Does Your Business Need a Trademark?
 Guest contributor Andrew Thompson explains the importance of trademarks for establishing and protecting your business's brand identity.A trademark is simply a symbol, word, or phrase that distinguishes and identifies the source of goods of a specific business entity. The name “Nike”, its renowned “swoosh” logo, and phrases like “Just Do It” can be trademarks. A service mark simply distinguishes a particular service rather than a product. Whether you ultimately register your trademark or not, you can acquire trademark rights through the consistent use of a mark. As you build “brand” identity and loyalty, you may naturally acquire these rights. Protecting them is a different matter, however. Just as it is always wise to record a deed on real property you own, it’s often wise to register your trademark through the United States Patent Office. There are fees for registration, generally $250-500. You pay these fees to give public notice of your claim to exclusive rights in use of your trademark. A trademark “search” can identify other users and/or claims on the trademark you own or are seeking to register. Does your business need a trademark? Absolutely – and it may already be in process, perhaps even without you knowing it. It’s a good idea to use the Rocket Lawyer Trademark Worksheet and consult with an attorney specializing in intellectual protection as you plan and execute the process of building your own brand. Andrew Thompson practices law in Indianapolis, Indiana, and can help you with your business' trademarks and intellectual property needs. You can also find an intellectual property lawyer in your area wtih RocketLawyer.com.Labels: intellectual property, intellectual property lawyer, lawyer, Rocket Lawyer, RocketLawyer.com, trademark
New Bankruptcy Center Helps Provide Second Chances
 While the thought of bankruptcy can be traumatic for a person or a business, part of the strength of the American economy is our bankruptcy system that gives everyone an opportunity for a clean start and another chance at financial success. Bankruptcy rates have been soaring lately. In fact, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, bankruptcy filings for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2009 increased by 33.3 percent from the previous 12-month period. Now, more than ever, people need affordable (or free) bankruptcy information and tools. Fortunately, RocketLawyer.com now offers a Bankruptcy Center with lots of free information and tools to help people learn more about the bankruptcy process, get organized for bankruptcy filing, and to find a bankruptcy lawyer. Whether you are considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 11, personal bankruptcy, business bankruptcy or reorganization, the Rocket Lawyer Bankruptcy Center is a good place to start to put yourself or your business back on track. For more information, see our press release. There are many bankruptcy attorneys on RocketLawyer.com who can help with your bankruptcy questions. Brett Sullivan (pictured above) is an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy and debtor / creditor issues. Labels: bankruptcy, bankruptcy lawyer, chapter 11, chapter 7, file bankruptcy, free, free legal documents, lawyer, legal forms
Avoid Lawsuits with Release of Liability Legal Documents
 No one likes being sued. Did you know that you can protect yourself in certain circumstances with a few simple legal documents? Now on RocketLawyer.com you can create a General Liability Release of Claims and an Activity Release of Liability. Both documents can be essential for avoiding a potentially expensive lawsuit. The Activity Release of Liability is often used by an operator or owner of a business. The operator asks the participant to sign the document before the participant is allowed to join the activity. Then, if the participant accidentally injures herself or himself, the operator isn’t liable. The General Liability Release of Claims can be used by two parties to settle a claim and agree that no further claims can be made. The document could be used after a fender bender, for example. If both parties agree that they will pay for their own repairs and not hold the other party liable, completing the General Liability Release of Claims prevents either one of the parties from seeking damages at a later date for the same incident. Attorney Shaun Boss, of Advanced Legal Solutions (photo above) has provided legal services in the field of civil law specializing primarily in real estate, estate planning, business law and construction law for over 25 years in the state of California. Labels: assumption of risk, avoid a lawsuit, law, lawsuit, lawyer, legal documents, legal forms, legal help, legal release, liability, litigation, release of claims, release of liability
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