An attorney would need to know more about your business to answer this question. Generally speaking, you should make the description as accurate as possible of the services you provide. The harmonized database can be helpful, but if its not accurate, its better to use a custom description. If... View More

There is not a standard agreement for this. You will need a custom agreement. What you are describing may also qualify as a security and be regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

I agree that it is a good idea to make sure the application is completed correctly the first time.

Doing so can save money and years of time. Many attorneys provide free consultations and discounted or pro bono services. You can use Justia to locate a trademark attorney.

The USPTO may deny the application based on the conflict with your registration. I would continue to watch the application. If it is published for opposition, you may want to retain an attorney to oppose the registration. It is also possible that both trademarks can exist concurrently if the... View More

A trademark that is published for opposition has not been registered yet. If no one opposes your mark during the opposition period, it will be issued.

Unfortunately, this doesn't have an easy answer. Searching for and evaluating conflicting trademarks is a large part of any trademark attorney's practice. You will need to consult with a trademark attorney. I would also recommend using a lawyer to help select what aspects of your... View More

If that is all you want to accomplish, you do not need to convert the partnership to another entity. A partnership can obtain an EIN, allowing the partnership to obtain credit and file taxes under the partnership's EIN, rather than a partner's SSN. You can apply for an EIN on the IRS website.

Possibly, depending on the concept. Some original concepts from a show can be protected by copyright. However, copyright does not protect age old concepts that exist in many stories (for example, a group of people of different backgrounds share an apartment or contestants are evaluated by a panel... View More

This is a trademark issue. If you have an idea for a trademark, the first step is to speak with a trademark attorney about searching for conflicting marks to ensure you are clear to use it.

An attorney would need to review all the facts to answer this question. Here are some general observations that may be helpful.

The oil company trademark could be an issue if the products/services are similar. For example, if that trademark is for geo-location services and your software... View More

The most common document used in this scenario is a nondisclosure agreement. You should speak with a business attorney about preparing a nondisclosure agreement for your specific needs.

It depends on how the business is structured when it is set up, but it is possible to set up a business entity where you are the sole manager without a board of directors.

You should be fine with regards to copyright law. Names and short phrases generally are not covered by copyright.

It depends on what the lease says. If its in the lease and you signed it, you are likely out of luck.

A trademark application can be marked abandoned if the applicant missed part of the application process. For example, they may have failed to respond to an office action or neglected to file evidence of use.

It is possible, but generally not recommended. If you claim only the words, and not the look of the mark, the registration will not apply to the look. Also, in order to obtain and maintain a trademark, you have to use it. There may be limited circumstances where you would want to do this. You... View More

An attorney would need to review all the facts involved. Based on what you have described, you probably cannot prevent a competitor from using "sleeping comfort" to describe of bedding. Generally speaking, it is not trademark infringement to accurately describe what a product is using... View More

You can trademark words in a particular font or a phrase. The amount of subject matter that can potentially qualify as a trademark is extremely broad. In rare instances colors and smells can qualify as trademarks. The key is that the person must use it as an indicator of source in commerce.

It depends on several factors, such as the goods and services associated with the other mark, what is claimed in the application, how long the mark has been in use, among others. An attorney would need to review all the facts to answer this question.

An attorney would need to know more about the program to advise on what type of business structure to use. There are many factors to consider when forming a business. It would be best to have a lawyer review a contract with a school district.