Plano Trademark Attorneys & Lawyers

What is Trademark vs. Trade Dress?

A trademark offers legal protection for a logo, symbol, phrase, word, name, or design used to show the manufacturer of a product. Trade dress protects all elements used to promote a specific service or product. Examples of trade dress include packaging and the atmosphere or décor within a place of business.

The term "trade dress" comes from a 1992 court ruling and refers to the way a product is "dressed" to go to market. Since then, the term has expanded to include other elements, such as specific themes used in decoration or styling of a business location. The updated definition focuses on the total image instead of the way a product is "dressed up."

The

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Updated November 4, 2020:

What Is Trademark Permission?

Trademark permission allows a company or individual to legally use a trademark held by another person or business. Getting trademark permission from a trademark holder can help your company increase sales, generate brand awareness, and increase positive customer associations with your product or service. But if done illegally, using someone else's trademark puts you at serious risk for legal trouble.

Trademark permission, also called licensing, exists to allow others to use a trademark, a word or mark that exclusively identifies one person or company as the source of a product or service. When granting proper permission, the trademark owner can take advantage of other benefits as well. Perhaps these benefits come in the form of profits for every item sold under the trademark permi

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How to Open a Bar in California

Opening a bar in California can be a costly, time-consuming endeavor. Just like opening a new restaurant, you will need a thorough business plan, approval of several government agencies, and many permits and licenses. This guide outlines the steps necessary to open a bar in California.

A Guide to Opening a Bar in California

Opening a bar in California can be a costly, time-consuming endeavor. But with the opportunity for high-profit margins on alcohol and food, along with cover charges, bars can be successful businesses. Just like opening a new restaurant, you will need a thorough business plan, approval of several government agencies, and many permits and licenses. This guide outlines the steps necessary to open a bar in California.

1. Create a Business Plan

Opening a bar is essentially

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What Is Software Forensics?

Software forensics is a branch of science that investigates computer software text codes and binary codes in cases involving patent infringement or theft. Software forensics can be used to support evidence for legal disputes over intellectual property, patents, and trademarks. 

Digital forensics and computer forensics are both tools used to recover computer files. Digital forensics tries to find files that are the same, and software forensics examiners focus on function.

Software forensics is especially important in patent and trade cases. In these cases, someone might have copied another person's code, but rewritten that code in a way to hide the theft. A digital forensic examiner may not have the tools or capabilities to prove a crime occurred. If you need help,

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Updated June 23, 2020:

How to Trademark a Slogan

1. Go to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website.
2. Check the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) database. Make sure the slogan isn't already registered in the same category.
3. Submit your trademark application. Pay the filing fee.

What Is a Trademarked Slogan?

A trademark is an original symbol or saying that sets apart one product or company from another. Registering a trademarked slogan will make the connection between your message and your brand for customers. This can aid your marketing efforts and add value to your business.

When you tra

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