Los Angeles Intellectual Property Registration and Licensing Attorneys

WLF Lawyers can prepare your copyright or trademark applciation for $150 plus filing fees. We also offer drafting and negotiating services for the licensing of your intellectual property starting at $300.

Trademark and Copyright Registration ($150 plus filing fees)

Our services being with a direct hit search of prior and pending registrations for conflicts with your application. Once this is completed we will:

Prepare your application

Submit your application electronically

Be the contact on record to notify you of updates on your application

Respond to any office action relating to the application, such as for clarification of the identity of the registrant and problems with the design or specimen

Monitor potentially competing or infringing applications until your registration is complete

If you use our services to register your trademark we offer a discount on monitoring services after your application is accepted.

Comprehensive Search ($250)

Even if you have checked the United States Patent and Trademark Office to see if your intended trademark name is available your application may still be rejected. The standard for determining whether two trademarks conflict is whether they are "confusingly similar" so even if your name is available it may still be unregisterable if there are similar registrations. Additionally, common law trademark protection attaches as soon as someone starts to use a mark in commerce.

To avoid potential complications with your application our attorneys can prepare a comprehensive search to determine the availability of your mark then encompasses current and pending federal registrations, state trademarks, and common law uses. Additionally, ff we perform a comprehensive search before submitting your application we will respond to any office action that may arise for your application free of charge.

Office Actions ($75-$500)

Once your application has been reviewed by the examining attorney there may be additional information you are required to submit to avoid abandonment. If we have prepared your application then we will respond to any office action that pertains to our filing, such as for the design or specimen, and if we have performed a comprehensive search we will respond to all office actions on your file free of charge. Otherwise, our office action responses range from $75 to $500 depending on the complexity and time limit.

Trademark Monitoring ($100-$150)

Trademarks have to be monitored and enforced to be protected. We offer a review of filed marks and pending applications for substantially or confusingly similar registrations with a detailed report of potential infringers sent to you each month for $150 annually. If you registered your mark using our services then monitoring is only $100 annually.

Licensing and Intellectual Property Agreements

Licensing - We can prepare agreements for you to license the use of your intellectual property without losing control or ownership. Drafting services being at $300 and our licenses are completely customized by an attorney to suit your particular needs and industry.

Assignments - If you're interested in selling or assigning your rights in a copyright or trademark we can prepare the paperwork for you and even negotiate the deal for as little as $75.

Other Services

Cease and Desist Letters - If you think someone has infringed on your rights we can prepare a "cease and desist" letter informing them of their unlawful activity and the need for them to stop immediately starting at $125. For $250 we will also include all the releases and paperwork necessary to resolve the situation and even transfer ownership of infringing domain names if applicable.

Copyright and Trademark Frequently Asked Questions

What is a copyright?
A copyright refers to the protection given to the author or creator of original works such as books, paintings, movies, dances, and even software, from copying and unauthorized use by other individuals. Protection is limited to those works that are fixed and can be reproduced. So while technically a dance is not fixed, it can be recorded as choreography and protected. Copyright protection is given to an author to encourage new expression and the advancement of arts and sciences in our country. Protection is immediately granted to an author or creator once a work is recorded for the first time, however registration with the government is required to enforce most copyright rights.

What is a trademark?
A trademark is a design, logo, slogan, or other mark that is used to identify the goods of a particular person or company. When the mark identifies the services of a particular entity it is known as a "service mark." Protection is granted to unique marks that are used in commerce and limited by industry and geography. Two businesses can use the same slogan, for example, if they operate completely different types of businesses, or if they are not in direct competition. The concern with trademarks is with preventing consumer confusion so even the use of a mark not registered to a company that could lead a consumer to be confused as to the true origin of goods or services can be considered infringing.

What do "TM," "(C)." "(R)." and "SM" mean?
Those that seek to protect their creations, either copyrights or trademarks, must notify others that they have exclusive rights to their use. These symbols give that notice: "TM" identifies the use of a trademark, and "SM" a service mark with "(R)" signifying that the mark has been registered with the government; "(C)" identifies copyrighted material.

Why do you perform a search before preparing a copyright or trademark application?
The first step in registering a copyright or trademark is to perform a search of current and previous registrations. This is because a copyright must be original to be registered, and a trademark must be unique; nothing you register can be the same, or confusingly similar, respectively. WLF Lawyers perform a comprehensive search before submitting your application to reduce the chances of being rejected. For trademarks, in addition to performing so-called "direct hit" searches, which cover the exact name or slogan you are interested in registering, our attorneys will search for similar registrations that could potentially lead to problems in the future.

What is an intellectual property license?
Once you have successfully registerd your copyright or trademark you will be granted certain exclusive rights to its use. WLF Lawyers can assist you in drafting and negotiating license agreements, which will allow others to use your exclusive property in exchange for compensation. What is copyright or trademark infringement?
Copyright infringement occurs when someone copies your original work or creates something so similar it can only be explained by copying and it can be proved that they had access to your work. Trademark infringement can be proven either by showing an unauthorized use of your protected mark, or the use of a mark so similar it could lead to consumer confusion. If you believe your property has been infringed you can contact WLF Lawyers for a free consultation with an attorney.

WLF Lawyers offers flat rate and low cost copyright and trademark registration and licensing services. Contact us today for a free consultation. Serving the Greater Los Angeles County area; Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley.