Emily Brooks

A phrase on the front of a shirt won't get you a trademark on its own. See how the USPTO reads t-shirt designs and what makes a slogan registrable.

You cannot copyright a business name. How trademarks protect company names and why an LLC, DBA, or domain registration is not enough.

Trademark infringement penalties can mean damages, injunctions, attorney fees, and criminal risk for counterfeits. Learn how to lower the risk.

Copyright protects your art the moment you make it, but only registration lets you sue. Learn how to register with the U.S. Copyright Office, the cost, and how to fight theft.

You may have common law trademark rights just by using a name in business. The harder question is how far they go, and when registration is the safer move.

Not all designs qualify for trademark protection. Find out which ones do, how to file in color vs. black and white, and what the USPTO looks for.

Yes, you can trademark your name, but the rules differ for first names and surnames. What qualifies, what can block approval, and how to register your own name.

Trademark or patent? See what type of IP can protect a unique recipe and the key steps for anyone in the food industry, from Michelin-star chefs to amateur bloggers.

Can you trademark a phrase, word, or slogan? Yes - but only if it’s distinctive. Learn what qualifies, what gets rejected, and how to trademark a saying the right way.

A dead trademark isn't always free to use. Learn what "dead" status means at the USPTO, when it's safe to claim one, and how to register it correctly.