How to Buy a Trademark
Many business owners are interested in creating a brand new name for a business and then trademarking that name, but you can in fact buy an existing trademark from another entity. It’s not very common, but it is possible. You can buy a trademark if you want to use it for the same goods/services (class) […]
5 BrandBucket Names That Could Get You Sued Part II
In my previous post, I detailed some of the ways BrandBucket conflates domain names with brand names. In other words, they pretend they’re a marketplace for brand names when they’re really a marketplace for internet addresses. As a branding expert, here is my response to this idea, which you’ll see a lot if you read […]
5 BrandBucket Names That Could Get You Sued Part I
BrandBucket, a website where you can buy domain names, describes itself as a “brand name marketplace.” Their success depends on convincing entrepreneurs that buying a domain name for your new business is the same thing as securing a brand name. Unfortunately, this is not true. Buying your desired dot-com domain does not actually give you […]
Amazon Seller Name Ideas and Guidelines
Your seller name is one of the most important choices you’ll have to make as an Amazon business. Not only should the name be appealing and memorable to your target buyers, but it needs to be a name you can actually use without being sued, and that you can own as a registered trademark. The […]
Brand Names for Sale? Not at Domain Marketplaces.
Do you remember when Apple bought Beats by Dre for $3 billion in 2014? Why do you think Beats was worth $3 billion to Apple? Was it because Apple wanted the beatsbydre.com domain name? No, Apple was primarily paying for the Beats brand, which essentially means they were paying for the Beats trademark. The single […]
What To Do When Your Idea Is Stolen
Stolen ideas are hardly a new trend in the business world. Whether it’s a stolen song lyric, software feature, or clothing design, many companies have seen competitors profit from stolen products or ideas. Although intellectual property theft may seem intangible, there is plenty of risk and loss involved, especially for small businesses. Even in one […]
Tips for Closing a Business
If you decide to close or sell your business, you are certainly not alone. According to the Small Business Association (SBA), only about 50% of companies in the U.S. survive their first five years in operation. The factors leading to the closure of a business could include poor planning, a lack of capital, tough competition, […]
Everything You Need To Know About IP Law as a Business Owner
Intellectual property (IP) consists of ideas and other creations of the mind. Examples can include artwork, designs, inventions, or discoveries. Intellectual property is intangible, so defining ownership can be complicated. However, there are several different options if you want to protect your ideas, designs, or methods. These include trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. Protecting […]
Tips for Starting a Business
More than 99% of the businesses in the United States are small businesses. If you’re looking to start a small business, you’re not alone — roughly 4.35 million new business applications were submitted in 2020. Starting a new business can yield a variety of benefits. You’ll be able to choose your own hours and generate […]