News About Baltimore Trademarks, Icons of Baltimore, and Baltimore Brands2021-07-27T18:26:08+00:00

Baltimore Trademark Application News

Current, exciting trademark application news relevant to the greater Baltimore Area.

Common Law Unregistered Trademarks of Baltimore

About Common Law Unregistered Trademark Rights

Common law trademark rights are unregistered rights that are acquired by using a name or symbol with goods or services in commerce. They are not as strong as registered trademark rights, but they can still be valuable in preventing others from using similar marks.

1. Unregistered TM rights are common law rights.
2.Unregistered TM Rights are enforceable in court.
3. Prior Unregistered TM Rights are used at the Trademark Office to oppose pending trademark applications.
4. Prior Use Unregistered Trade Mark Rights are used in Cancellation Proceedings to cancel Registered TMs.

Common law trademark rights unregistered trademark common law TM

A Good Example of Common Law Trademark Rights

Baltimore’s Little Havana Restaurant is a great example of an unregistered trademark. The business has been around for over 25 year’s and is a staple of Greater Baltimore. Should someone open a restaurant in the area with the same name, common law rights can be used to stop it.

Important Tips on Common Law Unregistered Trademarks

You can be sued for infringing someone’s unregistered trademark

An Unregistered common law Trade Mark can trump a trademark application or registration.

Your trademark application can be opposed by someone who has unregistered trademark rights – if they were first to use.

Even if your trademark gets registered, it can be canceled by someone who has unregistered trademark rights – if they were first to use.

Read this article to learn more more about the rules for Unregistered Trademark Rights and Common Law Trademarks in the United States.

How are Common Law Trademark Rights Created?

To establish CL trademark rights, you must use the mark in commerce in a way that is likely to cause consumers to associate the mark with your goods or services. The mark must also be distinctive, meaning that it must be unique enough to distinguish your goods or services from those of others.

Do Common Law TM Rights Exist Nationwide?

Common law trade mark rights are often limited to the geographic area in which the mark is used. For example, if you use a mark only in California, you may only have enforceable rights in California.

Can Unregistered Trademark Rights Expire?

Common law trade mark rights can be lost if the mark is not used in commerce for a period of time. The amount of time that is required to lose common law TM rights varies depending on the circumstances. This is known as trademark abandonment.

What are the Benefits of having common law trademark rights?

Common Law TMs can help you prevent others from using similar marks in your geographic area.

Unregistered TMs can give you a head start in the process of registering your trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

They can help you build goodwill and brand recognition for your business.

What are the Limitations of common law trademark rights?

They are not as strong as registered trademark rights.

They can be lost if the mark is not used in commerce for a period of time.

They can be difficult to prove and enforce.

If you are considering using a trademark, it is important to weigh the benefits and limitations of common law trademark rights before making a decision. If you believe that your trademark is valuable, you may want to consider registering your trademark with the USPTO.

By |June 29th, 2023|

Woodberry Kitchen is Trademarked

Woodberry Kitchen is a restaurant in Baltimore’s Woodberry neighborhood, and the name Woodberry Kitchen is Trademarked. They have registered a trade mark for the name of the restaurant. The restaurant sources all of its ingredients locally. This is from the interior, the drinks, and the food. The menu includes many local favorites.

Woodberry Kitchen has been around for about 15 years. In a short time, the restaurant promotes great local food and artisan products. In fact, it is one of the best restaurants in the city and the entire Mid-Atlantic. It has won many accolades. Specifically, Spike Gjerde won the James Beard Award for “Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.” Currently, he is the only Baltimore winner of this award.

The restaurant embodies the farm-to-table model. Specifically, Woodberry Kitchen features seasonal menus to promote this model. Additionally, it emphasis organic meats and sustainable agriculture. Woodberry Kitchen offers private dining at both Woodberry Kitchen and Artifact Coffee, as well as off-site events.

Woodberry Kitchen’s commitment to local sourcing is unwavering. Additionally, its bar offers a variety of local options. The bar menu is stocked with regional spirits, meads, ciders, and infusions of herbs and produce. Once, a man at the bar was perplexed that there was no twist for his cocktail, the bartender replied, that citrus wasn’t a local product. Woodberry Kitchen supports the local economy and keeps the money in Maryland.

Every seat in the one-time factory gives you something to see, although the prime tables ring the balcony, affording a bird’s-eye view of Baltimore’s best. Woodberry Kitchen recognized the beauty of the Baltimore area and wanted to embrace it. By keeping things local, Woodberry Kitchen is sharing the delicious dishes the locals love.

About Baltimore’s Woodberry Kitchen

In October 2007, Spike and Amy Gjerde opened Woodberry Kitchen in a repurposed 19th-century industrial park. In fact, the restaurant has been estimated a return over $2 million to Mid-Atlantic farmers and winemakers. Every year, Woodberry Kitchen preserves thousands of pounds of produce to use during the off-season. In fact, this comprehensive preservation program allows the Woodberry Kitchen team to serve local food year-round.

In addition to the local food, the design of the restaurant incorporates local artists. SM+P Architects transformed a former industrial shell space into a full-service restaurant. Local artisans created their own design for the interior light fixtures and bench seats. Woodberry Kitchen provides a homey and local atmosphere. The staff wears old-fashioned aprons and plaid flannel shirts. Further, the hearth was intentionally placed in view of dining tables. It is the heart of the restaurant, instead of hiding in the back. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming enviornment.

Trademark for Baltimore Woodberry Kitchen

Woodberry Kitchen Trademark Registration

Woodberry Kitchen is Trademarked. Woodberry Kitchen filed for a trademark on March 07, 2014. The trademark’s registration date was September 15, 2015.

The trademark is a class 043 trade mark. This class is for restaurant and bar services. The mark consists of standard characters without claim to any particular font style, size, or color. The Office required the applicant to disclaim “KITCHEN.” Meaning it does not have the exclusive rights to the word KITCHEN. In other words, the public has the fundamental right to use the word Kitchen to describe its goods and services. The mark was originally rejected as being geographically descriptive. That, is Woodberry is a geographic area of Greater Baltimore, and the trademark office does not provide trademark rights to marks that are geographically descriptive without proof of acquired distinctiveness. This trademark was registered on the Principal Register under Section 2(f), which is acquired distinctiveness based on long use and public recognition.

To Register Your Baltimore Trademark…

Contact Attorney Charles Riddle for a consultation to get your trademark registered. Attorney Riddle is a licensed patent attorney who manages several trademark, copyright, and patent portfolios for clients. With over twenty years of experience in the practice of intellectual property law, attorney Riddle will protect your brand. Visit EsquireTrademarks for more information.

By |November 23rd, 2022|

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Fails to Respond and Trademark is Abandoned

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum’s Trademark Abandoned. 

B&O Railroad Museum is a center of American innovation, but its trademark was abandoned. B&O Museum wanted to protect its history and name.  The Museum  is the oldest, most comprehensive American railroad collection in the world. So, in 2014,  the Museum applied for a trademark. Throughout its history, the Museum continued to receive accolades and awards. Although it has historical roots, B&O remained innovative. The trademark would protect the logo which demonstrates historical roots and futuristic innovations. The logo shows a steam engine train next to a modern train. 

In trademark law, there is an important distinction between standard character marks and design marks.  A design mark is used to register a stylized logo, design, element, or image. Here, the Museum was trying to protect its image, which includes a historical and a modern train side-by-side. So, the Museum applied for a design mark. Additionally, the application did not claim a standard trademark. 

The entire image is in two concentric circles. Additionally, the outer circle contains the words “RAILROAD” centered at the top. Next, the word “MUSEUM” is centered at the bottom. Lastly, the center of the inner circle contains the letters “B & O,” which is displayed over the image of the two trains.

B&O Railroad’s Historical Significance and Achievements 

Mount Clare is the birthplace of American railroading. It hosted many innovations in American Railroading. For instance, the site hosted the Country’s first passenger railroad service. The railroad built its last steam locomotive at Mt. Clare in 1948. Eventually, in 1952, the railroad abandoned the use of the circular car shop. The space was then available for a Museum.  Soon after, the Museum opened in 1954. In 1961, the museum and station became a National Historic Landmark. Later, in 1999, the Museum became the first railroad museum to become a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Throughout history, the site significantly expanded.  The history began when James Carroll donated 10 acres to B&O Railroad. After the first donation, the site expanded rapidly. At its most expansive, it was a 100-acre complex of buildings in downtown Baltimore. The site contained shops for constructing and repairing steam engines. Additionally, the shops expanded into other trades. These trades included ironwork, woodworking, and boiling making.

In 1974, most of the shops were demolished because of diminished operations. However, the Museum continues to use Mt. Clare Station. Today, the Museum uses the circular passenger car shop, the print shop, the paint and repair shop, and the hardware shop. The historic site currently sits on 40 acres. It remains bustling with over 150,000 visitors annually. The Museum provides educational services about American Railroad history. It also features train rides through the first commercial mile of railroad ever built in America. As well as many pieces of America’s railroad history.

Today, the immense railroad collection is housed in the original roundhouse. The Museum’s collection is beyond just the B&O railroad history. In fact, the Museum collects artifacts related to early American railroading. Its collection extends to Baltimore & Ohio, Chesapeake & Ohio, Western Maryland, and other Mid-Atlantic rail systems. 

B&O Railroad Trademark Abandoned

On December 31, 2014, the Museum filed a trademark application. However, on October 16th, 2015, the Office abandoned the trademark. An abandoned trademark means that the  application is no longer pending. Therefore, the trademark cannot mature into registration. During the notice of allowance period, the company must demonstrate evidence of use and a sworn statement. The company failed to respond with either demonstrative evidence or a sworn statement. So, the Office abandoned the trademark.

In trademark law, a person or company has six months to file a statement of use, after receiving the notice of allowance. Here, the Museum did not respond within the allotted six-month response period.  This period begins on the mailing date. Consequently, the Office abandoned the trademark because the Museum missed the deadline. So far, there has been no indication of a petition to revive the application. So, as if today, the trademark remains abandoned in full.

To Register Your Baltimore Trademark…

Contact Attorney Charles Riddle for a consultation to get your trademark registered. Attorney Riddle is a licensed patent attorney who manages several trademark, copyright, and patent portfolios for clients. With over twenty years of experience in the practice of intellectual property law, attorney Riddle will protect your brand. Visit Esquire Trademarks for more information.

By |March 3rd, 2022|

M&T Stadium is a Trademark

Baltimore Raven’s M&T Stadium is a Trademark

M&T Stadium is a Trademark. Interestingly, the stadium was originally known as Ravens Stadium at Camden Yards. This name echoes its neighboring stadium, “Oriole Park at Camden Yards.”

But, in 1999, PSINet acquired the naming rights. After that, the stadium was named PSINet Stadium. However, that name did not last long. The stadium quickly reverted to  the name, “Ravens Stadium” in 2002. The reversion was a result of bankruptcy. Then, in 2003, M&T Bank bought the naming rights. The Bank also signed a 15-year contract with the Ravens. This contract was worth $75 million. In fact, in 2014, the naming rights deal was renewed for 10 years. The cost of the renewal was $60 million. Consequently, the renewal extends the current name through 2027. 

The Stadium’s Beginnings

In 1984, the Baltimore Colts left Baltimore for Indianapolis. This lead to Baltimore being without professional football for 14 years.

In 1996, the Baltimore Ravens became the city’s new team. Likewise, the Stadium’s construction began in 1996.  

Previously, the Stadium’s site was the previous location for the Wm. Knabe & Co. piano factory. The factory closed during the Great Depression. However, the Stadium still honors the historic Baltimore company. On the southwest corner of the Stadium, there is a  sidewalk that features a keyboard mosaic. 

The Raven’s first played in Memorial Stadium for two years. This stadium was a multi-purpose stadium that used to host the Orioles a few years prior. Originally, Memorial Stadium was going to be the Raven’s permanent home. However, the multi-purpose stadium was deemed too old for an NFL team. At this time, Memorial Stadium nearly 50 years old.  So, a new stadium was built. Like Memorial Stadium, M&T Bank Stadium is also a multi-purpose football stadium. The stadium is a neighbor to the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. It can hold an outstanding 70,745 people!

Today, the new M&T stadium has become an integral part of Baltimore that brings a lot of excitement on Sundays! So, it wanted to protect its name and reputation with a trademark. 

M&T Stadium’s Dedication to the Environment

M&T Bank Stadium officially opened in 1998. It became a trademark in 2006.

Currently, it is one of the most praised stadiums in the NFL. This praise is for fan amenities, ease of access, concessions, and other facilities. Even though the official name is M&T Stadium,  it is 0ften referred to as “Ravens Stadium.” Additionally, it is recognized as one of the most environmentally conscious stadiums in the US.  To illustrate, the stadium is partially constructed from post-consumer recycled aluminum. In fact, it was one of the first stadiums to receive the USGBC’s Gold rating. 

In November of 2013, the Maryland Stadium Authority and Baltimore Ravens earned an award. This award recognized the environmental accomplishments. Specifically, the Stadium earned a LEED-certified “Gold” designation. Furthermore, the U.S. Green Building Council issued this award. In fact, this certification made M&T Bank Stadium the first existing outdoor professional sports facility in the United States to receive USGBC’s Gold rating. A LEED certification is recognized across the globe as the premier mark of achievement in green building.

M&T Stadium Trademark helps the stadium protect its name, image, and reputation.

The Stadium is a Hospitable Host 

M&T Bank Stadium is more than just the Raven’s home. The Stadium is a hospitable host to other teams and events. In 2000, it hosted the highly anticipated Army-Navy game. It later hosted the game again in 2007, 2014, and 2016. The Stadium hosted a Maryland v. Penn State game in 2015. The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association held the four state football championships for Maryland’s public high schools at M&T Bank Stadium until 2016. Baltimore City College plays Baltimore Polytechnic Institute every November, in one of the oldest high school football rivalries in the United States. This rivalry is well over 100 years old!

The Stadium is a gracious host to more than just other “American” football teams. In fact, the Stadium has hosted Soccer teams in the past.

In addition to soccer, the stadium welcomes Lacrosse teams. The stadium serves as an alternate venue for the Johns Hopkins University men’s lacrosse team, and was the site of the semifinals and final of the NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship in 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011, and 2014. Major League Lacrosse’s Baltimore Bayhawks used the stadium as their home during the 2002 season

The Stadium hosts beyond just sporting events. Even Musicians have graced the field. Some of these musicians and bands include: the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay, Blink-182, Billy Joel, U2, Justin Timberlake, and Beyoncé.

Even though the stadium is a hospitable host, it wanted protect its name and image.

Charm'tastic Mile Trademark

Trademark Information

The trademark includes an illustration. It is a crest-like illustration. The M&T bank logo sits at the top of the crest. The words “M&T Stadium” incorporated into the image. However, the trademarked illustration does not claim a specific color.

There is a disclaimer for the use of “STADIUM.” This is similar to the Baltimore National Aquarium using the word “AQUARIUM” in its trademark.

This application did not claim for a standard character trademark. Instead, it is for a service mark. The class of this trademark registration is Class 43. This means the trademark is for Arena services. Namely, the trademarked stadium would provide facilities for sports, concerts, conventions, and exhibitions. Additionally, the trademarked stadium would provide information regarding these events.

The Stadium is a Baltimore staple. It brings much entertainment, even beyond football. It hosts many events throughout the year. The stadium is great at sharing its space, but wanted exclusive rights to the name. So, it wanted to ensure that the mark was protected. M&T stadium has successfully renewed its trademark status. This, in turn, ensures more years of protection.

To Register Your Baltimore Trademark…

Contact Attorney Charles Riddle for a consultation to get your trademark registered. Attorney Riddle is a licensed patent attorney who manages several trademark, copyright, and patent portfolios for clients. With over twenty years of experience in the practice of intellectual property law, attorney Riddle will protect your brand. Visit Esquire Trademarks for more information.

By |February 2nd, 2022|

Baltimore’s Under Armour is a Trademark

Kevin Plank founded Under Armour on September 25, 1996. The same year, he applied for a trademark to protect the name UNDER ARMOUR. In 1999, Baltimore’s Under Amour became a Trademark.  In September 2019, the trademark was successfully renewed. Plank selected the traditional British spelling “ARMOUR” rather than the typical American because he felt the distinction in spelling was more compelling.

Plank was a former University of Maryland football player. Initially, Plank began the business in his grandmother’s basement. During that time, he traveled the East Coast with the apparel. As the business grew, Plank moved to Baltimore. Eventually, he moved to the current headquarters at Tide Point.

Under Armour’s Baltimore Roots

Since its launch, the company has opened offices around the world. In fact, the company has offices on five continents. However, the company has strong Baltimore roots. Plank has a simple philosophy: “Bet on Maryland.” True to the philosophy, the company revealed its new global headquarter plans. Accordingly, the location is set to be Port Covington, Baltimore. So, even though Under Armour has extended its branches globally, it has not forgotten its Baltimore roots!

Charm'tastic Mile Trademark

Baltimore’s Under Armour is a Trademark

The company continues to grow in size and innovation. However, the company sought trademark protection early in its history. In fact, the date of the trademark application was August 13, 1996. Accordingly, it was officially registered on September 21, 1999. Plank sought protection early on in the process. He knew his innovation and passion would amount to immense success.

Since becoming a trademark, Under Armour has had a myriad of trademark disputes. The company does not want other companies to use “Armour” to avoid confusion with its own brand. Under Armour has sued Body Armor, a sports-drink company; Salt Armour, a Florida fishing-apparel firm; and Ass Armor, maker of shock-absorbing snowboarding shorts.

To Register Your Baltimore Trademark…

Contact Attorney Charles Riddle for a consultation to get your trademark registered. Attorney Riddle is a licensed patent attorney who manages several trademark, copyright, and patent portfolios for clients. With over twenty years of experience in the practice of intellectual property law, attorney Riddle will protect your brand. Visit Esquire Trademarks for more information.

By |January 12th, 2022|

Baltimore’s National Aquarium is a Trademark

Baltimore’s National Aquarium is at the heart of the Inner Harbor. It has been providing fun and education to families since 1981. During its history, the Aquarium has built quite the reputation and name for itself. The Aquarium sought to protect with its trademark registration. So, the Baltimore National Aquarium became a registered trademark on June 17, 2014.

About the Baltimore National Aquarium’s attraction

Baltimore National Aquarium is one of the country’s leading and reputable aquariums. In fact, it has even won multiple awards. Additionally, the Aquarium is one of Baltimore’s largest tourist attractions. Accordingly, the Aquarium hosts about 1.6 million visitors a year, most of the tourist are from out-of-state. Further, the National Aquarium is an integral part of Baltimore, boasting over 17,000 specimens!

Charm'tastic Mile Trademark

The Baltimore’s National Aquarium is more than a registered trademark

The Baltimore National Aquarium is more than just a fun day with the family. The Aquarium’s aims to encourage and inspire the conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. It is also an integral part of conservation efforts. In fact, the Aquarium leads the nation in research efforts. Some of the research efforts involve the impact of coastal ecosystems and watersheds.  In addition, the Aquarium conducts conservation efforts through various events. Some events include cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay Wetlands and the Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Program. By registering for a trademark, the Aquarium is seeking to protect its name among the ocean life.

About Baltimore’s National Aquarium Is A Registered Trademark

What’s interesting about this application is that the Trademark Office required the applicant to disclaim exclusive ownership rights in the word AQUARIUM. This means, the public has a fundamental right to use the term AQUARIUM in reference to an aquarium. In general, the Trademark Office will deny applications, or require legal disclaimers of trademarks or (elements of trademarks) that are generic or descriptive. For more information, read our article about Trademark Disclaimers.

Charm'tastic Mile Trademark

To Register Your Baltimore Trademark…

Contact Attorney Charles Riddle for a consultation to get your trademark registered. Attorney Riddle is a licensed patent attorney who manages several trademark, copyright, and patent portfolios for clients. With over twenty years of experience in the practice of intellectual property law, attorney Riddle will protect your brand. Visit Esquire Trademarks for more information.

By |December 5th, 2021|

Charm’tastic Mile Trademark

The Charm’tastic Mile Trademark Registration

The Charm’tastic Mile trademark was registered on September 15, 2020, for use in the following business: Chamber of Commerce Services, namely, promoting business and tourism in a specific downtown approximately mile area of Baltimore, Maryland. The trademark registration is owned by The Charm’tastic Mile of Baltimore Inc. located at 120 N. Luzerne Avenue, First Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21224-1147.

About The Charm’tastic Mile Trademark (Love That 1.3)

The Charm’tastic Mile represents the Ceremonial/Honorary 1.3 mile corridor that connects Downtown-West, the Inner Harbor & Harbor East in the heart of Downtown Baltimore. Inspired by The Magnificent Mile (Chicago), The Charm’tastic Mile was introduced to the city in 2016, and is now home to a variety of iconic hotels, restaurants, museums, and shops.

Charm'tastic Mile Trademark

Baltimore was given the nickname, “Charm City” by Mayor William Donald Schaefer in 1975. Now, during the troubling times we face in 2020, Baltimore is hoping to create a new outlook and stimulate the economy with the creation of The Charm’tastic Mile. The iconic street follows in the footsteps of famous attractions such as Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and The Magnificent Mile in Chicago which appeal to tourists and residents alike.

Did you know?

The Charm’tastic Mile was introduced exactly 65 years to the day after the famous Domino Sugars neon sign (April 25, 1951.) If you’ve seen an image of the Baltimore skyline, you’ve likely noticed the iconic neon sign.

The Charm’tastic Mile Store is now offering souvenir products for supporters and visitors to show their appreciation for the mile.

To Register Your Baltimore Trademark…

Contact Attorney Charles Riddle for a consultation to get your trademark registered. Attorney Riddle is a licensed patent attorney who manages several trademark, copyright, and patent portfolios for clients. With over twenty years of experience in the practice of intellectual property law, attorney Riddle will protect your brand. Visit Esquire Trademarks for more information.

By |May 26th, 2021|

Baltimore’s Druid Hill Trademark

Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park

Another icon of Baltimore is Druid Hill Park. It is not a registered trademark, but Baltimore’s Druid Hill is the first large municipal park. Not only is the park made up of 745 acres, but it is also full of early American history. The Susquehannock Indians took the land in 1652 because it had access to the spring water and was known to be an ideal site for Native Americans. Today it has many great amenities including tennis courts, disc golf course, a pool, picnic areas, and many more that allow for a fun time with friends and family. In addition, it is in close proximity to other parks and shops that allow for a fun day in Baltimore.

druid hill Baltimore

Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park Trademark

Druid Hill Park is not trademarked as a park or a name of a park, but is an inactive trademark for grass seeds. So, the name Druid Hill Park, for use of the park in Baltimore, would be protected under common law trademark. Although it is not registered for the park, the name DRUID HILL is trademarked for whiskey and Irish whiskey.

Druid Hill Whiskey 

Druid Hill Whiskey is crafted in the old Irish tradition. Druid Hill Whisky is owned by ASW Distillery based out of Georgia. Druid Hills is in reference to the decades that the Druids of Celtic Ireland spent mastered the art of making whiskey. 

Druid Hill 

Although Druid Hill Whiskey and Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park are unrelated, they both take inspiration from the name Druid, being a high ranking class in ancient Celtic cultures. DRUID HILL is only trademarked for whiskey and not the park.

 Should Baltimore Trademark Druid Hill?

Baltimore certainly can apply to register Druid Hill as a federal trademark.  It may get rejected as being geographically descriptive of a location. That’s what happened with DRUID HILL Whiskey, but they were able to overcome the rejection claiming DRUID HILL is “remote and obscure when considered from the perspective of the average American consumer of Irish whiskey It would be interesting to see how the Trademark Office reviews the application.

By |March 25th, 2021|

Baltimore’s Little Havana Restaurant Trademark – Rights and Protection of Unregistered Trademarks

Baltimore’s Little Havana Restaurant Trademark 

The striking blue facade of the Little Havana restaurant has caught the attention of Baltimore residents and tourists alike for more than 20 years. This landmark restaurant opened its doors in 1997 as a Cuban themed restaurant known for its great atmosphere, vintage decor, and waterfront view. Little Havana has since grown into a favorite spot for dinner, parties, events and catering. The continued success of this Baltimore staple piqued the curiosity of our team at BaltimoreTrademarks.comis Little Havana registered as a trademark with the USPTO?

Little Havana Baltimore Restaurant Trademark

A recent search of the Trademark Office records show that the name, LITTLE HAVANA, is not registered for the purpose of Baltimore’s Iconic Restaurant. However, we did see that LITTLE HAVANA is registered for the purpose of beer. The Tank, LLC is the owner of this trademark and is a craft brewery based in South Florida. The Tank, LLC has owned this trademark since March 2016, almost 20 years after Baltimore’s Little Havana Restaurant opened its doors.

Enforcing Rights in Unregistered Trademarks

Despite not being registered with the USPTO, the owner of Little Havana Restaurant has some trademark rights. These rights are known as Common Law Trademark Rights. So, although the iconic Little Havana restaurant in Baltimore is not a federally registered trademark, the owners still can assert common law rights. This includes rights to oppose trademark applications, cancel trademark registrations, and also the ability to sue for infringement. These common law trademark right to protect unregistered brands like Baltimore’s Little Havana. View the following for a more detailed explanation of Common Law Trademark Rights.

Even without a trademark registration, the restaurant thrives in the city of Baltimore all while maintaining its trusted brand identity. This is common with many restaurants and businesses, as they have not registered their names with the Trademark Office. In the end, owning a federal trademark registration allows a business to solidify its ownership rights nationwide – and obtain the additional rights associated with a registered trademark.

Little Havana Restaurant Trademark Benefits 

A registered trademark provides nationwide rights, and is presumed valid by courts. In addition, a registered trademark will block any future trademark applications. After five years of registration, the owner may file a Section 8&15 Declaration to have the registration deemed legally incontestable. A registered trademark also gives credibility to e-commerce providers such as Amazon, which is something that has been very important in recent years. Finally, a registered trademark provides a basis for Foreign Trademark applications and is used to prevent importation of unauthorized goods. Visit our post about the Benefits of a Trademark Registration for a more detailed explanation.

By |March 2nd, 2021|

Hello From Baltimore Trademark Attorney Charles Riddle and BaltimoreTrademarks.com

Hello From Baltimore Trademark Attorney Charles Riddle

Welcome to BaltimoreTrademarks.com.  Baltimore Trademark Attorney.  The Trademark Process Simplified. Trademark Searches, Trademark Applications, Trademark Registrations. Our Trademark Lawyer has 20+ years experience in trademark law. Allow us to help you.  Do it right the first time.

 

Trademark Lawyer Baltimore Riddle

 

A Hello Message From Baltimore Trademark Attorney

Hello and welcome. I’m honored to be in a position to help individuals and businesses with their trademark application needs. Twenty Years! I’ve been working in trademark law for over 20 years. It goes by fast!

My work in trademark law began as an intern with a multi-generational boutique intellectual property law firm that had a long documented history back to Abraham Lincoln. The retired partners would join us for our annual Christmas luncheon. Every year, before lunch would end, Patent Attorney grandson George Harding would tell us the story of his Grandfather Patent Attorney George Harding. George Harding had retained Abraham Lincoln to work on a litigation regarding Cyrus McCormick’s reaper.

I recall one of the first cases I worked on in 2000. It was a trademark infringement lawsuit in Federal Court in the Central District of California. The litigation involved a trademark application for the word PAPERCLAY. Over the years, I worked on many trademark and patent cases, and I learned from each experience.

Over Twenty Years Experience as a Trademark Attorney

Well, 20 years have passed, and I have demonstrated experience trademark law, trademark applications, and trademark litigation in the federal courts throughout the United States.Over those years the focus of my practice became concentrated on the trademark application process and the trademark registration process.

I’ve opened an office in Baltimore to better serve clients in the region. Because trademark law is federal, I serve clients in all 50 states and US Territories, and foreign clients seeking trademark applications here in the United States.

Baltimore: Trademark law is my passion, and I look forward to serving you. I truly enjoy what I do. Welcome to BaltimoreTrademarks.com. Baltimore Trademark Attorney. The Trademark Process Simplified. We provide trademark searches, trademark application crafting, and trademark registration maintenance. Our Trademark Lawyer has 20+ years experience in trademark law. Allow us to help you. Do it right the first time!

By |August 3rd, 2020|
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