trademark Archives

Can a Company Own a Color?

On this segment of "The Pre W. Smith Show," Jeff Sloan discusses Hustle reporter Zachary Crockett's article on whether businesses can trademark colors and determine its use. Listen to the conversation on the Great Voice.

byJeff Sloan

July 21, 2022

Why Your Business Name Should Be a Powerful Branding and Marketing Tool

When you are brainstorming a name for your new business, it can be difficult to know how to select the best one, especially if you are initially drawn to a particular name. You might have...

byGrant Polachek

June 11, 2022

Entrepreneurs Share Tips for Overcoming E-Commerce Product Launch Obstacles

With consumers spending more than ever online, it’s no wonder why so many entrepreneurs are joining e-commerce marketplaces in droves. Consumers around the world spent $900 billion at online retailers in 2020, according to report...

byMichelle Covey

December 29, 2021

Can a Trade Secret Protect Small Business Ideas?

What are the best ways to protect a business idea? You can protect intellectual property (IP) using one of four methods. The three most common protections are filing for a trademark, copyright or a patent....

byDeborah Sweeney

October 11, 2021

What is a DBA? Benefits of Filing for a Doing Business As Name

As states start to transition tiers amid COVID-19, storefronts are beginning to increase indoor capacity and ease into doing business in the "new normal." Some brick-and-mortar business owners may be using this time to file...

byDeborah Sweeney

May 20, 2021

What Do Software Startup Unicorns Like OneStream and StockX Have in Common?

OneStream and StockX are two of the most recent unicorns to emerge out of Detroit’s thriving startup ecosystem. OneStream provides B2B corporate performance management (CPM) software, while StockX offers resellers a marketplace to sell shoes,...

byStephen J. Kontos

May 10, 2021

What Startup Founders Should Know About NFTs and Intellectual Property Protection

As a startup founder, you might be wondering how you can take advantage of the recent craze surrounding non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Perhaps NFTs can be used to protect your startup’s intellectual property without spending the...

byStephen J. Kontos

April 13, 2021

How to Choose the Right Business Name for Your Startup

Starting a new business is exciting. For many entrepreneurs, nothing is more thrilling than building a business that solves a big problem in a unique way. Startup founders have to make many decisions in the...

byStephen J. Kontos

March 22, 2021

How to Form an LLC in Michigan

Starting a business is an exciting journey. For many entrepreneurs, starting a business is their chance to take their product to market, to become part of their local communities and to start making income from...

byJames Gilmer

March 2, 2021

How to Select a Business Name and Trademark It

Picking out a name for your business is an exciting step. As you start to brainstorm ideas for your company name, it's important to ask yourself a few questions, including: Does this name reflect my...

byDeborah Sweeney

January 8, 2021

The Gen Z Guide to Starting a Business

Each generation leaves a significant mark on entrepreneurship. Gen Z is currently entering the working world in a time of great uncertainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Gen Zers are also watching businesses make significant...

byDeborah Sweeney

October 28, 2020

5 Intellectual Property Considerations Startups Oftentimes Overlook

Many contestants on ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank” answer “yes” when asked if they have a patent, illustrating that startups may generally appreciate the importance of filing a patent application early to protect their innovations....

byDavid M. Roccio, Esq.

October 21, 2020

What Are the Legal Asset Must-Haves for E-Commerce Startups?

What else does an e-commerce business need after it has incorporated as a legal formation? Quite a few assets, actually! Depending on the kind of e-commerce business you start, you may prioritize registration for certain...

byDeborah Sweeney

September 30, 2019

Intellectual Property Considerations for Your Startup

Starting your own business is a new and exciting challenge that can be rewarding, but overwhelming. From the beginning, it’s important to consider the intellectual property associated with your business and ensure its protection and...

byDeepa Tailor

July 19, 2018

Social Media Marketing: Can You Trademark a Hashtag?

It’s been more than a decade since the hashtag made its debut on social media. Chris Messina proposed this tagging method on Twitter in 2007. While Twitter developers initially rejected it, it gained traction after...

byXavier Morales

June 30, 2018

Securing Your Startup’s Intellectual Property Rights: Patent vs. Trade Secret

Entrepreneurs and emerging companies often look for ways to protect their valuable assets. They want to secure their ideas and ultimately enforce their rights around them. Traditionally, there are four types of intellectual property rights:...

byMichael S Melfi

June 21, 2018

This Sneaky Hack Saved Me $7000 (and Helped Me Build a Million Dollar Business)

I started my first company when I was six years old, selling fallen apples to keep the streets clean. I have always seen problems and created a solution, despite all the odds. So when it...

byCrystal Etienne

April 20, 2018

What’s the Difference Between a Trademark and Copyright?

For entrepreneurs starting their first company, it’s easy to get confused with some of the small business jargon that comes with the territory. One of the most common mistakes is mixing up trademarks and copyrights....

byMyCorporation

December 26, 2017

Business Registration 101 for Franchises, Startups and Amazon Sellers

So, you’ve got your small business idea — whether that takes on the form of a startup, franchise or Amazon seller — with a business plan drafted up. You’re ready to begin with the registration...

byDeborah Sweeney

October 10, 2017

How to Prep Your Side Hustle to Become a Full-Time Business

For many entrepreneurs, there comes that inevitable moment where balancing a full-time job with a growing side hustle just can’t be done anymore. It is time to take the next step and transition out of...

byDeborah Sweeney

September 25, 2017