Author Archives: John DiGiacomo

You’ve got the next big idea for an online business. The idea that’s going to spark a revolution and change lives. The only problem? Protecting your idea. That’s where a trademark can help. But if you’re still wondering, “What can you trademark, anyway?” you may not have the first clue where to begin. Here, we’re […]

Getting trademark protection in the United States is one thing. But if you want to take your brand international, you’re going to need more than just a US trademark. And if you don’t? You’re vulnerable to appropriation in other countries. Worse, you’ll have insufficient legal grounds to fight back. You’re proud of your idea–take the […]

Do you enjoy reading about some of the most bitter trademark battles? Are you interested in learning how to better protect your products and brand as a whole? You couldn’t do either one without the Lanham Act. What do you need to know to fully appreciate just how much this legislation works to guard against […]

Is China trademark registration really worth the hassle? Let’s look at the facts. Chinese consumers are rapidly outpacing American consumers. We know that you want to ensure that your products are available to the Chinese market. We also know that you want to protect your brand against potential counterfeiters and trademark infringements by trademark squatters […]

Trademark rights exist primarily to avoid consumer confusion. They prevent two companies from selling competing products that use similar marks. With the rise of e-commerce, however, enforcing trademark rights, or even securing your desired trademarks for a brand, has become much harder.

After seven years of litigation at the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, the Ingham County Circuit Court, and the US District Court for the Western District of Michigan, many, many, many sleepless nights, and some of our best legal work, the Attorney General of the State of Michigan has dismissed its trademark cancellation proceeding against […]

What You Should Know About the EU Copyright Directive In February 2019, the European Union finalized its proposal for reforming its copyright laws, titled “Directive on Copyright Law in the Digital Single Market.” If passed, this EU directive on copyrights could have far-reaching consequences for online service providers and managers of online communities.

Protecting Your E-Commerce Business From Data Breach Liability Data breaches pose a significant risk to e-commerce companies. Although the internet has opened up an entirely new world, allowing entrepreneurs to make money online from the comfort of their own homes, it has also opened up potential serious new hazards of which all companies should be […]

FOUR FACTORS OF FAIR USE Copyright law states that at least four factors should be taken into should be taken into consideration when determining fair use: Being sued for copyright infringement can be a serious matter. Civil statutory damages can be as high as $150,000 per infringement if you are found liable for copying someone […]

Protecting Your Trademarks From Infringers Trademarks are an important way to protect your brand’s reputation. They also protect consumers because trademarks allow consumers to determine the source or origin of goods or services. Filing for trademark protection is the first step in enforcing your brand rights. However, in order to maintain protection your brands, you […]