Your Brand Is an Asset. Protect It Like One.
A trademark is one of the most valuable assets your business owns. Without registration, someone else can claim what you've built — and your options to fight back are limited.
You've built something worth protecting: a brand name, a logo, a body of creative work. Without the right protections in place, any of it can be copied, diluted, or outright stolen, and your recourse is limited.
Ipanema Law works with founders and creatives to identify, register, and enforce their intellectual property. We don't just file paperwork. We help you understand what you actually own, what's at risk, and how to build IP assets that grow in value alongside your business.
Whether you're registering your first trademark, licensing your work, or enforcing your rights against someone who's taken what's yours, we're in your corner.
What's Included
Trademarks
Trademark searches and clearance opinions
Federal trademark applications (USPTO)
Response to office actions
Statement of use filings
Cease and desist letters
Copyright
Copyright registration
Licensing agreements for original creative work
Infringement letters
Who This Is For
Founders who want to register and own their brand before someone else does
Creatives and content creators who produce original work
Businesses preparing to license their products or enter new markets
Anyone who's about to launch under a new name and hasn't cleared it yet
FAQ: Intellectual Property Protection
Q: Do I need to register my trademark? I've been using the name for years. A: Common law trademark rights do exist based on use — but they're limited to the geographic area where you operate, harder to enforce, and offer no public record of ownership. Federal registration with the USPTO gives you nationwide priority rights, the legal presumption that you own the mark, and the ability to use the ® symbol. If your brand has any value, registration is worth it.
Q: How long does a trademark registration take? A: The USPTO process typically takes 8–14 months from filing to registration, assuming no issues arise. We'll file your application correctly the first time to minimize delays and office actions.
Q: What's the difference between a trademark and a copyright? A: A trademark protects brand identifiers — names, logos, slogans — that distinguish your goods or services in the marketplace. A copyright protects original creative works — writing, photography, design, music, software. Many businesses need both. An original logo, for example, may be protectable under both trademark and copyright law.
Q: Can I trademark a name that's already in use somewhere? A: Not safely. Using a name that's already registered — or even just in prior use — can result in an infringement claim, forced rebranding, and significant legal costs. A thorough clearance search before you commit to a name is one of the most valuable investments you can make early in your business.
Q: What happens if someone copies my brand or my work? A: The response depends on what protections you have in place. With registered IP, your options are significantly stronger — from cease and desist letters to federal litigation. Without registration, enforcement is harder and more expensive. We'll assess your situation and recommend the most effective path forward.
Q: I'm a creative who works with clients. Do I own the work I create? A: It depends on your contracts. Without a written agreement specifying otherwise, copyright ownership can be complex — and in some cases, the client may own work you created for them. Having the right contracts in place before you start a project protects your work and your business.