Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

Knobbe Martens has one of the strongest trademark practices in the United States. The firm's trademark practice is also supported by several lawyers experienced in foreign laws, and by a number of trademark paralegals. The firm's trademark practice involves protecting U.S. clients' trademark rights worldwide, and protecting the U.S. trademark rights of foreign companies.

In the U.S., trademarks and service marks can include words, designs, logos, and "trade dress" such as product packaging and product shapes. The U.S. has a three-tiered trademark system of common law, state and federal trademark rights. Consequently, a thorough trademark search can be one of the most complicated areas of the trademark practice. As a screening tool, the firm can quickly conduct various in-house computerized searches. More thorough searches are available in a matter of days through specialized search firms in the U.S. and abroad. In most cases, a federal application can be filed electronically, the same day as requested. In appropriate situations, state trademark registrations can also be obtained.

Through searches, watching services and private investigations, the firm is often able to detect infringers and counterfeiters at an early stage, thus permitting swift action to prevent the pirating of valuable trademark rights, both in the U.S. and abroad.

The firm also has considerable experience before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in inter partes actions, such as oppositions, cancellations and concurrent rights proceedings. In such proceedings, the firm's trademark litigation lawyers represent numerous clients in trademark infringement lawsuits, many of which have resulted in court decisions published in law reports and available for public review.

The firm also has an extensive practice in trademark licensing, unfair competition, trade dress and false advertising.

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