If a competitor files a trademark application which conflicts with your existing trademark rights, you may have an opportunity to oppose the application before it proceeds to registration. A potentially effective option is to file a Trademark Letter of Protest with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). A Letter of Protest is a…

Artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever to imitate creative work. So, it begs the question, what can be done to protect your work? Here are some common scenarios: A musician discovers AI-generated songs that sound remarkably similar to his or her music. An artist may find images generated in a recognizable style. A…

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, inventors are increasingly using programs such as ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms to assist in preparing patent applications. Given the capabilities of these programs, it is not difficult to understand why. An inventor can provide a description of an invention and, within minutes, receive what appears to…

Amazon has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem, where brand ownership can have a direct effect on a seller’s ability to compete. For online sellers, features like Amazon Brand Registry, Amazon Storefronts, A+ Content, Sponsored Brands advertising, and increased listing protections have made trademark registration more important than ever. Consequently, in recent years there has been…

Receiving a Trademark Office Action from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can feel like your application has hit a wall. In most cases, it has not. An Office Action is the Examining Attorney’s formal communication identifying issues with your application, and a well-crafted response often resolves them. The key is understanding what…

In California, an employer’s invention-assignment agreement often looks like it gives the company ownership of every idea an employee touches. For engineers at high-growth technology companies, physicians at academic medical centers, and professors consulting with industry, the stakes are substantial: entire product lines, patent families, and startup equity positions can turn on which inventions the…

A U.S. patent lawyer talks about how patent strategy affects startup valuation, defensibility, and funding outcomes in this article about why patents are important for investors. When our client, HiberTec Homes, walked onto the Shark Tank stage and got a $1 million deal from Barbara Corcoran for 20% equity, something small happened that most people…

We are proud to announce that Cohen IP Law Group, P.C. has been officially ranked in the Chambers Spotlight California 2026 Guide for Intellectual Property in Los Angeles. Chambers and Partners is widely regarded as the “gold standard” of legal rankings. Unlike many “pay-to-play” awards, Chambers rankings are based on rigorous, independent research and in-depth interviews with clients and peers. This…

The letter arrives with an attorney’s letterhead, federal trademark citations, and a demand that you stop using a name, logo, or phrase immediately. It may also demand destruction of inventory, transfer of a domain, or payment of damages. Take a breath. The letter is serious. It is not necessarily correct. A cease and desist letter…