Trademark issues often arise long before a client consults intellectual property counsel, making it essential for business attorneys to recognize potential risks early. This CLE program examines the trademark issues that frequently emerge during entity formation, business naming, branding, and commercial transactions, providing practical guidance for identifying and addressing problems before they escalate.

Participants will explore the fundamentals of trademark law, including how trademarks differ from other forms of intellectual property, the significance of "likelihood of confusion," the limitations of entity and DBA filings, and the basics of the federal trademark registration process. The course also discusses common trademark-related concerns in business transactions, such as due diligence, licensing, contractual representations, and cease-and-desist demands, while offering practical strategies for knowing when to involve trademark counsel and helping clients minimize legal and business risk.