Trademark Boot Camp - Nuts and Bolts of Trademark Law

Thursday, June 18, 2020

8:15 am – 11:45 am

Live WebEx (link will be sent the day before)

3.0 hours TX CLE credit

Whether you are new to the practice of law in general (i.e., newly admitted attorney, law student, or paralegal) or are new to trademark law (i.e., non-IP attorney or paralegal), the Trademark Boot Camp will provide the nuts and bolts of trademark law to help you in protecting what can represent one of the most important assets of many businesses.

On Thursday, June 18, join the State Bar of Texas IP Section and the Texas Regional United States Patent and Trademark Office for a program that will provide an overview of what trademarks are, why to protect them, how to select a trademark, and file a trademark. The program also will include an overview of the examination process, with a presentation by Lydia Belzer, USPTO Trademark Managing Attorney. The program will conclude by discussing maintenance of trademarks, challenging trademarks, and USPTO resources for trademark law.

AGENDA

8:15-8:20: Welcome

8:20-8:45: What is a Trademark and why is it so valuable?

• Presented by Lorilei Cronin, Counsel, Commercial Metals Company (Irving)

8:45- 9:15: What should I consider when choosing a trademark?

• Presented by Nick Guinn, Gunn, Lee, & Cave PC (San Antonio) and Stephanie Schmidt, Norton Rose Fulbright (Austin)
• What makes a trademark strong?
• How do I know my trademark is available? (Clearance searches)

9:15-9:20: Break

9:20-9:50: I’ve chosen my trademark! How do I protect it?

• Presented by Lee Hunt, Brackett & Ellis (Ft. Worth)
• How do I apply for a trademark registration?
• What forms and information are needed for the application?
• How much does it cost?

9:50-10:20: I’ve filed my trademark application! What does the USPTO do with my application?

• Presented by Lydia Belzer, USPTO
• Overview of the USPTO's examination of Trademark Applications

10:20-10:30: Break

10:30-10:55: The USPTO granted my TM registration! When does my TM registration expire?

• Presented by Kristen Zahnow Wu, Hitchcock Evert (Dallas)
• How long does a trademark registration last?
• Do I need to renew my registration?

10:55-11:15: Someone’s using my mark! What can I do?

• Presented by Kristi Hubbard, Cokinos Young (Houston)
• Overview of opportunities for brand enforcement, including C&D practice, oppositions, cancellations, and litigation

11:15-11:30: USPTO Resources for TM Owners, Brand Managers, and New TM practitioners

• Presented by Franco Salvoza, USPTO

11:30-11:45: Q&A and Closing