5 Tips to Find the Perfect Trademark Lawyer
What's wonderful in this day-in-age is that lawyers develop niche practice areas. Yes, there are still general practice lawyers out there. If you're looking for a trademark attorney to help you register a trademark or protect your brand, look for an attorney who works with trademark law everyday.
So, how do I find the right trademark lawyer for me?
Ask for a referral |
Speak to a trusted adviser or business colleague and see who they recommend. Call up your accountant or your divorce lawyer and see if they have a recommendation for a local trademark attorney.
Contact the local county bar association |
Denton, Dallas, Tarrant and the surrounding counties here in Texas have local bar associations that attorneys join. Most of these organizations have a referral network and can connect you with a trademark lawyer in the Dallas Metroplex area.
Search the web |
Search the web for trademark attorneys in your geographic area. You don't always have to go to the "big city" to find a quality attorney that is helpful and cost-effective. As an example, in my area many people search for a dallas-trademark-attorney. When in fact they might live or work in Lewisville, Flower Mound, or Denton and would drive right past my office to get to Dallas. If you search local, you might find the perfect trademark lawyer in your neighborhood.
“You don’t always have to go to the “big city” to find a quality trademark attorney that is helpful and cost-effective. ”
Ask questions when you contact the office |
Most likely you'll speak to a trademark paralegal or associate attorney on your first inquiry to the office. While "how much does a trademark cost?" is an important question, it's not the only question.
Consider asking what percentage of the lawyer's practice is trademark law.
Ask how long the lawyer has been practicing law.
Ask what all is included in the fee quoted. There can often be post-filing expenses in the trademark application process and you need to know what is included in your fee.
If you live in a state where trademark lawyers are Board Certified, then ask if the lawyer is Board Certified in Trademark or Intellectual Property law. Texas does not offer board certification in either area.
Ask if you can take care of all your business over the phone and email. Traveling to and from the lawyer's office might not be feasible for you.
Ask yourself if this lawyer is a good fit for my business |
You know better than anybody if your personality clicks with the trademark lawyer. Take a moment and ask yourself if you would like to continue to work with this trademark lawyer over the next several years.
