Trademark & Patents: What every small business owner should know

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is hosting a free trademark workshop for entrepreneurs who want to legally protect the trademark that distinguishes their goods and services. Morris Photo courtesy of Craig Morris Craig Morris, managing attorney for Trademark Outreach. Craig Morris, with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, will speak on Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Globe Room in the Elvey Building at UAF. Morris will cover: how trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names and business name registrations differ; why it is important for a new business to select a trademark that will be both federally registrable and legally protectable, highlighting factors critical when choosing a mark; the importance of doing a complete search and whether an attorney should be used; what may happen if another trademark owner believes it has stronger rights in a mark and issues a cease-and-desist letter; what the USPTO does in the federal registration process and how to avoid scams perpetrated by companies that request fees for services not required by the USPTO; how to use the Trademark Electronic Application System; and what happens after registration. Morris is the managing attorney for trademark outreach with the USPTO Office of the Commissioner for Trademarks. He is based in Alexandria, Virginia, and is an expert in trademark fundamentals. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Lunch will be hosted by the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation and provided by the UAF Culinary Arts Campus Club. To register, contact Judie Triplehorn at 907-474-2636 or patents@gi.alaska.edu.