FED Talk: Introduction to Trademarks for Small Business

Event description

In this edition of FED Talk, we’ll be speaking with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a discussion about what all entrepreneurs, small businesses, and start-ups should know about trademarks. We’ll discuss what trademarks are, the benefits of federal trademark registration, and the basics of the registration process. We’ll also talk about why it’s so important for any new business to select a trademark that is both federally registrable and legally protectable. We’ll close out the discussion with a question-and-answer session and direct you to free resources from the USPTO.

Highlights

• Difference between TM, SM, and ®
• Importance of selecting a strong trademark
• Importance of conducting a clearance searching before filing
• Fundamentals of the federal trademark application requirements
• How to find free and reduced-price legal services

About the Speakers

Melanie Norton | District Director, SBA Seattle District

A longtime small business champion, Melanie Norton oversees the operations, program delivery, and entrepreneurial ecosystem development for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Seattle District, serving Washington state and northern Idaho.

Melane joined the SBA in 2013 and leads the SBA Seattle District team with nearly two decades of experience in economic development, with a commitment to supporting the equitable delivery of programs to ensure no entrepreneur is left behind in realizing their dream of successful small business ownership.

Jason Lott | Managing Attorney for Trademarks Customer Outreach, USPTO

Jason Lott is the Managing Attorney for Trademarks Customer Outreach at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) where he specializes in helping small business owners understand trademarks and the federal trademark registration process. He conceptualizes and delivers educational content using live presentations, creative videos, and other multimedia platforms. He also presents to experienced practitioners on advanced trademark topics, providing them the tools and expertise to better serve their clients. Jason began his career at the USPTO in 2000 as a trademark examining attorney.

About the FED Talk Series

FED Talk is a series of monthly workshops designed to connect small business owners to the resources and support available from your federal agencies. Brought to you by the Seattle District of the U.S. Small Business Administration.