Business FAQ

Trademark scams often involve unsolicited emails claiming your trademark rights are at risk or that someone else is about to register your mark. These messages may reference legal statutes or use urgent language to pressure you into paying for unnecessary services. It’s important to know that legitimate trademark rights are primarily established through actual use in commerce, not simply registration with the USPTO. The USPTO will only send official notices about registration deadlines, and if you have an attorney, these notices go directly to them. High-pressure warnings from anyone other than your attorney should raise red flags. To protect yourself, understand the basics of trademark law, recognize warning signs of scams, and never respond or act on such emails without consulting a trusted attorney. Professional legal advice ensures that your rights are maintained, deadlines are met, and risks are minimized. Scammers evolve quickly, so vigilance and guidance from an intellectual property attorney are key to safeguarding your trademarks.

Learn more in our article, “Beware of Trademark Scams: 3 Essential Tips to Protect Your Intellectual Property”.

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires many U.S. and certain foreign entities to report their beneficial owners to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Beneficial owners are individuals who exercise “substantial control” over the entity, such as executives or C-suite officers. Entities must also report the individual who created the company, known as the “Applicant,” and update this information if it changes. The goal of the CTA is to help prevent money laundering and concealment of assets by increasing transparency around company ownership.

Each entity is responsible for complying with these reporting obligations. Beneficial owners can reduce the reporting burden by obtaining a FinCEN ID, which streamlines future submissions. While the CTA imposes federal reporting requirements, consulting a knowledgeable attorney can help determine whether your business falls under FinCEN oversight and guide you through the reporting process.

Learn more in our article, “Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements“.