The Trademark Examination and Registration Process
Applying for a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is an important step in protecting your brand. Whether you’re an individual inventor, a small business, or a larger company, understanding the trademark registration process helps you avoid delays and surprises. Below, we break down each stage of examination,...
The Role of Contracts in Business Deals
Every business deal, whether it’s with a partner, a supplier, or a new hire, depends on trust and clarity. A well-drafted contract puts that trust into writing. Contracts create the framework that makes business transactions reliable, enforceable, and less risky. They not only protect your company from disputes but also help build...
From Spark to Startup: Building a Business That Lasts
Gearhart Law is pleased to spotlight David Postolski’s vital role and expertise featured in the Financial Poise article, From Spark to Startup: Building a Business That Lasts. As a leading intellectual property attorney and trusted advisor to startups, David contributes decades of experience guiding entrepreneurs on how to protect what sets...
How to Monitor and Enforce Your Trademark Rights
Securing a registered trademark is an important step toward protecting your brand, but it’s not the end of the process. Trademark rights are only as strong as the effort you put into maintaining and defending them. If you don’t watch for misuse or take action when infringement occurs, you risk losing control...
Steps to Take Before Filing a Commercial Lawsuit
Disagreements between businesses happen all the time. Whether it’s a dispute over payment, performance, or terms in a contract, it can be tempting to jump straight into legal action. But filing a lawsuit should never be the first move. Taking a few deliberate steps beforehand can help protect your business, clarify your...
The Patenting Process for Consumer Products
Coming up with a great idea is only part of the journey. If you’ve created a new consumer product, whether it’s a smart kitchen gadget, a new type of shoe, or a clever pet accessory, you’ll want to make sure your invention is protected. A patent gives you the legal right to...
IP & Employment Law for Startups: Build Smart, Scale Safely
Our "IP and Employment Law for Startups" Entrepreneurial Strategy Series event on August 28, 2025 highlighted how protecting your people and your ideas is essential to building a strong foundation for growth. We broke down key issues including IP ownership, restrictive covenants, device...
What Is a Trademark Clearance Search?
Launching a new brand is exciting. Whether you're preparing to roll out a product, name a company, or design a logo, you want to stand out. But before you commit to your idea and start filing paperwork, there’s one important step you shouldn’t skip: the trademark clearance search.
This...
What Are Chemical Patents?
Chemical inventions can shape entire industries, from life-saving medications to cutting-edge materials. Whether you're creating a new compound or improving an existing one, protecting your work is often a key part of bringing it to market. One way to do that is through a chemical patent.
This blog explains...
Do I Need an Attorney to File My Trademark Application?
When you're ready to protect your brand, one of the first steps is registering a trademark. Whether it's your company name, logo, or tagline, securing legal rights through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can help you defend your business identity. But many entrepreneurs wonder: do you really need an attorney...