Alt Legal Blog
News, updates and guidance about distinctive
Latest Blog Posts
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The Difference Between Trademarks and Design Patents: What you need to know
Do you ever wonder how best to protect a new product or packaging design with an interesting appearance? Wonder no longer! Here are some answers to FAQs. For the sake o...
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Introduction to Failure to Function Refusals
One of the core tenets of trademark law is that trademarks must serve as a source indicator, distinguishing the goods and services from those of other sources. When a tra...
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How to Respond to Section 2(e)(4) Surname Refusals: A Video Q&A with IP Attorney John Miranda
Surname refusals are on the rise with the USPTO. As a result of trademark clutter and depletion, trademark applicants are simply running out of eligible trademarks to cho...
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Alt Legal Connect Session Summary: When It Isn’t What It Is: Maintaining Brand Distinctiveness and Avoiding “Genericide”
On Monday, October 26, Tish Berard of Velcro Companies and Josh Jarvis of Foley Hoag presented the session, “When It Isn’t What It Is: Maintaining Brand Distinctivene...
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A Distinct Category: How to Overcome a 2(e)(1) Refusal
Under Section §2(e)(1) of the Trademark Act, the USPTO may refuse to register a trademark that merely describes the goods or services. To overcome a §2(e)(1) refusal (i...
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