Kate Middleton is making news this week and it has nothing to do with her baby bump. The Duchess of Cambridge has applied to the U.K.’s Intellectual Property Office to trademark her name for charitable goods. She and her husband, Prince William, started The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge back in […]
By: J. Mason Williams IV I have been asked several times whether a person can get their security deposit back. Often times, they tell me that they cleaned everything up and the landlord still won’t give them their deposit back. Why not and what can I do? Well, first you have to review your […]
HOA Laws and Rights Do Homeowner Associations have the right to fine owners who do not comply with their rules? In Virginia, this very question was put before a judge to decide. A dispute arising between Maria and Sam Farran and their HOA at the Olde Bellhaven in Fairfax, VA over a political sign stirred […]
This spring homeowners may be thinking about sprucing up their properties’ curb appeal. Fences are a popular choice among homeowners to add instant curb appeal to a home. Fences not only aesthetically enhance a home, but they also act as privacy divider. Are you contemplating installing a fence around your property? If so, it is […]
By: Mark R. Malek So you have just received your Notice of Allowance for your patent application. In the Notice of Allowance, there is a requirement for you to pay an issue fee and a publication fee. You may have paid the publication fee early pursuant to a request for early publication. Section 1129 of […]
When does fighting to protect a trademark borderline on trademark bullying? Trademarks are established to protect an individual’s, a corporation’s, or non-profit organization’s creative work. What happens when the trademark owner takes protecting their trademark too far as to be deemed as domineering? The best examples of crossing the line can be witnessed with non-profit […]
Rhode Island, known as the Ocean State, has a beautiful coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. Its private and public beaches are enjoyed throughout the summer months by residents and tourists alike. One day as a teenager I ventured forth with friends onto a private beach in Newport. We were hoping not to be noticed if […]
Entrepreneurs who are starting up their own businesses should be careful in protecting their IP inventions from former employees. They should not take for granted that the IP work they create off company hours is theirs to keep. Employers may be able to stake a claim in ownership. Here are five ways employers can claim […]
By: Widerman Malek Team Is a “trade name” the same thing as a “trademark?” This is a topic that seems to give people trouble. The Lanham Act offers some help to distinguish the terms. By definition, a “trade name” is any name used by a person to identify his or her business or vocation. […]
