Many people residing all throughout the world come across my website after doing an internet search or finding my trademark attorney channel on YouTube. I happen to live in St. Louis, Missouri, but oftentimes, visitors to my website are located in cities, states, or even countries that are a far distance from St. Louis. After reading though the information on my website, they may decide to give me a call to talk about their particular trademark matter. During our discussion, it is not uncommon for them to inquire whether a trademark lawyer who does not live in their local area is even able to work with them.
Well, here is the answer. If you are looking for a United States trademark attorney to assist you with a trademark search, obtaining a federal trademark registration, or responding to a trademark office action, you can hire any trademark attorney you feel comfortable with no matter where he or she is located. The option to hire a trademark attorney located outside of your community is especially beneficial if you happen to live in a large, expensive metropolitan area like New York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles where trademark lawyers tend to charge higher rates. Similarly, if you reside in a smaller community or in a very rural area, there may not be any attorneys who focus their practice of law exclusively on trademark matters. And if you live outside of the United States and would like to conduct a federal trademark search or file a U.S. trademark application, you will almost certainly need to seek a United States trademark attorney if you desire legal representation.
Also, in the event someone files a trademark opposition against your trademark application during the 30 day publication period, or submits a trademark cancellation against your trademark registration after it is issued by the Trademark Office, you are absolutely free to work with any trademark attorney who you believe has the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to successfully defend such a challenge, regardless of where the attorney is located. The same is true if you ever need to hire a trademark lawyer to oppose a trademark application or to cancel a trademark registration owned by someone else.
Although, in most cases, you can choose to work with any United States trademark attorney you like, there may be some instances where you might need to hire a local attorney licensed to practice in your particular state. One such instance is if you are ever sued for trademark infringement, especially if the lawsuit is filed in state court rather than federal court. Even if the court permits an out-of-state trademark lawyer to represent you, it is generally more practical, less expensive, and more efficient to work with a local trademark lawyer if there happens to be one in your community.
With the availability of email, online video conferencing, internet calling services, and other inexpensive forms of communication, your choice of trademark lawyers has never been greater. Instead of primarily basing your decision on where the trademark attorney is located, you can invest some time finding one that you feel understands your specific needs and goals, and who has the experience to help you promptly secure valuable protection for your trademarks without breaking the bank.
If you have any questions about whether I can help you with your particular trademark matter, please feel free to give me a call. I look forward to hearing from you soon.