Trademarks, Domain Names and Other Brand Protection

In an age where brand is king and name recognition is of critical marketing value, we work closely with our clients to ensure that their trademarks and other branding devices are protected.  In this regard, our Firm manages a portfolio of over three thousand trademark and service mark applications and registrations in over eighty countries.  Specifically, our Technology and Intellectual Property lawyers possess significant trademark experience in many trademark and related areas including:

  • Prescreening and searching proposed marks for both infringement and registrability, as well as domain name availability
  • Protection of U.S. and foreign trademarks, service marks, trade dress and domain names
  • Identification of all trademark, service mark, trade dress, domain names and other brand-based assets through audits
  • Preparation and prosecution of U.S. trademark and service mark registration applications
  • Registration of domain names
  • Taking necessary post-registration action, including the preparation and filing of declarations of use and renewal applications
  • Enforcement of trademarks, service marks, trade dress and domain names, including preparation of cease and desist letters
  • Prosecution and defense of trademark opposition, cancellation and domain name dispute proceedings
  • Prosecution and defense of trademark, service mark and trade dress infringement actions
  • Preparing, reviewing and negotiating trademark license, manufacture and development, marketing and distribution agreements
  • Transfers of trademarks, service marks, trade dress and domain names, including preparation of assignment and recordation documents
  • Conducting necessary due diligence on trademarks, service marks, trade dress and domain names in mergers and acquisitions, financings and other transactions


Our Technology and Intellectual Property lawyers have sought trademark and service mark registrations both in the United States and abroad for clients in a wide range of industries, including computer software, financial services, entertainment, art, apparel, and food and beverage industries.  We manage this through the use of a state-of-the-art trademark management database and continually monitor the status of domestic and foreign filings, including deadlines for office actions, declarations of use, renewals, and other required actions.  We also actively advise our clients regarding international trademark and service mark protection issues and manage our clients' foreign trademark and service mark matters through our Firm's established affiliations in various foreign countries.

Understanding the Basics: What are Trademarks and Service Marks?

In the realm of professional associations, establishing a strong and recognizable brand is crucial. Trademarks and service marks are essential tools that not only protect your association's brand but also enhance its reputation and credibility among members and the public. 

U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 44 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 22 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond

Whiteford, Taylor and Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2021. Twenty-two of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, and the firm’s Bankruptcy and Environmental Law practices have been recognized with national Tier 1 rankings.

U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 42 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 20 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond

Whiteford, Taylor and Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2020.  Twenty of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including two bankruptcy practices with national Tier 1 rankings.  At the state level, an additional forty-two practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.
 

U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 46 Whiteford Practices, Including 18 Nationally

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2019.  Eighteen of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including two practices with national Tier 1 rankings:  Litigation and Bankruptcy.  At the state level, an additional forty-six practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.

Whiteford Ranks National Tier 1 in Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate

Baltimore – Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2018.  Nineteen of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including three practices with national Tier 1 rankings:  Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate.  At the state level, an additional fifty practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Recognized as National Tier 1 by U.S. News and World Report

The 2017 edition of U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP exemplary ratings in its seventh annual rankings of law firms.

Twenty of the firm’s practices were ranked at the national level, as well as thirty-seven in Maryland, ten in Washington, D.C., and two in Roanoke, VA.