For this special Ask Brien anniversary episode, Traci interviews Peter Bronstein, aka the man himself, Brien Johnson about what he knows best, trademarking and copyrighting So, what is the difference between the two?  Can small businesses be trademarked, if so, where do small business owners start?  Traci and Brien share insight into patents, domain names, the trademark registration process, and how to navigate the different classifications.  Tune in to discover how you can set your business’s brand up for long-term success.

 IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:50] What is the “Ask Brien” podcast and radio show all about?
• [06:32] What is the difference between a patent, a copyright, and a trademark?
• [13:00] Should small business owners trademark their business?
• [14:49] Peter explains why registering a domain name and registering a trademark are two very different things.
• [18:37] When should a small business owner begin the trademark registration process?  In what order should they file?
• [25:25] Where can small business owners research available domain names, trademarks, and copyrights?
• [28:13] How a trademark attorney can help you navigate trademarking your business.
• [33:02] Connect with Peter and start your trademarking journey today.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Many people don’t realize that a trademark itself is based on usage, not on registration.
• When trademarking, make sure the name you choose is available, otherwise the costs to retrace and start the process all over again is going to be quite expensive.
• In the long run, hiring a trademark attorney and having your business trademarked properly is going to cost far less than going about it yourself and spending a fortune on legal fees and having to start the process all over again.

Links Mentioned:

www.askbrien.com

 www.uspto.gov

www.lacorporateattorney.com

peterbronz@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-bronstein-5a70a611

BIO: Peter Bronstien

By focusing solely on legal issues affecting businesses, with an accounting degree with his JD, lawyer Peter Bronstein is able to offer informed counsel, detailed planning, clear communication and aggressive representation during negotiations and litigation.

Before creating our law firm, attorney Peter Bronstein spent five years as corporate counsel for Mail Boxes Etc., a major franchisor with national and international locations. He has experience in the inner workings of a business and the challenges that accompany business ownership in California.