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Questions Answered by Jason Savarese
Q: Who owns the trademark for "The Bobbettes"?
I am a relative of one of the members of "The Bobbettes," a singing group from New York, and I am seeking information about the ownership of the trademark for the group's name. To the best of my knowledge, no one has registered a trademark for "The Bobbettes." How can I... View More 
Jason Savarese
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answered on Nov 4, 2025
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answered on Nov 4, 2025
As of 11/4/2025, there is not a live registered trademark of "The Bobbettes." I checked. That could change at any time, as someone could register that name an hour from now. A trademark attorney should check that name at the time they are going to register it for you. If it is still... View More
Q: Should I use "used in commerce" or "intent to use" for socks and t-shirts on USPTO trademark application?
I'm currently using my trademark in commerce for socks, which are being marketed and sold. However, I plan to use the same trademark for t-shirts, although they have not been launched yet. Should I select the "used in commerce" option for socks and the "intent to use"... View More
Jason Savarese
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answered on Oct 8, 2025
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answered on Oct 8, 2025
If I understand your situation correctly, you have not yet applied for a trademark registration for your t-shirt or sock brand. I'd suggest you start selling the t-shirts, then apply, so all are "in commerce." Since both socks and shirts are in the same trademark class (class number... View More
Q: How can I release my son from financial responsibility for his father's debts?
I'm looking for advice on how to release my 48-year-old son from any potential responsibility for his 78-year-old father's medical expenses and credit card debt. His father is currently in a rehab facility, and I believe his insurance coverage is running out. There is no legal agreement... View More
Jason Savarese
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answered on Oct 8, 2025
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answered on Oct 8, 2025
Usually, a son is not liable for his father's debts unless he specifically signs a contract agreeing to be legally responsible for paying those debts. The type of debt doesn't matter. So, his son needs to very carefully read everything he is asked to sign, to ensure he does not sign... View More
2 Answers
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in
Trademark, Business Formation, Intellectual Property and Business Law
for
Ohio
on
Q: Can I use 'Ego' for my clothing brand despite another company's use?
I'm considering naming my clothing company 'Ego.' However, another company based in the UK with a US brand already uses this name and also sells clothing. I will have a different logo and haven't checked if the name is trademarked in the U.S. Would this be possible given these circumstances?
Jason Savarese
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answered on Oct 7, 2025
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answered on Oct 7, 2025
If you file for a trademark using the same name as a company selling what you sell with the same name, that application is going to likely be rejected, IF that company has registered their trademark in the US.
Consider hiring a trademark lawyer with a limited scope of work; for $X, he can... View More
Q: Is "Spartan Clothes" or "Sparta" an active trademark for my new business?
I am considering using either "Spartan Clothes" or "Sparta" as the name for my new apparel, footwear, and sports business. I would like to know if these names are active trademarks in the United States and if I'll face any legal issues using them. Could you provide guidance... View More
Jason Savarese
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answered on Oct 7, 2025
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answered on Oct 7, 2025
Consider hiring a trademark lawyer with a limited scope of work; for $X, he can research your top 3 ideas for a name brand and give you an opinion on the chance of an approvable registration. Vary them enough that it increases your chance of one being unique. That will save you money, as trademark... View More
3 Answers
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in
Business Formation, Contracts, Intellectual Property and Business Law
for
California
on
Q: Created a unique website concept, considering LLC and NDA for investor pitches.
I have created a unique website similar to YouTube but with a different concept. I want to launch it to the public and pitch it to investors, but I'm concerned about protecting my idea from being stolen, especially by major competitors like YouTube or Facebook. I am considering forming an LLC... View More
Jason Savarese
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answered on Oct 7, 2025
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answered on Oct 7, 2025
Ask an accountant in your state about whether an LLC or S-Corporation would be better for you. One may save you more in taxes than the other.
An NDA and non-compete agreement are crucial before discussing your idea with investors or partners. The idea is the valuable commodity; once it is... View More
Q: How can I retrieve my trademark abandoned on December 20, 2017?
I am the owner of a trademark that was abandoned on December 20, 2017. I am planning on using the trademark soon and I have made no attempts to revive or dispute the abandonment since that date. There have been no changes in my business related to this mark. How can I retrieve the abandoned... View More
Jason Savarese
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answered on Oct 3, 2025
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answered on Oct 3, 2025
Expired trademarks may be reinstated by a new application, which a trademark attorney can complete for you. They have the experience to conduct the right searches to ensure there are no currently registered marks, logos, or names similar to your expired trademark, which could prevent... View More
Q: Can my employer legally mandate DEI training?
I work as a loan processor at Trustmark Bank and recently received a personal email from our corporate trainer about mandatory DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) training, which included the phrase "learn the Trustmark way." I have not participated in similar trainings before, and... View More
Jason Savarese
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answered on Sep 30, 2025
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answered on Sep 30, 2025
Mississippi is considered an "at will" state, meaning most employers can fire you for any reason (with exceptions). The exceptions are: they cannot fire you because of your race, sex, religion, or other protected categories, if you are classified as being in "civil service"... View More
Q: How is equal distribution in a trust determined among 11 heirs, recognizing only 7 as family?
I am dealing with a trust involving 11 heirs as listed in the probate inheritance form to waive rights, but I only recognize 7 of them as family members. How is an equal distribution determined among the heirs under these circumstances? Are there specific considerations in the probate process to... View More
Jason Savarese
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answered on Sep 30, 2025
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answered on Sep 30, 2025
Trust are governed by the statutes (laws) in your state, and the trust document itself. Heirs are different from beneficiaries. Heirs are determined by law, by relation, such as your natural or adopted children, your spouse, etc. Heirs are also "ranked," meaning group 1 heirs (your child... View More
Q: How to file for adverse possession in MS after living in a property for 14 years?
I have been living in a property for 14 years in Mississippi, and I have been paying the property taxes for 10 of those years. The owner passed away in 2012, and I have communicated with the heirs who have expressed no interest in the property. I have also made improvements to the property. How can... View More
Jason Savarese
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answered on Sep 30, 2025
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answered on Sep 30, 2025
To establish title by adverse possession in Mississippi, you must prove in court, by clear and convincing
evidence, that your possession of the real property was (1) under claim of ownership; (2)
actual or hostile; (3) open, notorious, and visible; (4) continuous and uninterrupted... View More
Q: What legal actions can I take to prevent my mother from losing her house in Mississippi?
I am concerned about my mother's wellbeing and her financial situation. My daughter has the legal power to manage my mother's affairs, possibly through Power of Attorney, but she moved my mom out of her house and has not been paying the mortgage, which is now three months behind. My... View More
Jason Savarese
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answered on Sep 30, 2025
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answered on Sep 30, 2025
You can pay the mortgage payments to get the account current, and then file in Chancery Court in your mother's county for a conservatorship. You will need a lawyer to do that. The conservator appointed by the court would then control your mother's assets, and they must file an annual... View More
Q: Guidance needed on probate process for mother's property in Mississippi with quitclaim deed.
I am one of eight siblings, and our mother left us a quitclaim deed for a property located in Mississippi. We all live in Arkansas and Texas. I'm delegated to seek guidance on the probate process, as the executor was not specified. Our family is in agreement regarding the property access... View More
Jason Savarese
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answered on Sep 30, 2025
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answered on Sep 30, 2025
A quitclaim deed avoids the need for probate. Wills go to probate court, as do estates without a will where no successor owner is named for assets, but a quitclaim deed is a way to avoid probate court altogether. The deed says who owns the land and any conditions to the ownership. A buyer may... View More
Q: How can I protect my idea when proposing it to a company in Iowa?
I am planning to propose an idea to a company in Iowa and I'm concerned about protecting my idea from being taken. I haven't taken any steps yet to protect my idea with patents, copyrights, or trademarks, nor have I used any formal agreements like a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). How... View More
Jason Savarese
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answered on Nov 7, 2025
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answered on Nov 7, 2025
You need them to sign a nondisclosure, noncompete agreement with a liquidated damages clause. Noncompetition agreements must be limited in time and geographic area to be valid, but that varies case to case and state to state. Liquidated damages could say something like "if you disclose this... View More
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