who bought a ticket in Surrey might want to check it first by checking it on the BCLC website or scanning the tickets on the BCLC app if they don’t want all eyes on them at a shop.
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The BCLC strongly encourages winners who win life-changing jackpot prizes to connect with financial or legal services to help manage “this incredible amount of money they have won,” said Lee.
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“It can mean early retirement. It can mean setting your loved ones up for a more secure future. It can, of course, mean all the other fun things, like a bucket list of travel destinations.”
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Lee said they will likely talk to the winner or winners about speaking with the media when they know who won. Anonymity is not usually allowed under the terms and agreements because the lotto corporation wants the public to see that real people are winning these big prizes.
The winner of what the B.C. Lottery Corp. is calling the biggest jackpot ever awarded to a single person in Canada says that winning the $80 million prize is "life-changing."Justin Simporios from Surrey, B.C., fought back tears of joy at a news conference on Thursday, saying he has already resigned from his job at a logistics company and is thinking about buying a "dream home" in Metro Vancouver as his first purchase."I just threw in my resignation through an email, just an hour, two hours before I had ...
The winner of what the B.C. Lottery Corp. is calling the biggest jackpot ever awarded to a single person in Canada says that winning the $80 million prize is "life-changing."
Justin Simporios from Surrey, B.C., fought back tears of joy at a news conference on Thursday, saying he has already resigned from his job at a logistics company and is thinking about buying a "dream home" in Metro Vancouver as his first purchase.
"I just threw in my resignation through an email, just an hour, two hours before I had this news conference," Simporios said. "I'm working with [a] good operations team, my boss. They're all great."
He said he just wanted to make sure his boss and co-workers knew he wanted to "step away."
"Just giving you guys a heads-up, I'm not coming back," he said, adding they were happy for him.
The B.C. Lottery Corp. said it's the largest jackpot ever won in the province, as well as the largest individual win in Canada.
Simporios, who is married and has a daughter, said he found out he had won the May 9 Lotto Max draw at about 10:30 p.m. that evening, when he heard the prize-winning ticket had been sold in Surrey.
He said he joked with his wife that the family had become millionaires before verifying his ticket.
"She was mad," Simporios said. "She said, 'Can you stop that joke right now because your daughter is sleeping.'"
Simporios then recounted sitting on his bed with a flashlight, tracking the winning numbers while trying to avoid waking his daughter, then realized he had won.
"I shouted. I cried. I turned out the lights. My wife was mad again," he said while laughing.
WATCH | B.C. man reacts to his record-breaking lottery win:
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Justin Simporios from Surrey, B.C., has won an $80-million Lotto Max jackpot, the largest lottery jackpot ever won in B.C. and also the largest jackpot ever won by a single individual in Canada.
Simporios said his priority is to give back to the community, pay off his sister's medical school debt and help his mother retire early.
"I've been struggling," he said. "I'm a father. I work full time. I have a daughter. I want to go home. I want to spend time with them, but as a father, you want to balance it out. Should I work? Or should I spend time with my daughter and not have food?
"With this amount of money, I'll be able to spend more time with my daughter, with my wife, with my family. It's awesome, man. Just thank you. I'm just feeling blessed right now."
As for the first item he plans to buy with the money, Simporios did not hesitate.
"We're going to sit down with our financial adviser right away," he said. "But once that meeting is done, it's always a dream home."