Tag: trademark protection

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – March 1, 2024

  1. Growing Marijuana in Michigan – No Matter the Amount – is a Misdemeanor

Late last week, the Michigan State Police shut down an illegal marijuana growing facility in Highland Park, seizing 4,000 marijuana plants and processed weed worth $6.3 million. It may surprise readers to know that, pursuant to a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling in October, 2023, the unlicensed growers may only face misdemeanor charges. In another case involving an illegal growing operation, the court ruled that violations that previously were subject to felony punishments should now be prosecuted under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (the “Act”).

Why it Matters: Under the Act, it’s legal to store up to 10 ounces of marijuana, possess 2.5 ounces and grow up to 12 plants. Violations for exceeding those amounts range from civil infractions to misdemeanors. It will be interesting to see if these provisions will be revisited given that black market sales have been blamed for increased competition and falling prices for legal sales.

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  1. Navigating the Cost and Process of Hiring a Trademark Attorney

In the fast-paced world of business, protecting your brand is paramount. Whether you’re a startup or a large corporation, safeguarding your trademarks is essential for maintaining your identity and reputation in the market. However, navigating the legal intricacies of trademark registration and enforcement can be complex and overwhelming. This is where a skilled trademark attorney can be your greatest ally.

Why it Matters: Without adequate protection, your trademarks are vulnerable to infringement, dilution, and misappropriation, which can result in lost revenue, brand erosion, and legal disputes. By securing federal trademark registration and enforcing your rights, you establish a legal foundation that empowers you to safeguard your brand and its value. Read more from attorney Andrew G. Martin.

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  1. Fraser Trebilcock Attorney Michael E. Cavanaugh Named in Michigan Lawyers Weekly Class of 2024 Hall of Fame

Fraser Trebilcock attorney Michael E. Cavanaugh has been selected as a member of Michigan Lawyers Weekly “Hall of Fame Class of 2024.” This special award recognizes esteemed members of the legal profession who have been in practice for at least 30 years.

Why it Matters: Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s annual “Hall of Fame” award recognizes only twenty-one lawyers each year. These lawyers truly are legends, making their mark in the courtroom or the boardroom, in their firms and with community organizations, and with local, state and national bar associations. With their guidance and mentorship, they have launched hundreds of thriving legal careers and have left an indelible imprint on the profession through precedent-setting cases, high dollar outcomes and successful resolutions for their clients.

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  1. A Health Professional’s Guide to Navigating the Disciplinary Process: What to Expect if You Are Facing a Professional Licensing Investigation or Administrative Complaint

Health professionals are committed to caring for patients with expertise, compassion, and integrity. However, in the heavily regulated healthcare field, those professionals can sometimes find themselves navigating not just the medical challenges of their patients but licensing issues of their own as well. Licensing issues can arise unexpectedly, and, when they do, they can cause tremendous stress and uncertainty.

Why it Matters: As an attorney with years of experience handling professional licensing matters for health professionals, Robert J. Andretz has witnessed firsthand how professional licensing investigations and Administrative Complaints can disrupt health professionals’ careers and their ability to provide patient care. He will explore how to navigate the disciplinary process in Michigan so that you can know what to expect if you are ever faced with a threat to your license. Learn more.

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  1. Increase in the Small Business Property Tax Exemption

Eligibility for the so-called “Small Business Property Tax Exemption” has expanded. Legislation passed last October 2023, expands the exemption by increasing the eligibility limit to from the $80,000 true cash value limit to $180,000.

Why it Matters: The exemption is only for commercial and industrial personal property (residential/individuals are not subject to personal property taxes). Once filed, and if granted, the exemption will remain as long as the small business still qualifies. In other words, there is no need to file an exemption claim every year. Read more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | Michael E. Cavanaugh
Professional Licensing | Robert Andretz
Business & Tax | Paul McCord

Navigating the Cost and Process of Hiring a Trademark Attorney

In the fast-paced world of business, protecting your brand is paramount. Whether you’re a startup or a large corporation, safeguarding your trademarks is essential for maintaining your identity and reputation in the market. However, navigating the legal intricacies of trademark registration and enforcement can be complex and overwhelming. This is where a skilled trademark attorney can be your greatest ally.

The Importance of Trademark Protection

Before delving into the process and costs of hiring a trademark attorney, let’s underscore the significance of trademark protection. A trademark is more than just a logo or a slogan; it’s the embodiment of your brand’s goodwill and reputation. Trademarks are source identifiers that distinguish your products or services from competitors and help consumers identify and trust your brand.

Without adequate protection, your trademarks are vulnerable to infringement, dilution, and misappropriation, which can result in lost revenue, brand erosion, and legal disputes. By securing federal trademark registration and enforcing your rights, you establish a legal foundation that empowers you to safeguard your brand and its value.

The Role of a Trademark Attorney

Trademark law is a specialized field that requires expertise and experience to navigate effectively. An attorney who specializes in trademark matters can provide invaluable guidance throughout the trademark lifecycle. Their services often include:

  1. Trademark Search and Clearance: Conducting comprehensive searches to ensure your proposed trademark is available for use and registration, minimizing the risk of conflicts with existing trademarks.
  2. Trademark Application: Assisting with the preparation and filing of trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or relevant authorities in other jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and maximizing the chances of successful registration.
  3. Prosecution and Responses: Handling communications with trademark examiners, responding to office actions, and overcoming objections to secure trademark registration.
  4. Trademark Enforcement: Monitoring for potential infringement, sending cease-and-desist letters, and pursuing legal action against infringers to protect your trademark rights.
  5. Trademark Portfolio Management: Advising on trademark maintenance, renewal, licensing, and assignment to optimize the value of your trademark assets.

The Cost of Hiring a Trademark Attorney

The cost of hiring a trademark attorney can vary depending on several factors, including the attorney’s experience, the complexity of the matter, and the scope of services required. Trademark attorneys typically offer various fee structures, such as hourly rates, flat fees for specific services, or retainer arrangements.

For trademark registration, the fees may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on factors such as the number of classes of goods/services, the complexity of the mark, and whether any office actions or objections are encountered during the process.

While hiring a trademark attorney entails upfront costs, it’s an investment in protecting your brand’s intellectual property rights and mitigating the risk of costly disputes and legal challenges down the line. Moreover, engaging a knowledgeable attorney can streamline the process, enhance the likelihood of successful outcomes, and provide invaluable peace of mind.

Conclusion

In the competitive landscape of modern business, safeguarding your brand is non-negotiable. Hiring a trademark attorney is a strategic decision that empowers you to navigate the complexities of trademark law with confidence and expertise. By enlisting the support of a skilled attorney, you not only protect your trademarks but also lay the foundation for long-term brand success and resilience in the marketplace. If you have any questions, contact attorney Andrew G. Martin or your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

This alert serves as a general summary and does not constitute legal guidance. Please contact us with any specific questions.

Andrew G. Martin is an experienced registered patent attorney with history working in the automotive, electrical, and agricultural industries. He regularly advises startups and small businesses on the patent and trademark prosecution process, assisting clients from start to finish. You can reach him at 517.377.0834 or at amartin@fraserlawfirm.com.