andrea

Yes, you read that right. Singer Robin Thicke is being sued by photo agency BackGrid USA—not for stealing lyrics or infringing on someone’s trademark, but for posting two paparazzi photos of himself on Instagram. Now here’s the legal twist: it doesn’t matter that he’s the person in the photos. What matters is who owns the …

Sip on This Trademark Tea®: Robin Thicke Sued for Posting Paparazzi Photos of… Himself? Read More »

There’s a shift happening in how we talk about brands. No longer just about visibility and followers, the conversation is moving toward something deeper: ownership, strategy, and legacy. And leading that shift is The Trademark Tea® Talk Show—a powerful new series debuting on the IHQ Network via Radii+, created to spotlight what it really takes …

The Trademark Tea® Talk Show Is Brewing a Movement—and You’re Invited to Witness the Launch Read More »

Launching a new brand or product? One of the most crucial steps you must take is a trademark clearance search. It’s your best defense against costly disputes, rebranding headaches, and lost market opportunities. But here’s the hard truth: A quick Google search isn’t a clearance search—and it won’t secure your brand. Why Google Alone Won’t …

How to Conduct a Proper Trademark Clearance Search (and Why Google Isn’t Enough) Read More »

When a brand reaches a point of expansion—whether it’s launching a franchise, signing a licensing deal, or exploring acquisition—executives and legal teams often focus on growth strategy. But there’s one critical question potential partners, buyers, and investors will ask: “Are your trademarks in order?” Think of Your Trademarks Like Property Titles If your brand is …

Preparing for Licensing, Franchising, or Acquisition? Your Trademark Portfolio Will Be Reviewed. Read More »

Think of your brand as a growing estate. As your business expands into new territories—whether that’s launching a new product line, entering a new market, or securing a high-profile collaboration—you’re not just adding value. You’re acquiring land. But here’s the real question: Are you putting a fence around that land? At R.J. Pierce Law Group, …

Your Brand is Expanding—But Is Your Trademark Portfolio Keeping Up? Read More »

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been featured once again in Forbes—and this time, we tackled a topic that every modern entrepreneur needs to take seriously: brand security in the era of artificial intelligence. The article, titled “AI Is Changing Branding. Here’s How To Protect Your Trademark,” dives into how AI is reshaping not just …

Brand Security in the Age of AI: My Latest Feature in Forbes Read More »

What Does TM Mean? TM stands for “trademark” and can be used by anyone to signal that a name, logo, or phrase is being claimed as a trademark. You don’t need to register with the USPTO to use it. It tells the world: “Hey, this is mine. Please don’t copy it.” 🔹 Use it when …

TM, ®, and SM: What’s the Real Difference? Read More »