Posted in: Trademarks and Copyrights
People ask a trademark attorney this question all the time: Can you get a trademark if someone else is using your name? The answer is maybe, just maybe. It depends upon a few things. Let’s talk about them. First, if someone else is already using your name, but they don’t have a registered trademark, then […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Trademarks and Copyrights
Let’s say that you are forming a new business, product, service, or tagline and want to protect it. You’ve probably heard you need a trademark to do that (and you’d be right!). So, as your friendly neighborhood trademark attorney, I’m here to tell you about the process for getting a trademark. Once you pick a […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Trademarks and Copyrights
One question I get asked as a trademark lawyer all the time is, “Ethan, if I own my business name or I own the domain name, don’t I own trademark rights?” And the answer is no, hard no. What do I mean by that? Let’s say that you open up a business in Florida and […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Trademarks and Copyrights
When it comes to running a business, every dollar matters. Trust me, I know. As a social media and trademark attorney, I run this law firm myself. So you’re probably thinking to yourself, “What is the value of having a trademark?” Meaning, “Is it going to be worth it to shell out a little bit […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Trademarks and Copyrights
So, you own or run a business. You must have a trademark over your name and logo, right? No? You don’t? What are you thinking?! As a trademark lawyer, I can imagine what you’re probably thinking: you’re thinking, “Why do I need a trademark? I’ve got a business I’m running, I’m making sales, making money. […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Social Media Compliance
Facebook regulation is a hot topic in social media law in these days. Unless you have been living under a rock, Facebook has been your go-to social media source for posting pictures and connecting with your friends and family. And, if you are shaking your head thinking Nah, I’m an Instagram person, it shouldn’t surprise […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Startup Law
Twenty-five years ago, words like Twitter and Snapchat didn’t exist. Fast forward to today, these powerful platforms promise big rewards and sometimes even bigger social media legal risks. If your business wants to succeed in this new frontier, you need to know how the law applies to your online use so that you can avoid […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Social Media Compliance
Social media comes with multiple social media risks. After settling with the Federal Trade Commission for $5 billion and making many promises to monitor the use of user data, Facebook is adding a tool that will allow you to see how the platform tracks your activity outside the highly coveted likes to be in social […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Press Coverage
Are students blurring the lines between video games and reality? How about friendly rivalries being perceived as threats? Social media attorney Ethan Wall spoke with CBS 4 Miami about why freedom of speech is not being harmed when trying to keep students safe, and why students are taking such social media legal risks. In today’s […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Social Media Compliance
Social media gives businesses a way to connect with their target audiences. Companies, such as banks, need to include a sense of humanity in their brand or risk losing their credibility. Social media compliance for banks presents challenges, opportunities, and – unfortunately – social media risks. Benefits A social media presence can grow a bank’s […]
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