People have been doing business under personal names or surnames for centuries, sometimes their own names, sometimes someone else’s, and sometimes the names of historical figures. There are countless examples: Ford, Disney, McDonald’s, Ralph Lauren, Martha Stewart, Napoleon, Caesar, Lincoln, Churchill, and Tesla, to name a few. You can find all these names being used […]
Blog – Adam Garson Law
Imagine this situation: You are one of a group of three Inventors. You are all smart, impressive people. One of you holds a PhD in chemical engineering and has a long career in industry Another of you is a computer scientist. A third runs her own AI development company. You all share a surname. The […]
Dear Doc: I could swear that I have seen Taylor Swift in videos on the Internet saying that she loves some product or other, or endorsing a hotel. Please tell me that my favorite singer (and top 30 songwriter) is not so crass. Signed,Swifty LaCzar Dear Swifty: Yes, TayTay is not that crass, but lots […]
In 1961, James Rick, an experienced manager and music promoter, discovered four young Doo‑Wop singers performing in Brooklyn. Impressed by their commercial potential, Rick entered into a management relationship with the group and named the group “Vito and the Salutations.” Rick also took the step of registering the group’s name as a U.S. trademark, listing himself as the […]
Ask Dr. Copyright® About the ADA
May 28, 2026
Technology
Dear Doc: The design of websites has become very complex, and web pages are now essential to the way companies do business. I have heard that websites are required to be accessible to people with disabilities. What does that mean? Signed, Honestly Accommodating Dear HA: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) public-facing websites of businesses (and […]
If there was ever any doubt…
May 14, 2026
Patent
U.S. Constitution Article III set up the Federal court system of judges of the U.S. district courts, the U.S. Courts of Appeals, and Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Federal courts generally address questions where Federal laws or the Federal Constitution are involved or disputes between residents of different states. The Federal judges and Justices […]
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) maintains two trademark registers, the (1) Principal and the (2) Supplemental Registers. A “Register” is simply an official list or ledger of items, much like a property deed register. Sometimes the USPTO Registers are referred to as “Registries.” It is easy to believe that the existence of two Registers means there […]
Ask Dr. Copyright® About IP Rights
April 15, 2026
Ask Dr. Copyright
Dear Doc: Talk about whiplash! First, I read that Cox Communications (a major cable TV company and internet service provider (ISP)) got hit with a jury verdict of (best Doctor Evil impression here) ONE BILLION DOLLARS for copyright infringement committed by its subscribers. Then, just this week, I heard that the Supreme Court REVERSED that […]
Businesses regularly file trademark applications without a clear understanding of how trademark law controls the selection of brand names. Applicants who rely on filing services or generic online resources will receive little, if any, guidance on trademark selection. As a result, applications are frequently refused, filing fees are lost, and brand protection is delayed. Does […]
Dear Doc:I know that in addition to knowing everything about copyrights, you’re also a “registered patent attorney”. What, exactly, does that mean, and how does that compare to being an “intellectual property attorney”? Signed,Legally Confused Dear LC: In American law, there are only two recognized specialties that an attorney-at-law may advertise. These are “proctor in […]