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New York Trademark Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for New York on
Q: Someone applied for a trademark I wanted. Can i compete for the said trademark? Their application is new.

My partners and I have been following an abandoned trademark. When we were ready to take action, we found out another entity has submitted an initial application for said trademark. Can we still put in an application for this trademark? Does the fact of having created merchandise, logos, and... View More

Michael Gerity
Michael Gerity
answered on Aug 21, 2017

When it comes to rights to use a particular trademark in conjunction with particular goods and/or services, the most important issue is the date that a party first used the mark in commerce in conjunction with the offering of those goods/services. Thus, the first to use the mark in commerce wins... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for New York on
Q: Is 'Giggle' an infringement on Fiverr's trademark word 'Gig'?

I am starting an online-marketplace platform for buyers and sellers. Giggle will mean - services offered by sellers. Is this a potential infringement?

Barry E. Janay
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answered on Aug 15, 2017

Based on the limited context that you've given it sounds dissimilar enough to not be infringement, but reasonable minds may differ and a much more thorough analysis would be necessary in order to guide you properly. You're best served by retaining an attorney who is experience (such as... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for New York on
Q: What release forms do I need?

I just finished shooting a video with my friend and we're both minors. What release forms do I need and how/where can I get them?

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Aug 13, 2017

You may need a lawyer to draft such documents so that they're tailored to your needs. If you're a minor, then a parent may need to hire the lawyer for you. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Trademark for New York on
Q: Can a jewelry rental business display and/or mention branded (ie Tiffany) jewelry on a TV ad (not show the logo).

The First Sale Doctrine

The unauthorized use of another’s trademark is also permitted under the “first sale” doctrine. Under this doctrine a business that resells genuine, non-adulterated goods bearing a true mark cannot be held liable for trademark infringement, even if the... View More

Barry E. Janay
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answered on Aug 9, 2017

Not unless you get permission. That's potentially trade dress infringement.

2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for New York on
Q: Hey, what does this mean? "ASSIGNMENT OF OWNERSHIP NOT UPDATED AUTOMATICALLY"

I saw it on a brand trademark I'm interested in purchasing one day.

Barry E. Janay
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answered on Aug 8, 2017

It literally means exactly what it says... But if you want further explanation please give the exact detailed context of where you saw that...

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1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for New York on
Q: What should I say to successfully obtain the rights for an abandoned/dead mark from the original trademark registrants?

I ran a search in TESS for a stage name that I would like to use and came across a DEAD (since 2007) trademark for it under the IC 009 category. They were using it for a "series of musical recordings..." which is what I would like to use it for.

I have found the contact... View More

Benton R Patterson III
Benton R Patterson III
answered on Aug 7, 2017

You probably do not need anything from the original owner if the mark expired 10 years ago. Once a trademark expires, the registration terminates. The former owner no longer owns a federal registration. Although, there could be some other common law rights to the mark. To be certain the mark is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for New York on
Q: I want to trademark my logo for a new business. What is the process and the fees attached to this request?
Barry E. Janay
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answered on Jul 31, 2017

The fee I charge is $2,000.00. There also is a USPTO filing fee for TEAS Plus is $225, so the total would be $2,225 and it is partially refundable if upon my search I deem that it is unlikely to proceed to registration of the trademark (there are some factors after the application is filed that... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Trademark for New York on
Q: what does this mean and how do I fix it? it says the same thing for my s corp

WMAP RADIO - Trademark Details

Status: 641 - Non-Final Action - Mailed

Barry E. Janay
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answered on Jul 31, 2017

It means your application was defective / rejected for some reason that they will inform you of via mail. You can correct the defects or whatever other issues they had and work with the examining attorney to hopefully get a mark published to the register. I'd be happy to assist if you like... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Trademark for New York on
Q: I see that "Sweetees" is trade marked. Would it be illegal for someone to own a shop with the name "sweetees"?

I know someone with the name sweetees that is running a tshirt business. I wanted to know if this is legal.

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jul 25, 2017

You may face a challenge for IP violation. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for New York on
Q: How would I successfully go about obtaining a stage name, that was filed/abandoned (is DEAD) 10+ years ago?

I ran a search in TESS for the stage name that I would like to use and came across a DEAD trademark under the IC 009 category. They were using it for a "series of musical recordings..." which is what I'd like to use it for, however it was filed in March 2006, and abandoned in April... View More

Donovan A Rodriques
Donovan A Rodriques
answered on Jul 25, 2017

You will need to conduct a search to see if the mark is still in use. A trademark may be still valid at common law despite being listed as "dead" at the USPTO. If the mark is in use you may contact the owner for permission to use it, via a transfer of rights or trademark license. If the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Mergers & Acquisitions and Trademark for New York on
Q: How do I contact someone and ask to buy their mark?
Jonathan R. Roth
Jonathan R. Roth
answered on Jul 23, 2017

If you go to the Trademark Office and look up the mark, assuming it is registered at the USPTO, it will state who the owner of the mark is and you can write to them.

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for New York on
Q: Can a trademark that was abandoned be re-trademarked by someone else?
Barry E. Janay
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answered on Jul 17, 2017

Yes, but new registrant must tread carefully.

3 Answers | Asked in Trademark for New York on
Q: Company from China is trying to trademark my brand. We have not yet filed mark, but are actively using for years. Ideas?

We have been selling a brand of ink and toner cartridges since January 2015. This year, a company from China decided to try and trademark our brand. We have never got around to filing the trademark as we were advised that it is not a requirement and that we still have full trademark rights if we... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jul 12, 2017

You may need to object to the trademark and contact the company to cease and desist from any IP infringement. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for New York on
Q: A shirt with the phrase "You're killin' me smalls" and was reported for trademark "you're killing me smalls" is it same?

I had tried selling a T shirt with the phrase " You're killin' me smalls" and I was reported for legal infringement of a trademark of "you're killing me smalls". Is that the same thing? I don't think killing and killin' is the same, is it?

Barry E. Janay
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answered on Jun 26, 2017

It's substantially similar and the context is the same... This most likely is infringement....

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark for New York on
Q: Are there state or international trademark laws to keep in mind in addition to federal?
Barry E. Janay
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answered on Jun 23, 2017

A Federal Trademark will offer you protection in the States that you do business in and the Madrid Protocol / System can protect you overseas since the U.S. is a signatory to that treaty. That said, the strength of your Trademark really depends upon how famous and recognizable it is in those... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark for New York on
Q: If I use my last name as my business name can that be trademarked?
Barry E. Janay
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answered on Jun 2, 2017

Yes, ever here of Ford?

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property, Trademark and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Here's a question-

Here's a question- A bunch of us worked at Eagle Comtronics (fact). We started a facebook group so that those that quit or got laid off can still keep in touch. (fact). We named the group Friends at Eagle Comtronics (fact). Can the owner of Eagle Comtronics threaten to sue us for using the... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on May 22, 2017

I don't hear an IP violation here. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for New York on
Q: Hello I wish to renew my trademark. I registered it in 1994 MANALE - Trademark Details Status: 710 - Cancelled -

how can i go about it

Barry E. Janay
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answered on May 12, 2017

Easiest thing would be to do a new application and explain in a note that you are reviving the cancelled one and either never discontinued use or discontinued use for a period but started using again. More specifics could be helpful and you can always look on the USPTO website which has a ton of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for New York on
Q: my image my photo is on a huge billboard in NYC without my permission

i did not sign any release forms

Barry E. Janay
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answered on May 10, 2017

Looks like a violation of your right to publicity and privacy, a violation of the following law

NY CLS Civ R § 50

NEW YORK CONSOLIDATED LAWS SERVICES

CIVIL RIGHTS LAW

ARTICLE 5. RIGHT OF PRIVACY

NY CLS Civ R § 50 (2000)

§ 50. Right of privacy...
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3 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for New York on
Q: I have a trademark for the same name and same class but different goods

I have a trademark for the same name and same class but different goods, the trademark is named "RapidEffects" it's for teeth whitening kits, and teeth whitening gel. The current registered trademark is for "Rapid Effects" it's for Conditioners; Hair care preparations;... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on May 5, 2017

It may be wise to be more creative to avoid possible IP infringement claims.

See: http://www.aeesq.com/business-law/intellectual-property-attorney/

More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an...
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