It depends on what the idea is. If it falls under patent, trademark, or copyright law, you should take the respective action to secure it (prosecute a patent or trademark application or register your copyright). If it does not fall under one of those categories, it may be a trade secret, in which... View More

An attorney would need to know much more than just the two names to answer this questions. There are a variety of factors to consider, such as the similarity of products and how the two marks are presented to consumers. It is also important to know who used the mark first and what is claimed in... View More

Each state requires business entities that conduct business above a minimum level to register to conduct business in the state. A Washington licensed business attorney can advise on what the specific requirements are in Washington. Based solely on the fact that no bank will permit you to open an... View More

An attorney would need to know more facts to answer this question. The type of goods or services each mark is associate with, the overall appearance of the two marks, the content of the registration, which mark was used first, and several other factors are relevant to the question. Before using a... View More

If you register a business name in Texas, the Texas secretary of state will not let someone else register the same name in Texas. However, someone could register that name in another state or use it as a trade name. Registering a business name does not provide trademark rights. If you want to... View More

Generally, if you purchase the entire business, the business remains liable for its obligations incurred under prior ownership. I would have an attorney review the sale documents. There may be representations and warranties in the purchase agreement that the business taxes were paid. If so, you... View More

A business name does not have to match the name of a website it owns. It is fairly common for a business to own internet properties of a different name. It is likely fine to use the name doctor as part of a longer website name, so long as you do not do anything to suggest or cause confusion as to... View More

IPR proceedings are not held in New York, rather, they are in USPTO offices. The main office is in the Washington DC area. This website has a list of upcoming IPR hearings you can use to locate a hearing if you are ever near as USPTO office.... View More

You will likely need to start over with a new application. Although, it may be possible to revive the trademark if it recently expired.

It depends on the structure of the acquisition, the contracts with the employees, and the law in your state. You will need to speak with a local business attorney.

You should be able to contact the attorney responsible for sending the subpoena and the court that granted it to verify its accuracy. You should consider retaining your own attorney to help determine what document should be produced.

A trademark attorney can help you protect your business name and advise on potentially conflicting trademarks. You should speak with a Texas trademark attorney in a confidential consultation.

An attorney would need to know more about the potential blog. From what you have described, you may have a trademark infringement problem.

There is nothing inherently illegal about owning one company that rents equipment to another company you also own. In fact, this may be a useful structure to limit a creditor's ability to go after the equipment. Although, you must properly account for and pay taxes on the transactions. You... View More

Yes, you need to obtain permission from the copyright owner. Purchasing a book does not provide the right to reproduce images in the book.

It depends on the context you plan to use the phrase in, what is claimed in the trademark application, and how the other party is using the phrase. An attorney would need to review all the facts to answer this question.

An attorney would need to know more about your history of using the phrase and the trademark applicant's to provide an opinion on whether you may continue to use the mark. If you are the senior user, it is possible you may be able to have the trademark cancelled or at least retain the right... View More

Clearing trademarks is a large part of what trademark attorneys do. I recommend speaking with a local trademark attorney about conducting a trademark search and clearing the name.

Generally, it is not illegal to provide a link to another website.

If you create the design and reduce it to a perceptible image, such as drawing it on a piece of paper, then you would own the copyright.