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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 »

“Loaded” Baby Names: The Rising Value of Firearms Trademarks

It’s inevitable. Newlyweds who plan eventually to start a family will start talking about baby names. I find the statistical trends interesting. How a girl’s name like “Brittany” can go from trendy, to commonplace, to a “stripper” name (apologies to those with loved ones with this name). So I was fascinated to learn about one of the newest trends in baby names: Firearms trademarks! Source: babynamewizard.com   According to a recent report in the Daily Beast:  [...]

By Ben Langlotz | June 8, 2015 | Firearms, Humor, Opinion Pieces | 0 Comments Read More »

A Peek At Your Competition’s Firearms Trademark Strategy

Every month, I personally review every trademark filing made in the firearms industry. In this post I’m going to share some of the secrets I learn from such a snoop, in this case, one from a little over a year ago. In April 2014, there were 121 trademark applications filed in the international class that includes firearms and fireworks. Incidentally, fireworks trademark can be fun. Because trademarks apply only to your goods and services and not to unrelated goods, you might get some good ideas from fireworks trademarks. (I also think that historic military equipment  [...]

By Ben Langlotz | June 1, 2015 | Business, Firearms, Firearms Industry Advice, Intellectual Property Advice, Trademark | 0 Comments Read More »