Questions people ask me first

A trademark protects a name, logo or slogan that identifies who sells something. A copyright protects creative work, such as writing, music, images and code. A patent protects an invention. Many businesses need more than one.

No. The forms are public, and many people file their own. I’m worth the fee when a refusal would be expensive, when the name matters to your business, or when you don’t want to learn the rules.

It tells you whether a similar name is already registered or in use for something close to what you sell, and how risky yours looks. It isn’t a guarantee, but it’s the cheapest way to avoid a costly surprise.

The USPTO takes months to review a trademark, and a copyright registration usually comes sooner. I give you the current range and the next step when we start.

No. A registration is the office’s decision. I can tell you what I think is likely before you pay to file, and what I would do if there’s a problem.

Yes. Federal filings are the same everywhere, and we meet by video. When your matter turns on another state’s law, I say so and suggest you speak to a lawyer there.

Not for the work on the fees page. Each job has a flat fee, written before I begin. If something falls outside, I quote a flat fee for it first.

The USPTO and the Copyright Office each set their own fees. I give you the current amount in writing and pass it through at cost.

No. A state business registration and a domain only record who registered them. They don’t stop anyone else from using a similar name for similar goods.

The name or work you want to protect, how you’re using it, and who helped make it. I’ll ask the rest. Please don’t send anything confidential until we’ve agreed to work together.