Trademarks Made Easy for Private Label & eCommerce Sellers

Paulina Masson is a “Numbers girl” who used her love of statistics and background in coding to create her own tool to improve her Amazon selling. When her brother, friends and family started begging her to use it too, she realized she had a whole new business on her hands. Now, Shopkeeper.com helps countless Amazon sellers maximize their profit and get back to business instead of crunching numbers. In this 2nd part of our interview with Paulina, she shares some practical experience in pricing as well as her info on how she uses software to aid in her research and keep her business and sales growing. Find more about Shopkeeper here: https://shopkeeper.com and use the code STINGRAY180 in the chat box to get a SIX MONTH FREE TRIAL! Click that SUBSCRIBE button, so that you never miss an episode of the show. Take advantage of Suzi’s FREE Trademark Trailblazer QuickStart Bundle to QuickStart your next brainstorming session : http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com/ Trademark Trailblazer ~ The Brand Name Selection Blueprint: http://www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com/

Paulina Masson is a “Numbers girl” who used her love of statistics and background in coding to create her own tool to improve her Amazon selling. When her brother, friends and family started begging her to use it too, she realized she had a whole new business on her hands. Now, Shopkeeper.com helps countless Amazon sellers maximize their profit and get back to business instead of crunching numbers. In this first part of our interview with Paulina, she shares the psychology of pricing as well as her own tactics that have led to a thriving business and growing sales. Find more about Shopkeeper here: https://shopkeeper.com And don’t forget to click that SUBSCRIBE button, so that you never miss an episode. Take advantage of Suzi’s FREE Trademark Trailblazer QuickStart Bundle to QuickStart your next brainstorming session : http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com/ Trademark Trailblazer ~ The Brand Name Selection Blueprint: http://www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com/

Phantom Trademarks don’t have to be a scary concept. In fact, they’re a prime opportunity when properly used. Suzi Hixon lays out the possibilities and pitfalls in this solo episode. Don’t miss out on this great info, and please share with anyone you think who benefit from this information. And don’t forget to click that SUBSCRIBE button, so that you never miss an episode. Take advantage of Suzi’s FREE Trademark Trailblazer QuickStart Bundle to QuickStart your next brainstorming session : http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com/ Trademark Trailblazer ~ The Brand Name Selection Blueprint: http://www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com/

In this chock-full Q&A episode, Suzi Hixon gives you an overview of the relatively new American hemp market, and how your CBD brand can and can’t use trademark protection currently. We also learn about the new tighter watch on products listed in applications and how we can preemptively protect our brands from audit by the USPTO. Please share with anyone you think who benefit from this information. And don’t forget to click that SUBSCRIBE button, so that you never miss an episode. Take advantage of Suzi’s FREE Trademark Trailblazer QuickStart Bundle to QuickStart your next brainstorming session : http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com/ Trademark Trailblazer ~ The Brand Name Selection Blueprint: http://www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com/

Suzi Hixon spent this years International Podcast Day on TV, talking about her own podcast journey and how she uses her show in her business. That led her to this episode, where not only does she give you some behind the scenes on her own process, but lots of actionable advice on how to start your own show, as well as how and if to protect that show through trademark. Even for those of you not looking to start your own podcast, Suzi brings a buffet of information on topics relating to your private Label business. Don’t miss out! Please share with anyone you think who benefit from this information. And don’t forget to click that SUBSCRIBE button, so that you never miss an episode. Take advantage of Suzi’s FREE Trademark Trailblazer QuickStart Bundle to QuickStart your next brainstorming session : http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com/ Trademark Trailblazer ~ The Brand Name Selection Blueprint: http://www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com/  

While the layperson may easily confuse copyright and trademark, a business owner can't afford to! Suzi Hixon is an expert in Trademark, but knows when to bring in a different voice to highlight an area out of that expertise. Rachel Sanarias has been a friend and colleague of Suzi's for years and there is no better guest expert to discuss the importance and application of Copyright law for Private Label businesses and brands. Rachel had so much to offer, in fact, that we had to break this episode into two. In this second half of their discussion, Rachel helps us Key takeaways: Attribution is not permission! "I didn't know!" is not a defense! Register copyrights sooner rather than later! Learn more about Rachel: www.SantarlasLaw.com www.Copyright.gov https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-santarlas-7a950711 https://www.facebook.com/Santarlas-Law-LLC-439421243129424/

While the layperson may easily confuse copyright and trademark, a business owner can't afford to! Suzi Hixon is an expert in Trademark, but knows when to bring in a different voice to highlight an area out of that expertise. Rachel Santarlas has been a friend and colleague of Suzi's for years and there is no better guest expert to discuss the importance and application of Copyright law for Private Label businesses and brands. Rachel had so much to offer, in fact, that we had to break this episode into two. Make sure you subscribe to the show so you won't miss a single minute! Key takeaways: Attribution is not permission! "I didn't know!" is not a defense! Register copyrights sooner rather than later!   Learn more about Rachel: www.SantarlasLaw.com www.Copyright.gov https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-santarlas-7a950711 https://www.facebook.com/Santarlas-Law-LLC-439421243129424/

Before filing, before profiting, before you build a mountain of devoted brand customers and fans, you have to find the right name. Brainstorming is one of the most powerful tools for trademark creation, whether you work alone with a cup of coffee or bottle of wine, or bring in a whole creative team to help you through the process. Suzi Hixon, the Private Label Lawyer, brings you three great tips to ensure that your next trademark brainstorming session is a success. Please share with anyone you think who benefit from this information. Also, if you are a totally rad brand owner yourself, and would love to be featured as a “Trademark Trailblazer,” either on my YouTube Channel or Trademarks Made Easy Podcast, I would love to talk! {See below for the Trademarks Made Easy Podcast Interview Application form.} And don’t forget to click that SUBSCRIBE button, so that you never miss an episode. Take advantage of Suzi’s FREE Trademark Trailblazer QuickStart Bundle to QuickStart your next brainstorming session : http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com/ Trademark Trailblazer ~ The Brand Name Selection Blueprint: http://www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com/ My Rad Website: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com/ Apply to Work With Me: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com... ~Let's Get Social!~ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzihixon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrivateLa... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzihixon Trademarks Made Easy Podcast: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com... Twitter: https://twitter.com/privatelabellaw ~Let's Collaborate!~ Trademarks Made Easy Podcast Interview Application: https://forms.gle/jLS8VuXrE7MwCZ349

In today's Trailblazing Trademarks, Suzi Hixon talks about the beautiful brand name Crank & Boom! If you love ice cream as much as we do, you will definitely want to check these guys out. Crank & Boom: https://crankandboom.com/ We also discuss a few trademark FAILS, and answer questions regarding whether slogans can be protected as trademarks and protection of trademarks outside of the United States. Please share with anyone you think who benefit from this information. Also, if you are a totally rad brand owner yourself, and would love to be featured as a “Trademark Trailblazer,” either on my YouTube Channel or Trademarks Made Easy Podcast, I would love to talk! {See below for the Trademarks Made Easy Podcast Interview Application form.} And don’t forget to click that SUBSCRIBE button, so that you never miss an episode. ~ FREE Trademark Trailblazer Quickstart Bundle: http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com/ Trademark Trailblazer ~ The Brand Name Selection Blueprint: http://www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com/ My Rad Website: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com/ Apply to Work With Me: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com... ~Let's Get Social!~ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzihixon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrivateLa... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzihixon Trademarks Made Easy Podcast: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com... Twitter: https://twitter.com/privatelabellaw ~Let's Collaborate!~ Trademarks Made Easy Podcast Interview Application: https://forms.gle/jLS8VuXrE7MwCZ349 Eiger Dreams Mastermind Application: https://forms.gle/M2nKiVgvp651zqCy7

Leta Deley is a client and friend of Suzi Hixon’s but she’s also a trademark trailblazer who is sharing her path to private labeling and her experience with us in a two part interview. From steps to slow aging and improve your health to the dangers of focusing on one revenue stream or platform for your business, Leta bares it all in this great discussion. Find out more about Leta’s brand here - Intentionally Bare - https://intentionallybare.com/ Do you need help with the creation of your brand name?  www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com And don’t forget to subscribe to the show so you’ll get next week’s part two and every episode as soon as it’s available.

Leta Deley is a client and friend of Suzi Hixon’s but she’s also a trademark trailblazer who is sharing her path to private labeling and her experience with us in a two part interview. From a desire for better food to a thriving brand and business, Leta bares it all in this great discussion. Find out more about Leta’s brand here - Intentionally Bare - https://intentionallybare.com/ Do you need help with the creation of your brand name? www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com And don’t forget to subscribe to the show so you’ll get next week’s part two and every episode as soon as it’s available.

Want a roadmap of what not to do with your trademark? That's what today's episode is all about. We talk about a few of the biggest mistakes trademark owners make, and how they can be avoided! Don't be a victim to a lack of knowledge! Grab a pen and notepad, and take notes: 1. Failure to register a trademark. {Common law rights are fine, but I promise...being proactive with brand protection will be a lot less expensive than being reactive!} 2. Failure to do clearance searching prior to use and filing of a trademark. {Don't let a lack of funds prevent you from searching. There are searching options for lots of different budgets, and I give some tips for you DIYers.} 3. Domain name is an address only; it does not substantiate trademark rights. {Don't get hung up if the pure domain name isn't available! Don't forego a great trademark just because you cannot get the pure domain name. So many cool and creative ways to get around this!} 4. Failure to monitor and enforce your trademark rights! {DIY tips included!} 5. Allowing the death of their trademark by genericide! {Buh bye "aspirin" and "escalator!" I have a solid tip in here to prevent this from happening if you've created your own totally new product!} 6. Failure to use the proper notice symbols. {I also clear up a common misconception!} 7. Failure to file the appropriate trademark registration maintenance documents! {Pay attention and use a perpetual online calendar like Google, or get these on the docket of a trusted trademark attorney!} Resources: https://privatelabeluniversity.com/live-events/ {Karen and Neil are the creme de la creme of private label education. If you register for their upcoming live event in Denver, I'll give you free access to the Trademark Trailblazer: The Brand Name Creation Blueprint. But, you have to sign up by 9/1/2019 and let me know by that date!} http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com https://www.CompuMark.com (robust searching and trademark monitoring) https://www.uspto.gov https://knowem.com/ (solid searching platform for common law and social media handle use) I also talk about an amazing Trailblazing Trademark: FURZERTS {https://amzn.to/2HlO48t ~ This IS an affiliate link!}. I love a good portmanteau. Watch out for "coined" trademarks. These are trademarks that are made up words you wouldn't find in a dictionary. It's really hard to create an emotional connection with your consumer with a coined trademark. Further, word-of-mouth marketing is HUGE. If people cannot pronounce your trademark, or they aren't confident in the pronunciation of your trademark, they are going to be much less likely to share your brand. And one more thing! Voice-enabled searching is only going to grow (a la Alexa and Siri!) So, you want a trademark that is easy for your consumers to find online. While coined marks generally fly through the legal process, proceed with caution and keep in mind these marketing concerns. It's a balance! Finally, we talk about proper trademark usage, so you can be proactive about growing the value of your brand name over time. It doesn't happen overnight! Consider a "brand bible" for your business! You are never too small to start. I promise! *** Please share with anyone you think who benefit from this information. Also, if you are a totally rad brand owner yourself, and would love to be featured as a “Trademark Trailblazer,” either on our YouTube Channel or Trademarks Made Easy Podcast, we would love to talk! {See below for the Trademarks Made Easy Podcast Interview Application form.} And don’t forget to click that SUBSCRIBE button, so that you never miss an episode! ~Let’s Get Started!~ FREE Trademark Trailblazer Quickstart Bundle: http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com/ Trademark Trailblazer ~ The Brand Name Creation Blueprint: http://www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com/ My Rad Website: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com/ Apply to Work With Me: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com... ~Let's Get Social!~ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzihixon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrivateLa... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzihixon Trademarks Made Easy Podcast: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com... Twitter: https://twitter.com/privatelabellaw ~Let's Collaborate!~ Trademarks Made Easy Podcast Interview Application: https://forms.gle/jLS8VuXrE7MwCZ349 Eiger Dreams Mastermind Application: https://forms.gle/M2nKiVgvp651zqCy7 And finally, I am not your attorney. This information provided for education and entertainment. I do my best to stay up-to-date with changes in the law but remember, like us, the laws are constantly evolving, thank goodness! You should hire an attorney to discuss your specific situation.

Suzi Hixon brings you three amazing trademarks in the outdoor and ski industry. Shred, Never Summer and Arc'Teryx oh my! As a skier and outdoor lover, Suzi is a huge fan of all these brands, and they've done a killer job on brand name creation! In this episode, you can learn what to do, and what to avoid, when it comes to trademark creation! Shred: https://shredoptics.com/ Arc'teryx: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/ Never Summer: https://neversummer.com/ Please share with anyone you think who benefit from this information. Also, if you are a totally rad brand owner yourself, and would love to be featured as a “Trademark Trailblazer,” either on my YouTube Channel or Trademarks Made Easy Podcast, I would love to talk! {See below for the Trademarks Made Easy Podcast Interview Application form.} And don’t forget to subscribe so that you get every episode as soon as it's available. Get Suzi's FREE Trademark Trailblazer Quickstart Bundle: http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com/ Trademark Trailblazer ~ The Brand Name Selection Blueprint: http://www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com/ Suzi's Rad Website: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com/ Apply to Work With Suzi: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com... ~Let's Get Social!~ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzihixon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrivateLabelLawyer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzihixon Trademarks Made Easy Podcast: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com... Twitter: https://twitter.com/privatelabellaw ~Let's Collaborate!~ Trademarks Made Easy Podcast Interview Application: https://forms.gle/jLS8VuXrE7MwCZ349 Eiger Dreams Mastermind Application: https://forms.gle/M2nKiVgvp651zqCy7

Neil and Karen Gwartzman are back and separating the fact from fiction about the current situation conducting business in and out of China. Neil has been working with private labels since the 1980s and Karen has been working alongside him since 2004. Through Private Label University, they're sharing that knowledge so that entrepreneurs and business owners everywhere can learn from their experience. In the second part of our discussion, Karen and Neil lay out the difference between understanding working with Chinese manufacturing, and playing tour guide for would-be entrepreneurs. Karen and Neil know that serious business owners don’t have time to waste, and aren’t on vacation when they’re working through the market. Find out more about Private Label University and read more from Neil and Karen here: https://privatelabeluniversity.com or join them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/PrivateLabelUniversity/ And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you can get the next episode as soon as it's available!

Neil and Karen Gwartzman are absolutely experienced in the Private Label industry. Neil has been working with private labels since the 1980s and Karen has been working alongside him since 2004. Through Private Label University, they're sharing that knowledge so that entrepreneurs and business owners everywhere can learn from their experience. In this first part of Suzi's hour-long discussion, Karen and Neil share discuss the difference between building an Amazon business and a legacy brand that will increase in value for years and decades to come. Find out more about Private Label University and read more from Neil and Karen here: https://privatelabeluniversity.com And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you can get part two as soon as it's available!

Suzi Hixon is opening up and revealing the single biggest secret for successful private label businesses this week, and you don't want to miss it! Without brands, our consumer choices would be MUCH more difficult. The brand (including trademark colors, marks, words etc) lets us know exactly what we can expect inside the container or inside the retail location. The brand sets expectations. Suzi lets us in on the secret to creating that brand that can entice, excite and endear customers not just once, but for a lifetime of business. To find the secret and get YOUR brand on track, take advantage of all the free resources at http://TrademarkQuickstart.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get the second half of Andy’s interview next Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info anytime!

Suzi Hixon, the Private Label Lawyer, is giving a HUGE shoutout to SummerSalt + Strawesome, two amazing trademarks (for numerous reasons) with an amazing "why" behind them. Find them both here: Summersalt: https://www.summersalt.com/ Strawesome: https://www.strawesome.com/ Suzi highlights these two unique brands who use some of the naming strategies she's covered previously as well as a "trademark fail" that you can learn from and avoid: Geographically Deceptive terms Suzi also breaks some news in this episode highlighting the new allowance for trademarks containing "immoral" or "scandalous" terms. Suzi discusses the legal as well as the marketing ramifications for this decision. If you're looking to launch a brand name, or ensure that your existing trademark is set up for success, check out these resources: FREE Trademark Trailblazer Quickstart Bundle: http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com/ Trademark Trailblazer ~ The Brand Name Selection Blueprint: http://www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com/ My Rad Website: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com/ Apply to Work With Me: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com... And if you think you've got a trailblazing trademark, let's see if you'd be a good fit for the show: Trademarks Made Easy Podcast Interview Application: https://forms.gle/jLS8VuXrE7MwCZ349 Eiger Dreams Mastermind Application: https://forms.gle/M2nKiVgvp651zqCy7

Expanding Your ECommerce Business Into the EU with Andy Hooper Part Two Andy Hooper joins Suzi Hixon for the second part of his interview discussing how sellers know when to expand to the EU, and what to do to be prepared for that expansion. As the co-founder of Global E-Commerce Experts, Ltd., Andy is uniquely positioned to help us understand what markers to watch for in our own business and the market as a whole to determine the ideal time to grow into this exciting market that is roughly as large as the US. From VAT to health and medical regulations, Andy helps us understand what it will take to take advantage of this opportunity. Get the training you need to make the leap to the EU right here: https://expandtotheeu.com/ Find more about Andy and Global E-commerce Experts at their site: https://www.globale-commerceexperts.com Or on social: https://twitter.com/TheEcommExperts https://www.facebook.com/TheEcommExperts/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgxRvVxXDFX398WzSleMA6w Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get the second half of Andy’s interview next Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info anytime!

Andy Hooper joins Suzi Hixon for a two-part interview discussing his own journey into e-commerce and the effects of Brexit on Private Label sellers worldwide. As the co-founder of Global E-Commerce Experts, Ltd., Andy is uniquely positioned to help us understand what is reality and what is bluster about this huge possible change to European commerce. But regardless of what comes of Brexit, Andy has a message for entrepreneurs to not put their business on hold, don’t put their profits on hold for what MIGHT happen. Find more about Andy and Global E-commerce Experts at their site: https://www.globale-commerceexperts.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get the second half of Andy’s interview next Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info anytime!

The Spectrum of Distinctiveness United States trademark law recognizes the “spectrum of distinctiveness” from generic to coined when it comes to categorizing prospective trademarks. Suzi Hixon helps us understand that range and how to keep our trademarks on the right end of that spectrum. From descriptive terms that have acquired distinctiveness over time (e.g., The Honey Baked Ham Company) to coined terms like "Google," to Suzi’s favorite portmanteaus like Pup-peroni, Suzi gives you the pros and cons as well as some examples for inspiration. Your trademark should increase in value over time, and while you’ll always want to work to increase that value, doing your due diligence at the trademark creation stage will save you work in the long term. To find The Trademark Trailblazer, THE brand name creation blueprint that Suzi has used exclusively before, visit her site today: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com/ Don’t miss next week’s interview with Andy Hooper on expanding into the EU market. To make sure you get every episode as soon as it’s available make sure you subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts today!

Gary Huang has found himself at the center of the hottest topic in private label selling, and the business world in general: The US-China Trade War. In this second part of his debut interview for Trademarks Made Easy, Gary gives us a glimpse into the ways the Trade War is affecting private label sellers and what the smartest folks in the industry are doing about it. From regional sourcing alternatives for manufacturing, to ways to take advantage of markets and products not yet touched by tariffs, Gary and Suzi bring you so much info in this interview that it became TWO episodes. Make sure you have heard part one in episode 16! Find Gary’s company at https://www.8020sourcing.com/ Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

Gary Huang has found himself at the center of the hottest topic in private label selling, and the business world in general: The US-China Trade War. In this first interview for Trademarks Made Easy, Gary gives us a bird's eye view of the factors that led us to our current climate, as well as the responses that giant companies and smart small business are already making to save themselves time and money no matter the exact outcomes of the current trade war. From regional sourcing alternatives for manufacturing, to ways to take advantage of markets and products not yet touched by tariffs, Gary and Suzi bring you so much info in this interview that it became TWO episodes. Stay tuned next Friday for part two! One great takeaway from this episode? Search Customs and Border Patrol records to help identify options for sourcing: https://www.junglescout.com https://panjiva.com https://www.importgenius.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info. You can learn more about Gary and his work at www.8020sourcing.com

When you are coming up with the perfect trademark, it's also a good idea to ensure your products (both present and future) will align well with that brand name. Suzi Hixon talks about the importance of product selection and how it goes hand-in-hand with establishing a strong private label business. In particular, Suzi helps you position yourself for early expansion that won't cost you more money in trademark protection, but can put more money back into your business, sooner rather than later! To ensure you're building a brand with room under the umbrella for a few other products, use the Nice classification found here: https://www.wipo.int/classifications/nice/nclpub/en/fr/ Also, don't miss out on The Private Label Lawyer's special FREE Trademark Quickstart: www.TrademarkQuickstart.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

One of the questions Suzi gets asked all the time is, "Should I even bother protecting my trademark in China?" While the conception is that standard protections won't hold in this market, there are many reasons to consider filing, primarily the sheer size of the market itself. Suzi Hixon, the Private Label Lawyer, lays out the 5 primary reasons you have to at least give some consideration to trademark protection in China. Among them? China's "1st to File" policy which means that trademark owners should file for protection in China BEFORE they begin selling under that label. It's not ALL bad news though, as Suzi includes some ongoing changes to the Chinese Trademark office that should make international sellers smile wherever they are starting in late 2019. Suzi also discusses the pros and cons of filing directly or through the Madrid Protocol as well as what you'll need TO file in China. Access the Nice Classification: https://www.wipo.int/classifications/nice/nclpub/en/fr/ Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

Uniqueness. Catchiness. Simplicity. Relatability. These are the four quadrants you should use when choosing a brand name. But even with the best of names, how do you ensure that your brand grows in awareness and value over time? You prepare for what's possible and work with what's reality today. Today, Amazon is the leading retail platform, and will inherently form the center of your business, but in this episode Suzi Hixon lays out steps to ensure that you can put your brand's best foot forward today on Amazon and be ready for whatever the future of the marketplace might look like. Full of actionable, easy to follow advice, this is one episode no private label seller will want to miss! Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

Creating an original trademark that is both valuable as a marketing tool for the sale and promotion of your product AND legally valid as a unique and defensible trademark isn't magic, but it is absolutely both an art and a science. Suzi Hixon helps us ensure that our education is well-rounded covering both areas as we achieve that balance and find your new trademark. With a little bit of knowledge, creative thinking and guidance you can select the perfect trademark to fit your newest private label product line WITHOUT being an attorney or a marketing mastermind. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

When do you know it's time to change? Your brand name is one of the cornerstones of your entire business. So how do you know when you've chosen the wrong one? Suzi Hixon covers the pros and cons of a brand name change. Will current customers be able to find you? What potential gains could you make with a change? How extensively would the name change affect your business? Answers to all these questions and more in this episode of Trademarks Made Easy! Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

With billions of potential customers and clients, the Amazon Marketplace is THE opportunity for private label sellers. But how do you stand out amongst the pack and protect yourself and your brand from counterfeiters and copycats? Today Suzi Hixon, The Private Label Lawyer, brings you three simple action points to properly position yourself and your brand in the Amazon Marketplace. 1. What's YOUR selling point? - Understand your target audience and ensure that your audience understands your brand, your vision and your business. 2. Tell your story - Connect with your customers. No two stories are the same, and that brand story is nearly impossible to copy. 3. Be Proactive - Register Your Brand name with the USPTO (and perhaps internationally with the Madrid Protocol as discussed in episode 9). Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

Save time AND money on your International Trademark filings with these tips from Suzi Hixon. While Amazon's Brand Registry 2.0 program makes this a more pressing or priority item, International Trademark registry is a good move for your brand if you plan to sell your products globally, even if Amazon ceases to exist tomorrow. The Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks, or The Madrid Protocol for short, is an international treaty that allows trademark owners to obtain registration in up to 116 countries by filing one application and paying one set of fees. And Canada is joining the treaty in 2019, so 117 soon enough! Why use the Madrid Protocol Filing? File one application, in YOUR language, pay in YOUR currency. No translators, no foreign lawyers' fees. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

Suzi Hixon breaks down the differences between the Principal and Trademark Register of the USPTO, and how NOT understanding these can harm your brand and business! Wherever you find yourself in this process, keep these highlights in mind: 1. Choose a strong trademark at the outset, one that ISN'T descriptive 2. Beware of am-mending a trademark application to the supplemental register Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

Don't get left behind! Your competitors are already using this info to create their online brand protection strategy, make sure you are too! With millions of active customers on Amazon, there is room for a thriving market of successful sellers without copyright infringement or counterfeiting. BUT, it all starts with.... 1. Research! - Do your homework about who your customer is, how and when they purchase and what they love about your products. But also, research your competitors, see where market trends have perhaps overstayed their welcome, and find opportunities for differentiation. 2. Create a Brand Strategy - The voice, style, colors, logo, tagline, fonts as well as the trademark itself and customer interaction like shipping and return policies. The end result of this work is a thorough and consistent Brand Bible or Creative Brief. 3. Create AND IMPLEMENT a Proactive Brand Protection Plan - Don't wait for your intellectual property to be infringed upon, protect it from the beginning, as proactivity is MUCH less expensive than just reacting to infringement and counterfeiters. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

'I'M TALKING TO YOU, MOON UNIT!' While some parents definitely give their children unique (and complicated) names, like the above example, the process for an adult to change his legal name is actually fairly simple and reasonably priced. A trademark, meanwhile, can last not just for one generation, but for many. A brand name can appreciate in value over time to become even more than a family heirloom, but an asset and a legacy. Suzi lays out the three main reasons why your brand name is more important than naming your kids. 1. It's more difficult to change a trademark than it is to change your name! 2. Your trademark should outlast any physical products & be passed down for generations. 3. Trademarks tell consumers 'What's up?!' Remember, though, if you find that you do have a bad brand name, DON'T WAIT to make the switch. You've got more customers in your future than your past, and you want to ensure that your brand and trademark can last well into that future. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

With over 2 million sellers on Amazon and more added every day, it's hard enough for a brand to stand out from the rest of the pack. And, with a growing counterfeit and gray market, it's becoming imperative for us to protect and defend our trademarks directly. Suzi brings you actionable advice on what to watch out for, how best to report it and to whom, as well as what to do when reporting isn't enough! Amazon may be the world's largest digital flea market, but we want to ensure that we're there as merchants, not just to pick up fleas! Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

In 2013 $461 Billion worth of counterfeit goods were trafficked worldwide. roughly 20% of that number is American-made products. The U.S. Customs and Border Protections, Recordation can protect your trademark, brand and business, but the system is one that a lot of private label sellers don't fully understand. Suzi explains the benefits as well as the process to apply and maintain your own trademark with CBP. For most businesses, it's a question of when, not if they'll face counterfeiting, so get ahead of the curve with the Private Label Lawyer. Find more info from the CBP here: https://iprr.cbp.gov Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

While this podcast isn't focused on the Amazon marketplace specifically, and Suzi is a big believer that we should all build businesses that can survive and thrive whether Amazon does or not, it would be foolish to overlook the 800-pound gorilla of eCommerce. And, thankfully, Amazon does offer new tools from time to time for private label sellers. Today Suzi focuses on one of those tools, the Amazon Brand Registry 2.0, which comes with a whole host of benefits for sellers and brands. While it's not Amazon's job to protect your brand or trademark, and no system is perfect, Suzi helps you ensure that you're taking the best advantage of these powerful tools to keep counterfeits at bay, your customers happy and the profits flowing. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

In the age of Amazon, it is IMPERATIVE that eCommerce sellers develop branding strategies that sell AND select trademarks that best represent and convey those strategies! Suzi outlines both the keys to building a good trademark, but also the ways to recognize whether you're holding a bad trademark. She also uses real-world examples to help you take your idea from good trademark to GREAT and build the kind of brand that will grow in value over time, outlasting any of your products or even your own ownership! Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

Suzi Hixon, The Private Label Lawyer, is your guide to the world of trademarks and what they mean for the legacy of your business and brand. In this debut episode, Suzi highlights the difference in brands that “give you the feels”, and lays out the course for those brands that want to separate themselves from the pack. Tangible products will rust away, but a trademark can last forever, so do what you can to protect it! Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get a new episode of Trademarks Made Easy every Friday, and visit theprivatelabellawyer.com for show notes and more info.

How do I select a strong trademark for my private label products? How do I differentiate myself from the eCommerce competition? How do I kick counterfeiters to the curb on Amazon? These are just some of the big questions that leading trademark attorney, Suzi Hixon, also known as The Private Label Lawyer, digs into on the Trademarks Made Easy for Private Label & eCommerce Sellers Podcast. In addition to trademark selection step-by-step guides, episodes discuss case studies of what to do and ~ sometimes even more importantly ~ what NOT to do, when selecting a brand name for a private label product. Suzi's niche is getting into the trademark selection trenches with you. While selecting a solid product is important when selling on Amazon and other eCommerce platforms, Suzi wants online sellers to not gloss over the critical brand name selection element. Thinking about getting into private label selling? Want to select a trademark that is distinctive, viable, and legally enforceable? Want to mitigate the risks of receiving the dreaded cease & desist letter? Discover why hundreds of private label sellers turn to Suzi to help them select amazing brand names that last well beyond the life of tangible products. While garlic presses rust away in kitchen cabinets, a strong brand name can last forever. Learn how to monetize trademarks and strengthen them over time. Suzi's guidance can help you generate more profits for your private label business, profits that can go well beyond selling fidget spinners!