Trenam Law IP

  • Brand Names – How to Avoid Descriptiveness Issues

    Picture this – you’re starting a new business with a great idea to provide a brand new item to consumers. You’ve researched the market, performed due diligence on the product, and maybe even obtained patent protection on the item. You know there’s a need within the industry for your product, and all you have to… Read full article

  • Five Reasons Smith & Hopen Ranks as the Top Firm for Patent Law

    Smith & Hopen is an epitome of an IP boutique and consistently ranks as the top firm for patent law. We practice intellectual property law–and nothing else. We are a full-spectrum IP firm handling a wide range of IP matters, including all aspects of patent and trademark prosecution, IPR trials, and Federal Circuit appeals. Although… Read full article

  • How to Protect Fashion and Accessories

    There are several avenues to protecting fashion and accessories. Louboutin was able to protect the color red for his famous red soled shoes. Read full article

  • Are Unemployment Benefits Driving Innovation?

    Last week, the U.S. Labor Department reported 7.4 million unfilled jobs in the United States. Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis conceded the possibility that unemployment benefits might play a part. Congress passed bills providing an additional $300 a week on top of regular state benefits to the unemployed. This average… Read full article

  • Choosing a brand name

    Choosing a brand name (a.k.a. a trademark) is one of the most important steps in launching your company. If you select the wrong brand name, you will not be able to secure trademark rights. You may even find yourself in a position where a prior user forces you to stop using your mark after you… Read full article

  • Seattle Kraken – What’s in a Name?

    Last year, the National Hockey League’s newest franchise – the Seattle Kraken – revealed its name to the world. The name reveal marked an important day for the new team; fans previously voted on potential team names, and it was important for the new franchise to get the decision right. While some fans (rightly) made… Read full article

  • Why Startup Companies Need Patents

    Startup companies need patents.  However, there is always a tension between the lack of capital and the need to protect the intellectual property of the venture.  Patents are extraordinarily time-sensitive. Since 2013, the USPTO awards patent rights to the first inventor to file in the United States. Therefore, there is urgency in getting protection on… Read full article

  • Owner of Muhammad Ali Trademarks Stings Competition Over Phrase

    Likelihood of confusion between Float & Sting and Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee trademark Read full article