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Happy Birthday Royalties No More

The biggest legal news in the Intellectual Property Law world this month was the ruling that the owners of the rights to the song “Happy Birthday” could no longer collect royalties.  The judge found that they owned not the rights to the composition itself, but only to an underlying arrangement.  I recall hearing that Johnny Carson (Jay Leno’s predecessor for you kids – forget it if you don’t know Jay) said that the reason he grimaced every time a guest spontaneously sang the birthday song was that Johnny knew the royalties would  [...]

By Ben Langlotz | October 5, 2015 | Copyright, Firearms, Intellectual Property Advice, Legal News | 0 Comments Read More »

How to Pick a Brand Name

I’ve been getting rather cheeky lately.  I’ve even risked being a little obnoxious and occasionally offending clients.  You see, sometimes when I should quietly follow my clients’ orders for legal work, I’ve found myself interrupting, and giving them, well... advice. Last week I had lunch with a new client.  He has some great technology, and a strong foundation for a new business.  It was relaxed and informal, and he had along his lovely wife and their toddler, who managed to miss me entirely when he toppled a big glass of lemonade on the table. So, exactly  [...]

By Ben Langlotz | August 17, 2015 | Business, Firearms, Firearms Industry Advice, How To, Humor, Intellectual Property Advice, Trademark | 0 Comments Read More »

The Hidden Costs of LegalZoom and Trademarkia

Sticking to What We Know Best Most people aren’t afraid to invest in what they need, but few people want to learn later that they overpaid, or didn’t get a good value.  So even though it’s the first time I’ve been asked the question, I can understand why a careful entrepreneur would ask it.  He’s simply asking: “Please tell me why I’m not a sucker to pay you ten times what LegalZoom is charging.” LegalZoom is a big web-based law firm, and they probably file more trademarks per year than any other firm.  I presume they keep all their promises to their  [...]

By Ben Langlotz | July 16, 2015 | Firearms, Opinion Pieces, Patent, Trademark | 0 Comments Read More »

How Facebook Helped My Google Rankings

Years ago, my Amazing Administrative Assistant, Lisa, asked me why I don’t connect with clients on Facebook.  I told her I just use it for social purposes, staying in touch with family and old friends.  Recently, she gave me a virtual poke in the ribs after I told her how my recent Facebook efforts have had an impressive impact on reaching clients and contacts in the firearms industry.  (Lisa, you were right!)  [...]

By Ben Langlotz | June 26, 2015 | Business, Firearms, How To | 0 Comments Read More »

How Patents and Trademarks Increase the Value of Your Company

Once at the SHOT show the owner of a particular company took me aside, and walked me a good distance from his booth. He didn’t come right out and say it. He hemmed and hawed a bit about the future of his company. He talked about making his business more valuable. I finally figured out what he was asking: “So, you want to sell your company down the road, and do what you can now to maximize the selling price then, right?” “Right!” He told me he’d been in the industry his whole adult life, loved the business, but was going to be ready to retire or move on to  [...]

By Ben Langlotz | June 22, 2015 | Business, Firearms, Firearms Industry Advice, How To, Intellectual Property Advice | 0 Comments Read More »