The credo
Creators create.
Lawyers lawyer.
You’ve got 99 problems, but legal worries shouldn’t be one. Trademarks, copyright, licensing, contracts — all essential to your business, yet all distractions that can steal your valuable time and resources. James Legal exists to shoulder those burdens so that you’re free to do your best work. Whether it’s for yourself or for a client, creating should be your sole focus.
The services
Brand comes first.
It’s simple math: James Legal cares about brands; Strong brands are built on strong trademarks; therefore, James Legal prioritizes strong trademarks. From development to protection and beyond, we’ll work together to ensure that your investment in branding is money well-spent.
The Holy Grail of brand protection. A federal registration gives you exclusive rights, nationwide protection, and a powerful weapon against copycats — potentially forever.
A comprehensive search into existing trademarks. Branding takes time and money, but not as much as re-branding. A clearance at the outset can save you a lot of headache down the road.
Registration is not the end. Maintenance (e.g., renewals) and enforcement (e.g., cease and desist demands) are necessary. James Legal can track and manage both.
Infringement, Oppositions, Cancellations, and Office Actions — all trademark disputes can benefit from the involvement of experienced legal representation.
Businesses often underestimate the volume and value of intellectual property that they own. Proper management can open up brand new revenue streams and business value.
- Brand consulting
- Licensing agreements
- Copyright registration
- Business formation
The REASON
A kindred spirit.
In my childhood household, the drive to create was not simply respected and encouraged; it was paramount. Musicians, painters, authors, entrepreneurs — I was raised by and around creative people with remarkable talent, discipline, and ambition.
But, I didn’t simply get to witness the fruits of their labor. I saw the work, the struggle, and the failures. I saw the anxiety of loved ones interacting with the law. And then, when I ran my first business, I experienced those same things first hand.
These were all watershed moments that gave rise to my desire to help creative people and motivated me to become an attorney.
So when I founded James Legal in 2018, the plan was simple:
Let creators create.
The Clients
Size doesn't matter.
James Legal has represented everything from individual creators to national organizations. There is no minimum and no maximum.
She wanted to turn her stained glass hobby into a small business. James Legal worked within her budget to clear her trademark and apply for federal registration.
For 50 years, the city had hosted a popular annual festival. When someone else attempted to register the festival name and profit from the city’s hard work, James Legal helped oppose it in front of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
Facing a Cease & Desist from a multi-national corporation, we worked to negotiate a comfortable phase-out while clearing and registering new brand assets.