IP Mastery for Entrepreneurs with Julie King: Trademarks, Patents, and More

If you've been building your brand under a social media handle, this episode is for you.Most entrepreneurs assume that claiming a username locks in their brand. It doesn't. Your handle is a license from the platform—and every platform's terms of service explicitly reserves the right to transfer that username to someone with a valid trademark registration. The blue checkmark verifies your identity. It does not protect your brand name.In this episode, Julie King covers: how trademark rights actually work and why they differ from LLC registration, domain registration, and platform handles; what happens when a trademark holder files a platform complaint; the role of industry overlap in these disputes; and the three-question audit that tells you right now whether your brand is protected or exposed.Free checklist: "Should I Stay or Should I File?" at kingpatentlaw.comTIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Sidney's @Deadthreads Trademark Horror Story(03:09) What a Trademark Registration Actually Is(06:14) The Horrors Lurking in the Social Media Terms of Service(08:30) The @N Story: A Cautionary Tale from the Digital Archive(10:22) How the Platform IP Complain Process Works(13:03) Where the Real Risk Live, and What "Different Industries" Actually Does for You(15:50) Practical Application: The Three-Part Handle Audit(21:01) When to DIY and When to Hire a Trademark Lawyer(23:15) What About Online Trademark Services?(24:31) A Trademark Lawyer, Not Just Any Lawyer(25:35) Key Takeaways(27:29) FAQ: I've been using my name longer than the trademark holder. Doesn't that mean I have rights?(28:09) FAQ: What if they're in a completely different industry? Don't the classes protect me?(29:22) FAQ: I have a trademark registration. Am I done?(29:52) FAQ: What's the difference between a trademark and a copyright? Does my copyright protect my brand name?(30:39) Wrap-UpFree checklist: "Should I Stay or Should I File?" at kingpatentlaw.comAvoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. We serve intellectual property clients nationwide and business and estate planning clients in Illinois.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorneyContains attorney advertisement material. Julie King | King Patent Law, PLLC | 301 N Neil St Ste 400, Champaign IL 61820. Phone and email available at kingpatentlaw.com

What happens to your Instagram account, your domain name, your email list, your Shopify store, your YouTube channel, and your podcast when you die—or when you're too sick or injured to run them?A few weeks ago I covered what happens to your trademarks and patents. Today is the part nobody in the legal world is talking about enough: the digital infrastructure of your business. Why short-term disability is actually harder to plan for than death. Why your power of attorney probably isn't solving the problem you think it is. And seven specific things you can do right now.I walk through every major category: social media accounts, creator monetization platforms, domain names, email lists, online stores, and podcasts—what the platforms actually allow (and don't), and the legal framework that governs all of it.Timestamps: (00:00) The hospital scenario: not dead, just incapacitated for three weeks(02:44) Why the legal system hasn't caught up (RUFADAA explained)(06:03) The four problems: terms of service, access, continuity, authority(11:22) SOCIAL MEDIA: (11:31) YouTube, (12:48) Instagram/Facebook, (13:59) TikTok, LinkedIn, BlueSky, X, and Mastodon.(15:19) CREATOR MONETIZATION: (16:03) Patreon, Substack,(17:31) Buy Me a Coffee and Ko-fi,(18:12) OnlyFans, (19:37) Medium,(20:10) Twitch,(22:22) Discord,(24:05) WhatsApp and Telegram, Reddit, Snapchat, and Pinterest.(25:59) DOMAIN NAMES AND WEBSITES: the expiration problem(28:09) EMAIL LISTS: actually your most transferable asset(29:22) ONLINE STORES: Shopify, Etsy, Amazon seller accounts(32:17) PODCAST and revenue accounts(24:30) Why disability is actually harder than death(26:00) Seven things to do right now(31:00) What's coming: the deeper resource(32:00) Download the Digital Graveyard Prevention KitWant that Digital Graveyard Prevention Kit I mentioned? Click here.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.💀🎸🎙️ PODCAST: Avoid the Legal Horrors with Julie King: Patent, Trademark, and Business Strategy. Helping entrepreneurs, creators, and small business owners understand and use IP law as a business tool, without the jargon. 📅 Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. I serve intellectual property clients nationwide and business and estate planning clients in Illinois.📚 Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ 📱@kingpatentlaw on social media platforms (NOT X)Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney. Contains attorney advertisement material. Julie King | King Patent Law, PLLC | 301 N Neil St Ste 400, Champaign IL 61820. Phone and email available at kingpatentlaw.com

Your LLC has default rules. They were not written for your business.In this episode, I break down everything you need to know about operating agreements: the internal document that governs how your LLC runs, protects your partnerships, and determines what happens when things go sideways.Whether you're a solo LLC owner (yes, you need this too) or you have business partners, this episode covers what an operating agreement is, what it must include, 8 of the most costly mistakes I see, and the questions I'm asked most often on this topic.📋 Download the free operating agreement checklist at kingpatentlaw.com: A 5-Question Check on Your LLC Operating Agreement: Potent Potion or Poisonous Brew?Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: The Case for Operating Agreements(02:24) What Is an LLC Operating Agreement?(05:05) Why Single-Member LLCs Need One Too(07:34) What Your Operating Agreement Must Cover(16:20) Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them(25:00) Practical Takeaways(26:22) Frequently Asked Questions(31:41) Wrap-UpAvoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.💀🎸🎙️ PODCAST: Avoid the Legal Horrors with Julie King: Patent, Trademark, and Business Strategy. Helping entrepreneurs, creators, and small business owners understand and use IP law as a business tool, without the jargon. 📅 Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com. I serve intellectual property clients nationwide and business and estate planning clients in Illinois.📚 Full transcript and more resources at kingpatentlaw.com/blog📱@kingpatentlaw on social media platforms (NOT X)Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney. Contains attorney advertisement material. Julie King | King Patent Law, PLLC | 301 N Neil St Ste 400, Champaign IL 61820. Phone and email available at kingpatentlaw.com

What happens to your trademarks, patents, and copyrights when you die, and why your heirs probably have no idea what they're actually inheriting?In Part 1 of a two-part series on IP legacy, patent and business attorney Julie King breaks down the IP succession crisis: what makes intellectual property different from every other asset in your estate, the three ownership scenarios that determine what happens to your IP when you're gone, and six concrete steps to protect everything you've built.Plus: the assignment document requirement most estate attorneys don't know about, and the Prince estate as a half-billion-dollar cautionary tale.Part 2 (later this season) covers the digital estate: what happens to your social media accounts, domain names, and online presence when you're gone.Next week: operating agreements — the document that can save your business and your closest relationships.Covered in this episode:- Why trademarks are "living assets" that can be cancelled and claimed by competitors if maintenance lapses- The patent maintenance fee clock that doesn't stop for probate- What happens to your copyrights and who controls your creative legacy- Why trade secrets are the fastest to die in a succession crisis- The three ownership scenarios: personally owned, business-owned, or licensed to your LLC- The USPTO assignment document step that can leave heirs unable to enforce inherited IP rights- Six action items to protect your IP legacy starting todayTIMESTAMPS (approximate — adjust after recording):00:00 — The haunted house: what your heirs actually inherit01:42 — About this series + next week's topic02:59 — IP is property, but not like other property04:42 — Trademarks: the hungry asset07:06 — Patents: the ticking clock09:23 — Copyrights: the long tail10:56 — Trade secrets: the fastest killer12:23 — Who actually owns your IP right now?13:05 — Scenario 1: you own it personally (and the assignment document most estate attorneys miss)15:43 — Scenario 2: your business owns it18:09 — Scenario 3: you own it personally and license it to your LLC20:19 — Real-world example: Prince and a half-billion-dollar estate with no plan21:42 — You don't have to be Prince to need a plan - a realistic hypothetical23:56 — Six action items to protect your IP legacy🎙️ ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Spellbinding IP: Patent, Trademark, and Business Strategy. Helping entrepreneurs, creators, and small business owners understand and use IP law as a business tool, without the jargon.📅 Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation: https://kingpatentlaw.com/appointments/consultation/. I help creators and small business owners with IP matters nationwide and with contracts in Illinois and Georgia.📰 Sign up for the Spellbinding IP newsletter at kingpatentlaw.com@kingpatentlaw on social media (NOT X)Avoid the legal horrors and keep rocking your IP. 💀🎸DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney. This video contains attorney advertising material. Julie King | King Patent Law, PLLC | 301 N Neil St Ste 400, Champaign IL 61820. Phone number and email address available at kingpatentlaw.com.

Taylor Swift just filed to trademark her voice. Here's why that matters for every creator, and the 8 brand deal contract clauses you need to read before you sign anything.In this episode, I walk through the eight contract clauses in brand deals that quietly strip creators of their rights, including the AI replica clause that Taylor Swift's legal team is working to address through trademark law. What each clause means, why it matters, and what you can do contractually right now.Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction: Taylor Swift just applied to register her voice as a trademark(02:52) Why this matters for every creator, and what you can do about it(03:44) Clause 1: "All rights," "in perpetuity," "worldwide license"(05:20) Clause 2: Work-for-hire, and what the Supreme Court said(08:51) Clause 3: Assignment vs. licensing(10:21) Clause 4: Your name, voice, and likeness(11:01) Clause 5: The AI replica clause(14:40) Clause 6: Exclusivity and non-compete language(16:07) Clause 7: FTC disclosure—who gets sued when it goes wrong(17:49) Clause 8: Indemnification(10:23) Practical takeaway and the free checklist📎 Free download: Brand Deal Red Flags Checklist at kingpatentlaw.comAvoid the legal horrors and keep rocking your IP.🎸🕷📄 Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠📱@kingpatentlaw on social media platforms (NOT X)🗓 Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. I serve intellectual property clients nationwide and business and estate planning clients in Illinois.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney. Contains attorney advertisement material. Julie King | King Patent Law, PLLC | 301 N Neil St Ste 400, Champaign IL 61820. Phone and email available at kingpatentlaw.com

If a competitor opens up down the street with the same color scheme, the same layout, the same vibe, and just a different name, is that legal? Maybe not.Today Julie King of King Patent Law, PLLC, covers trade dress: the intellectual property protection that most small business owners have never heard of, which can protect everything that makes your business visually distinctive, above and beyond your name and logo. In this episode: What trade dress is and what it protects, from packaging to restaurant interiors to color combinationsThe two legal requirements: distinctiveness and non-functionalityFour real cases, including a brand-new 2025 decision and two trips to the Supreme CourtHow to register your trade dress (and when it’s worth it) A six-step practical sequence to start protecting your visual identity nowI have a handy free downloadable Is It Trade Dress? checklist on my website – check it out!Timestamps: (00:00) Intro: The Look That Gets Copied(03:07) What Is Trade Dress? (04:54) Louboutin and the Red Sole: When a Color Becomes a Brand Identifier(05:57) Miracle-Gro vs. Spruce: When Green and Yellow Belong to Everyone(08:06) The Two Requirements: #1 - Distinctiveness(09:19) Crystal Head Vodka vs Element Spirits Tequila – Battle of the Skull Bottles(09:38) The Two Requirements: #2 – Nonfunctionality(11:00) Gibson Guitars: The Flying V Is Ok, But Is The Les Paul Single Cutaway Shape Functionality A Problem? (11:36) Two Pesos v. Taco Cabana: The Supreme Court Case That Defined It All(13:00) Bad Spaniels: Dog Toy, Jack Daniel’s, and the Parody Problem – You Can Dilute a Whiskey Brand By Tarnishment Just Like You Can Dilute the Whiskey With Dirty Ice(15:36) Registration: What It Takes and When It’s Worth It(16:58) Six Steps to Protect Your Visual Identity(20:03) Key Takeaways(21:40) FAQ Time! #1 – Can I protect my website design as a trade dress trademark? (22:11) FAQ #2 – What is the difference between trade dress trademarks and word or image trademarks? (22:36) – FAQ #3 – How is trade dress trademark protection different from copyright? (23:09) – FAQ #4 – Can someone use my trade dress in a parody? (24:09) – FAQ #5 – Does trade dress trademark registration make sense for a small business?(24:38) How to work with Julie and how this is not legal advice.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Related episode: The Two-Headed Monster of Design IP: Combining Patents and Trademarks for Lifelong Protection: Spotify link; Apple Podcasts link; YouTube link; blog post w/ video link📱 @kingpatentlaw on social media platforms (NOT X)Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. We serve intellectual property clients nationwide and business and estate planning clients in Illinois.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney. Contains attorney advertisement material. Julie King | King Patent Law, PLLC | 301 N Neil St Ste 400, Champaign IL 61820. Phone and email available at kingpatentlaw.com

In November 2025, the Johnny Cash estate sued Coca-Cola for using a Cash tribute singer to make a commercial sound like it was voiced by the Man in Black himself, without asking permission or paying a dime. Sound familiar? It should. Tom Waits won $2.375 million from Frito-Lay for the same thing in 1992. Some brands apparently never learn.But this isn't just a celebrity problem. If you're a creator, influencer, or small business owner working with brands or hiring marketing agencies, your contracts may already contain clauses that hand over your content, your voice, and your reputation without you realizing it.In this episode, I'm breaking down three legal traps hiding in brand deals and marketing contracts:🕷️ Trap 1: The copyright ownership clause that signs away your content forever: the difference between a license, an assignment, and work-for-hire (and why it matters enormously)🕷️ Trap 2: The FTC disclosure rules that can get both brands and influencers hit with massive fines, including what #collab and #partner actually don't cover🕷️ Trap 3: The right of publicity and trademark clauses that let brands use your name, voice, and likeness in ways you never agreed to, including what deepfake AI protections currently exist (and where the law is still dangerously incomplete)I also cover the "sad beige lawsuit": the ongoing case between influencers Sydney Nicole Gifford and Alyssa Sheil over whether your entire aesthetic can be protected as a trade dress trademark.TIMESTAMPS:01:04) - Trap 1: Copyright ownership(01:40) - Assignment vs licensing(03:00) - Work-for-hire(05:15) - The horror story of overreaching licenses and unintended assignments(06:30) - Trap 2: FTC rules about transparency and disclosures for influencer marketing(09:03) - Trap 3: Overreaching contracts that put your brand, name, likeness, and voice in peril(09:12) - Trademark and right of publicity(11:00) - "Sad Beige" lawsuit(12:11 )- Tom Waits v Frito-Lay and the commercial kicker(14:05) - Estate of Johnny Cash v. Coca-Cola, and the ELVIS Act(16:16) - Deepfakes - AI and Digital Replicas(17:43) - Key takeaway and wrap up(19:09) - Free checklist - 8 Legal Red Flags Every Creator Should Look ForI'm Julie King, a patent and IP attorney with over 25 years of experience, and I help creators and small business owners protect what they've built. 🕷️ Free download: Brand Deal Red Flags Checklist: https://kingpatentlaw.com/product/brand-deal-red-flags-checklist-8-contract-clauses-every-creator-should-check-before-signing/📅 Book a consultation: kingpatentlaw.com 🎙️ Podcast: Spellbinding IP on all major platforms 📱 Social: @kingpatentlawAvoid the legal horrors and keep rocking your IP. 💀🎸DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney. This video contains attorney advertising material. Julie King | King Patent Law, PLLC | 301 N Neil St Ste 400, Champaign IL 61820. Phone number and email address available at kingpatentlaw.com.

There is a federal court decision from February 2026 that every attorney using AI tools needs to read, not because of what it held, but because of what it did NOT hold, and because most of the published commentary is getting the scope of the ruling wrong in ways that could lead you to precisely the wrong conclusions. In this episode, Julie King of King Patent Law, PLLC, walks through the Heppner decision with the precision it deserves, then covers the issues that matter even more for day-to-day practice: attorney AI use and privilege, the AI meeting notetaker ethics trap that is affecting almost everyone, the escalating sanctions for AI hallucinations in court filings, and what the Supreme Court’s cert denial in Thaler means for IP attorneys advising clients. This episode covers: What Heppner actually held — and the three specific grounds the court relied onWhat Heppner did NOT decide (and why too much published commentary is misreading the scope) The attorney AI use and privilege question the court left open and the email analogy that helps navigate itWhat ABA Formal Opinion 512 and state ethics opinions actually requireThe AI meeting notetaker problem: Otter.ai, Zoom AI Companion, and the artifacts problemThe Illinois-specific wrinkle: two-party consent and BIPAThe escalating sanctions spectrum: from Mata to disqualification and full-book disclosureWhat the Thaler cert denial means for IP attorneys advising clientsTIMESTAMPS(00:00) The misread: how a lot of Heppner commentary is getting it wrong(01:34) Why listen to me about this? My background(02:24) Section 1: What Heppner actually held: the three grounds (05:33) What Heppner did NOT decide: attorney use, enterprise tools, attorney-directed use/Kovel(08:02) What to tell your clients about using AI(08:17) Section 2: Attorney AI use and privilege: the email analogy and ABA Opinion 512(14:47) Section 3: AI meeting notetakers: the trap nobody is talking about(20:24) Section 4: Hallucinations, sanctions, and candor: the escalating spectrum(24:23) Section 5: Thaler cert denial: what it means for IP attorneys advising about copyright and AI(26:04) Wrap-up and practical checklistCompanion episode: Episode “What the Law Actually Says About AI and Your IP: Copyright, Trademarks, Patents, & Digital Replicas” at https://youtu.be/bazNjQHM92o covering AI and IP for business owners and creators: copyright, trademark, patents, training data, and digital replicas. Links:Chat with Claude about privilege transcript: https://kingpatentlaw.com/chat-with-claude-about-privilege/ARDC ethics hotline: iardc.orgHallucination database: https://www.damiencharlotin.com/hallucinations/Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. We serve intellectual property clients nationwide and business and estate planning clients in Illinois.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorneyJulie King | King Patent Law, PLLC | 301 N Neil St Ste 400, Champaign IL 61820. Phone and email available at kingpatentlaw.comContains attorney advertisement material.

There is a significant amount of misinformation circulating right now about what AI does and does not mean for your intellectual property. In this episode, Julie King of King Patent Law, PLLC, cuts through the noise with what the law actually says RIGHT NOW about copyright, trademarks, patents, training data, and the growing threat of AI-generated digital replicas.This episode covers:What the U.S. Copyright Office now says about AI-generated works (and the three scenarios that determine your copyright status) Whether your AI prompt makes you the author of the output — the Copyright Office has a clear answerThe dangerous assumptions small business owners make about AI-generated logos and brand namesWhat USPTO guidance says about AI and patents — and why getting inventorship wrong can invalidate your patent entirelyWhat the training data fair use battle means for your businessDigital replicas, voice cloning, and why the Copyright Office is calling for urgent new federal lawTIMESTAMPS(00:00) - Introduction — why there’s so much misinformation about AI and IP right now and why that’s a huge problem(02:44) - Why listen to me about AI and IP? (04:06) – What’s in this episode? (05:12) - Section 1: Copyright and AI — the three scenarios and human authorship(10:01) - Do your prompts make you the author? The Copyright Office’s answer(12:00) - Copyright registration, AI disclosure requirements, and why documentation matters(17:39) - Section 2: Trademark and AI — the logo generator problem and the trademark search AI can’t do(22:30) - Section 3: Patents and AI — why AI cannot be your inventor and what that means for your business(26:57) - Section 4: Training data and the fair use question(30:51) - Section 5: Digital replicas, voice cloning, and the trademark strategy gaining attention in 2026(38:16) - Key takeaways and wrap-upThe companion attorney-focused episode drops next Tuesday, covering the Heppner privilege decision, AI meeting notetakers, and ethics traps for solo and small firm practitioners. Links:2023 blog post, Can You Copyright or Trademark a Logo Designed by AI?:https://kingpatentlaw.com/can-you-copyright-or-trademark-a-logo-designed-by-ai/Copyright Office AI reports: copyright.gov/ai/USPTO AI guidance: https://www.uspto.gov/subscription-center/2025/revised-inventorship-guidance-ai-assisted-inventionsUpdated April 2026 blog post: AI and Your IP: What Every Small Business Owner Actually Needs to Know in 2026 https://kingpatentlaw.com/ai-and-your-ip-what-every-small-business-owner-actually-needs-to-know-in-2026/Book a consultation: kingpatentlaw.com⁠. We serve intellectual property clients nationwide and business and estate planning clients in Illinois.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney. This episode contains attorney advertising material. Julie King | King Patent Law, PLLC | 301 N Neil St Ste 400, Champaign IL 61820. Phone and email available at kingpatentlaw.com

The designer who spent weeks on a logo, got paid, and then discovered she owned nothing. That is what a work-made-for-hire clause can do, and it happens every single day to designers, photographers, musicians, illustrators, and writers.In this episode, attorney Julie King of King Patent Law breaks down IP strategy for creatives: the four types of intellectual property protection, the copyright registration question that determines whether you can actually fight back when someone steals your work, the contract language that silently strips creatives of their rights, and a specific breakdown for influencers and content creators on brand deal IP traps.In this episode:The four IP tools: copyright, trademark, patents, and trade secretsWhy copyright is automatic but registration is essentialAI and copyright: what the Copyright Office actually saysTrademark for creatives: protecting your brand, not just your workDesign patents and utility patents for product-based creativesWork-made-for-hire: the statutory categories every freelancer must knowLicense vs. assignment: the difference that should change how you price your workInfluencers and content creators: brand deal UGC traps, platform terms, and music licensingSix steps to protecting your creative work starting todayTimestamps:(00:00) Intro: a common work-for-hire horror story(02:48) The four IP tools for creatives(03:03) Copyright: registration, DMCA, and what AI changes(07:45) Trademark for creatives(09:54) Patents: design and utility(11:22) Trade secrets(11:53) Work-made-for-hire deep dive(14:06) License vs. assignment(15:08) A note for influencers and content creators(18:14) Six-step protection checklist(21:03) Key takeaways(22:38) FAQs - Can I copyright my art style? I created a logo for a client on a handshake deal. Who owns it? Can I use AI to create my logo and trademark it?(24:31) Disclaimer and booking informationAvoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. We serve intellectual property clients nationwide and business and estate planning clients in Illinois.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorneyJulie King | King Patent Law, PLLC | 301 N Neil St Ste 400, Champaign IL 61820Contains attorney advertisement material.

What happens to your business when you die? If you're a sole proprietor, or if you don’t address succession planning properly for your partnership, LLC, or corporation, the answer is: zombie chaos. In this episode of Spellbinding IP: Patent, Trademark, and Business Strategy, attorney Julie King of King Patent Law walks through the legal reality of what happens to a business, and its intellectual property assets, when an owner dies without a succession plan. Using a real client case (fully anonymized) where a family business devolved into active litigation among family members, Julie shows she’s not being dramatic about the horrors that can ensue when you get it wrong. Then she explains exactly how to prevent the same fate for your business and your family.In this episode What a 'zombie business' is and why they're more common than you'd thinkHow entity choice (sole proprietorship vs. LLC vs. corporation) determines what survives youIllinois-specific rules under the Illinois Limited Liability Company ActWhy your registered trademarks and patents are especially vulnerable in succession chaosWhat a buy-sell agreement is, and why small businesses need one more than big onesA 7-step checklist to zombie-proof your business todayWhen to DIY and when to hire an attorneyTIMESTAMPS:(0:00) – Intro and hook: a real family's business nightmare(2:27) – What is a zombie business?(3:10) – Entity types and what they mean for succession(3:32) – The problems with sole proprietorships(4:31) – The perils of partnerships(5:03) – LLCs – Limited Liability Companies(5:43) – Corporations(5:57) – The Illinois LLC Act: what heirs do and don't get automatically(6:54) – Real-life zombie business nightmare and how it could have been avoided(8:41) – Your IP assets in succession planning: trademarks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets; the chaos that can ensue if it’s not included(10:21) – The operating agreement / bylaws as your survival document(11:18) – Buy-sell agreements(11:51) – Myth-busting for small businesses: why those buy-sell agreements aren’t just for large businesses(12:48) – Step-by-step: how to zombie-proof your business(16:37) – When to DIY vs. hire an attorney(17:50) – What to do if you can't afford to form an LLC right now(19:29) – Key takeaways and wrap-upAvoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. We serve intellectual property clients nationwide and business and estate planning clients in Illinois.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorneyJulie King | King Patent Law, PLLC | 301 N Neil St Ste 400, Champaign IL 61820Contains attorney advertisement material.

Most business problems don't announce themselves with flashing warning lights. They lurk in outdated contracts, expired licenses, and forgotten compliance deadlines. By the time you notice them, they've already cost you money.In this video I walk through a 7-point legal health check every small business owner should do at least once a year, and I show you how to do a 15-minute version if that's all the time you have right now.In this video:How to verify your business entity is still in good standing (and what happens if it isn't)Why your registered agent information might be costing you lawsuits right nowThe operating agreement problem that turns business partners into courtroom enemiesThe contractor IP trap: if there's no written agreement, they might own what they created for youLicenses and permits: the boring stuff that can shut your business down overnightThe 15-minute quick check if you only have time for the essentialsWhen to DIY vs. when to call a lawyerTIMESTAMPS:1:35 - Point 1: Verify your business entity is in good standing2:54 - Point 2: Confirm your registered agent info is current4:10 - Point 3: Review your operating agreement or bylaws5:25 - Point 4: Audit your contracts (auto-renewals, expired agreements)6:58 - Point 5: Employee and contractor documentation8:29 - Point 6: Licenses and permits9:37 - Point 7: Insurance review11:01 - The 15-minute quick check12:04 - When to DIY vs. hire a lawyerGet the 7-Point Business Checkup Checklist at ⁠kingpatentlaw.comAvoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

Want to file a trademark before you launch your business? Intent-to-Use (ITU) applications let you secure your brand name before going public, but they're significantly more complex than standard trademark filings.In this episode, I break down ITU applications and the highly technical specimen requirements that trip up even experienced filers. Learn what trademark specimens actually are, what the USPTO accepts (and rejects), why website screenshots often fail, and the absolute deadlines you cannot miss.Specimen rejections are one of the most common reasons for Office Actions. Understanding the requirements helps you appreciate why professional guidance is essential—and how to avoid the costly mistakes that happen regularly with DIY filing.Key topics covered:What Intent-to-Use trademark applications are and when they make senseThe ITU process: filing, examination, Notice of Allowance, extensions, and registrationThe 6-month deadline after Notice of Allowance (and what happens if you miss it)What trademark specimens are and why they're more complex than they appearSpecimens for goods vs. services: different requirementsCommon specimen mistakes that lead to USPTO rejectionsWhy website screenshots often fail (and what works instead)The ornamental use problem for apparel brandsWhy comprehensive trademark searching is criticalWhy this isn't DIY territory: the disasters that happen without professional helpRisk mitigation and the real cost of trademark mistakesTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction: The cryptic requirements of trademark specimens1:57 - You can file before you launch: Intent-to-Use applications explained3:11 - When an ITU trademark application makes sense4:48 - The ITU application process walkthrough8:44 - The 6-month deadline to show use9:52 - Extension strategy: up to 36 months total11:41 - What is a trademark specimen?12:00 - Specimens for goods: tags, labels, packaging, and real-world use14:14 - Specimens for services: the description requirement15:08 - Myth-buster: Website screenshots aren't always acceptable16:02 - Common specimen mistakes that lead to rejections19:13 - Why professional guidance is essential24:12 - FAQ: Can I DIY and hire an attorney later?24:59 - What your trademark attorney actually does26:38 - The real cost comparison: Risk mitigation vs. DIY disasters29:47 - Key takeaway: Professional guidance protects your brandAvoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

Planning to sell your invention internationally? You need a global patent strategy, because international filing is complex and expensive.In this episode, patent attorney Julie King breaks down your options for protecting inventions abroad: the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), Paris Convention direct filing, and regional systems like the European Patent Office.Learn when each strategy makes sense, the critical deadlines that can destroy your international rights, realistic cost expectations ($40k-$60k+ for 5 countries), and strategic questions to ask before committing to foreign filings.Key topics covered: Why there's no such thing as a "global patent"How the PCT buys you time (30 months vs. 12)When to use direct foreign filing insteadCost breakdowns by filing route and countryCommon mistakes that kill international patent strategiesStrategic questions: where should you file? TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction 1:30 - No "global patent" exists 2:44 - Three main filing options3:17 - Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) explained 7:00 - Paris Convention direct filing 7:52 - PCT vs. Paris Convention9:04 - Regional Patent Systems10:06 - Critical deadlines 12:41 - Cost breakdown 15:55 - Strategic questions 17:43 - Common mistakes 19:55 - ConclusionAvoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

What does it actually cost to get a patent? Not the advertised number from patent mills. The real, complete cost.Patent attorney Julie King breaks down typical expenses you'll encounter in the patent process, from initial searches to maintenance fees, and why that $25,000+ budget for a US patent isn't a scare tactic; it's reality.You'll learn:How long it takes at a minimum to get a patent (probably much longer than you think)What a professional patentability search actually costs What properly drafted applications cost What Office Actions are, why you'll probably get at least one, and why they cost money to handle properlyOther costs to consider, like freedom-to-operate searches, international filing, and maintenance fees you'll pay after your patent is grantedWhen the investment is absolutely worth itThis is the reality check every inventor needs before spending a single dollar on patent protection.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

Can you legally file your own patent application? Yes. Should you? Patent attorney Julie King explains why DIY patent applications are almost always a terrible idea, and the rare circumstances when they might be acceptable.You'll learn:Why patent law is uniquely technical and complexWhat patent attorneys bring to the table (technical degrees + legal training + special bar exam)How one wrong word in your claims can make your patent worthlessThe real cost of trying to save money with DIY filingWhen DIY might be acceptable (hint: only if you don't care about actually getting strong protection)See Monday's episode this week to learn why "quickly granted" DIY applications are often terrible.This episode could save you from a very expensive mistake.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠If you're serious about protecting your invention, book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠to discuss your options.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

This might be the most important misconception to clear up in all of patent law: there is no such thing as a "provisional patent."Patent attorney Julie King explains the critical difference between provisional applications, non-provisional applications, and actual issued patents, and why getting this wrong can cost you everything.You'll learn:Why a provisional application is NOT a patentThe 12-month deadline that can make or break your patent rightsWhy you have ZERO enforceable rights until a patent is actually grantedPlus: The Frankenstein analogy that makes this all make sense.This episode could save you from making a mistake that costs you all your potential patent rights.Visit kingpatentlaw.com to learn more about provisional and non-provisional patent applications.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

The most underrated, and most critical, step in the patent process is something you can start doing today, for free: detailed documentation of your invention.In this episode, patent attorney Julie King explains exactly what you need to document, how to do it properly, and why this seemingly simple step can be the difference between winning and losing a patent dispute.You'll learn:The things you must document about your inventionWhy documenting failures is just as important as documenting successesWhy documenting is important in the first placePlus: Why Dr. Frankenstein's lab notes are actually a pretty good model for what you should be doing.This is something you can, and should, start doing immediately, even before talking to a patent attorney.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

Not everything needs a patent, and seeking the wrong type of intellectual property protection can waste thousands of dollars and months of your time.In this quick episode, patent attorney Julie King explains the critical differences between patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and how to know which one (or which combination) your business actually needs.You'll learn:Why your company logo can't be patented (and what it needs instead)When trade secret protection is smarter than a patent (like Coca-Cola's formula)The difference between patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secretsWhy some inventions need MULTIPLE types of IP protectionThis is essential knowledge before you spend a dime on any type of IP protection.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

New year, new patent goals? Before you spend thousands on the wrong type of protection, listen to this. Chapters:0:13 Getting a Patent Can Be Complicated0:33 Step 1: First Things First. Do You Actually Need a Patent?1:32 Step 2: Document Everything2:52 Step 3: Do Some Preliminary Research4:28 Step 4: Think About Your IP Strategy Holistically6:00 Step 5: Understand Your Patent Options7:14 Utility patent applications are where things get interesting7:29 Provisional patent application9:16 Non-provisional patent application10:23 Step 6: Know What You're Up Against (The Reality Check)12:38 Step 7: Hire a Patent Attorney (Yes, Really)14:27 Ready to Take Action?New year, new patent goals? Before you spend thousands on the wrong type of protection, listen to this. Patent attorney Julie King breaks down the seven essential steps every inventor needs to take before filing a patent application, from figuring out if you actually need a patent (versus a trademark or trade secret) to understanding the brutal truth about costs and timelines.You'll learn: How to tell if a patent is the right protection for your invention Why documentation can make or break your application (think Dr. Frankenstein's lab notes) The critical difference between provisional and non-provisional applicationsWhat a professional patent search actually costs ($1,000-$3,000+) Why a $25,000+ budget for a US patent isn't a scare tactic The guitar pickup patent that changed rock and roll forever • When DIY patent filing is actually acceptable (spoiler: rarely)This episode is for inventors, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who need straight talk about patent law without the legal jargon. Whether you're inventing a new guitar pedal or developing the next big tech product, these steps will save you time, money, and heartbreak.Julie King is a patent attorney with a master's degree in computer science and over 25 years of legal experience. She also happens to love horror movies and rock music, hence the creative analogies.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

In this episode, I go over:the pros and cons of having an LLCthe pros and cons of having a corporationwhen to chose a C-corporationwhen to elect S-corporation taxation for your LLC or corporationAvoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

What does "piercing the corporate veil" mean, and why should you care?Your LLC or corporation creates a legal shield between you and your business. Business gets sued? Only business assets are at risk.But courts will "pierce the veil" and hold you personally liable for business debts if you do the things I list in this episode.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

S-Corps and C-Corps offer maximum liability protection, but they come with formalities, costs, and tax implications most small businesses don't need.In this episode, I go over:what C-corporations and S-corporations are, when they're a good idea and why, andwhy starting as an LLC is the right choice for most small businesses.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

The LLC is the most popular business structure in America for good reason. But the fortress walls only protect you if you maintain them properly.🏰 WHY MOST BUSINESSES CHOOSE LLCs:Liability protection - Personal assets shielded from business liabilitiesFlexible management structurePass-through taxation (no entity-level tax)Tax flexibility (can elect S-Corp treatment later)Less formality than corporationsCredibility with customers and vendors⚠️ WHEN THE FORTRESS FAILS: "Piercing the Corporate Veil"Courts will strip away your LLC protection if you:❌ Mix personal and business finances❌ Pay personal expenses from the business account❌ Fail to maintain separate bank accounts❌ Don't file annual reports❌ Undercapitalize the business❌ Don't maintain proper recordsThe fortress walls only work if you maintain them.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

Welcome to Entityville, where every business must choose a dwelling. Your choice determines whether you sleep soundly or lie awake worrying about personal liability and tax burdens.In this episode, I walk you through the four main business structures:The Exposed Cottage (Sole Proprietorship) - Zero protection, maximum personal riskThe Shared Mansion (Partnership) - Dangerous without proper agreementsThe Fortress (LLC) - Liability protection with flexibilityThe Corporate Castle (S-Corp vs. C-Corp) - Maximum security with formalitiesI cover: When each structure makes sense (and when it's a terrible choice)How to avoid "piercing the corporate veil" and losing your LLC protectionS-Corp vs. C-Corp tax treatment and the self-employment tax savings strategyIllinois-specific requirements for professional entities and Series LLCsThe decision framework based on your liability risk, tax situation, and growth plansFor most small businesses, the answer is clear: Form an LLC. But the details matter. Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney and tax professional.

If you have an innovation, you face a choice: patent it or keep it as a trade secret.I walk through some advantages and disadvantages of protecting innovation through patents and as trade secrets.Then I tell you the strategic question to ask yourself and how your answer will help determine which is the most appropriate protection.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

If your business has confidential information, or trade secrets, this beginning-of-year trade secret self-check could save you from losing valuable rights. I'm Julie King with King Patent Law, and today I'm walking you through how to audit your trade secrets.I walk through three critical questions you need to ask about your business secrets.I go over how to answer these questions and what to do about your answers.These questions will help you identify gaps in your trade secret protection.For the complete IP audit checklist, watch the full video from earlier this week and download the free checklist at kingpatentlaw.com (or you can use the QR code in this video).Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

If you have patents or patent applications, this beginning-of-year self-check could save you from losing valuable rights. I'm Julie King with King Patent Law, and today I'm walking you through how to audit your patents. I walk through three critical questions you need to ask about your patents, patent applications, and innovations.I go over how to answer these questions and what to do about your answers.These questions will help you identify gaps in your patent protection.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.For the complete IP audit checklist, watch the full video from earlier this week and download the free checklist at kingpatentlaw.com (or you can use the QR code in this video).Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

Your brand might not be as protected as you think. I'm Julie King with King Patent Law, and today I'm showing you how to audit your trademark protection in 2026.Let's walk through five critical questions you need to ask about your trademarks.Question one: What are you using versus what's registered?Question two: Have you expanded into new categories?Question three: Are you using the ® symbol correctly?Question four: Do you own your domains and social handles?Question five: Are there trademark squatters or infringers?I go over how to answer these questions and what to do about your answers.These five questions will help you identify gaps in your trademark protection.For the complete IP audit checklist, watch the full video from earlier this week and download the free checklist at kingpatentlaw.com (or you can use the QR code in this video).Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

The Annual Exorcism of Business Horror Part 2: Your IP Legal Checkup | What Intellectual Property Is Haunting Your Business?⏱️ CHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction: Why an IP Audit Matters1:39 IP Refresher (What do Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, and Trade Secrets Protect?)2:15 Trademark Audit (Brand Names, Logos, Domains, Product/Packaging Design)10:53 Copyright Audit (Creative Works, Ownership)16:37 Patent and Trade Secret Audit (Protecting Your Innovations and Confidential Information)25:00 Conclusion and Resources (Free Checklist)Last week, I talked about your business foundation: entity status, contracts, licenses, etc. Those are the operational backbone that keeps your business legally sound.This week, I’m talking about something potentially even more valuable that EVERY business has: your intellectual property.ALL businesses have intellectual property, and for many businesses, intellectual property IS the business. Your brand name, your logo, your proprietary processes, your creative content; they're often the most valuable assets you own.Despite all that truth, most business owners have no idea (1) that they have IP, (2) what IP they actually have, (3) whether their IP is protected, or (4) when critical deadlines are coming up.That changes today.By the end of this video, you'll know exactly how to audit your intellectual property, identify gaps in your protection, and prioritize what needs attention this year.Download the free IP Checkup Checklist at kingpatentlaw.com (or use the QR code in the video) so you have a step-by-step guide for auditing your intellectual property.If you discover gaps or problems during your audit that you're not sure how to address, or you don’t have time to do it yourself, schedule a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com or call 217-714-8558. We'll review your IP portfolio and create a protection strategy that fits your budget and prioritiesAvoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

Three contract red flags every business owner should check right now. Red flag #1: You're operating under an expired contract. A one-year contract ended, but both parties kept performing. You've created legal ambiguity that could blow up in a dispute.Red flag #2: You have an auto-renewal contract and missedthe cancellation deadline. Many contracts renew automatically unless you give 30, 60, or 90 days’ notice. If you want out, you need to know those deadlines NOW.Red flag #3: You're paying for services you're not using. Just because you signed it doesn't mean you have to keep it. January is the time to renegotiate or terminate contracts that aren't serving you.Pull out your contracts this month. Check the dates. Calendar the deadlines.WANT A FULL 7-POINT BUSINESS CHECKUP CHECKLIST?Get the complete Beginning-of-Year Business Checkup Checklist at https://kingpatentlaw.com/business-checkup-checklist/(see QR code in video)Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposesonly, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

What does "good standing" actually mean for your business?If you formed an LLC or corporation, your state requires youto file annual reports and pay fees to stay active. If you don't, your business falls out of "good standing."Why does this matter? Operating while not in good standingcan void your liability protection, prevent you from filing lawsuits, and create problems when you try to get a loan or sell the business.Check your status right now at your Secretary of State'swebsite. Takes two minutes.WANT A FULL 7-POINT BUSINESS CHECKUP CHECKLIST?Get the complete Beginning-of-Year Business Checkup Checklist at https://kingpatentlaw.com/business-checkup-checklist/(see QR code in video)Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposesonly, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

This registered agent mistake could cost your business $10K+Registered agent moves and doesn’t update address. Business misses a lawsuit notice. Default judgment: $10,000.Check your registered agent info NOW.WANT A FULL 7-POINT BUSINESS CHECKUP CHECKLIST?Get the complete Beginning-of-Year Business Checkup Checklist at https://kingpatentlaw.com/business-checkup-checklist/Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposesonly, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship.For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

You're busy. You don't have time for a full business audit this month. I get it.Here's a 15-minute business health check you can do right now that will prevent many of the easily preventable legal disasters I see in small businesses. ⏱️ THE 3 STEPS (5 minutes each):1. Check your state business entity status online2. Calendar all renewal deadlines for the year3. Verify your registered agent contact info Fifteen minutes. Three tasks. Prevents disaster. 📋 WANT THE FULL CHECKUP?Get the complete Beginning-of-Year Business Checkup Checklist at https://kingpatentlaw.com/business-checkup-checklist/Ready to protect your brand and business? Book aconsultation at kingpatentlaw.com.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP. ---Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

Your business entity might be in trouble, and you don't even know it. Here are 3 critical corporate housekeeping tasks you need to check right now. THE 3 TASKS:1. Verify your business is in good standing with the state2. Confirm your registered agent information is current3. Review your operating agreement or bylaws These three tasks take less than an hour total, but theyprevent catastrophic problems down the road. 📋 DOWNLOAD THE FREE CHECKLIST:Get the complete Beginning-of-Year Business Checkup Checklist at https://kingpatentlaw.com/business-checkup-checklist/Ready to protect your brand and business? Book aconsultation at kingpatentlaw.com.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.---Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposesonly, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

It's January, and your business needs a checkup. I'm breaking down the 7 critical things every business owner should review this month to prevent legal disasters before they start.🗂️ TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction: Why January?1:32 - Corporate Housekeeping (Points 1-3)5:30 - Contracts and Agreements (Points 4-5)8:39 - Compliance and Licensing (Points 6-7)11:10 - The 15-Minute Quick Check12:13 - When to Call a Lawyer12:56 - Conclusion and Resources📋 DOWNLOAD THE FREE CHECKLIST:Get the complete Beginning-of-Year Business Checkup Checklist at https://kingpatentlaw.com/business-checkup-checklist/✅ THE 7 POINTS COVERED:1. Verify your business entity is in good standing2. Confirm your registered agent information is current3. Review and update your operating agreement or bylaws4. Audit your active contracts5. Review employee and contractor documentation6. Verify business licenses and permits are current7. Review your business insurance coverageReady to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.---ABOUT KING PATENT LAW:I help entrepreneurs across the U.S. make smart, legally sound decisions about their intellectual property and business structure. I'm an attorney in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, serving clients nationwide.🎙️ PODCAST: "Spellbinding IP: Patent, Trademark, and Business Strategy" on all major podcast platforms📱 SOCIAL: @kingpatentlaw🌐 WEBSITE: kingpatentlaw.com---Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

In this episode, patent and trademark lawyer Julie King covers how to use BOTH design patent protection and trade dress trademark protection to protect your product design initially and indefinitely. Learn which to use first and why that is.Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠ Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

In this episode, patent and trademark lawyer Julie King covers the differences between design patents and trade dress trademarks, and how the design being functional and not just ornamental can be a HUGE problem for getting either kind of protection.Full transcript and more resources at kingpatentlaw.com/blogReady to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.________________________________________Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

In this episode (#150!), patent and trademark lawyer Julie King covers how trade dress trademarks can protect your product design indefinitely. Learn the two strict hurdles to getting this protection: non-functionality and "secondary meaning."Full transcript and more resources at kingpatentlaw.com/blogReady to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.________________________________________Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

In this episode, Julie King covers how a design patent is the first intellectual property tool to use to protect and defend how your product LOOKS.Full transcript at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Don't let the legal darkness win. Ready to build or manage your frighteningly powerful IP? Book your consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.This information is for educational purposes only, isn’t legal advice, and doesn’t form an attorney-client relationship. Please seek the counsel of a licensed attorney, perhaps me, for your specific legal needs.

Welcome to Spellbinding IP! This week, we tackle the Two-Headed Monster of Design IP: the combined power of Design Patents and Trade Dress. Julie King explains why you need both tools to protect your product's look. Learn which one gives you immediate enforcement power (the patent) and which one protects your design indefinitely (the trade dress), and why functionality is the major legal hurdle for both. In this Episode:Design Patents - the 15-year head start (1:06)What Design Patents Have That Trade Dress Doesn’t (1:41)Trade Dress Trademarks - the nearly immortal protection (2:51)What Trade Dress Has That Design Patents Don’t (3:29)Trade Dress Biggest Obstacles: Functionality and Time (3:57)The Two-Stage Defense: Building a Ferocious Beast (5:08)Full transcript at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Don't let the legal darkness win. Ready to build or manage your frighteningly powerful IP? Book your consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.This information is for educational purposes only, isn’t legal advice, and doesn’t form an attorney-client relationship. Please seek the counsel of a licensed attorney, perhaps me, for your specific legal needs.

In this episode, Julie King covers how to keep your business's value safe by keeping its secrets safe. Your secret recipe, customer mailing list, marketing plan, and anything else that gives you a competitive edge because no one else knows it, all need to be locked down!Full transcript at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Don't let the legal darkness win. Ready to build or manage your frighteningly powerful IP? Book your consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.This information is for educational purposes only, isn’t legal advice, and doesn’t form an attorney-client relationship. Please seek the counsel of a licensed attorney, perhaps me, for your specific legal needs.

In this episode, Julie King covers why it's crucial for you to keep your invention hush-hush until you know whether making it public will destroy some of your potential patent rights.Full transcript at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Don't let the legal darkness win. Ready to build or manage your frighteningly powerful IP? Book your consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.This information is for educational purposes only, isn’t legal advice, and doesn’t form an attorney-client relationship. Please seek the counsel of a licensed attorney, perhaps me, for your specific legal needs.

In this episode, Julie King covers how a business's first trademark mistake can be catastrophic. THOROUGH business name and brand name clearance is a must to avoid infringement.Full transcript at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Don't let the legal darkness win. Ready to build or manage your frighteningly powerful IP? Book your consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.This information is for educational purposes only, isn’t legal advice, and doesn’t form an attorney-client relationship. Please seek the counsel of a licensed attorney, perhaps me, for your specific legal needs.

In this episode, Julie King covers why your business can't rely on automatic copyright rights to maximize the copyright rights and their value.Full transcript at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Don't let the legal darkness win. Ready to build or manage your frighteningly powerful IP? Book your consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.This information is for educational purposes only, isn’t legal advice, and doesn’t form an attorney-client relationship. Please seek the counsel of a licensed attorney, perhaps me, for your specific legal needs.

In this episode, we talk about how to ensure your company's IP assets survive and thrive. Julie King covers the four vital IP types that can add capital to your business as valuable assets or leave money on the table or, worse, destroy the value of the business if mismanaged or ignored. We discuss protecting your expressions (Copyright), your source (Trademark), your invention (Patent), and your confidential knowledge (Trade Secret). Copyright (1:05)Trademark (2:26)Patent (4:01)Trade Secret (5:07)Full transcript at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Don't let the legal darkness win. Ready to build or manage your frighteningly powerful IP? Book your consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP!This information is for educational purposes only, isn’t legal advice, and doesn’t form an attorney-client relationship. Please seek the counsel of a licensed attorney, perhaps me, for your specific legal needs.

Why can DIY patent filing be an inventor's most expensive mistake?Weak or vague claims from self-filing are easily invalidated or worked around. Invest in legal expertise for a robust asset.Full transcript at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Don't let the legal darkness win. Ready to build or manage your frighteningly powerful IP? Book your consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.This information is for educational purposes only, isn’t legal advice, and doesn’t form an attorney-client relationship. Please seek the counsel of a licensed attorney, perhaps me, for your specific legal needs.

Can AI be an inventor? 🤖 NO! The USPTO rule is clear: only natural persons can be inventors. Naming an AI as an inventor is bad, and taking credit for the parts the AI came up with is the sin of Impersonation and can invalidate your patent. Document the human conception! Full transcript at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Don't let the legal darkness win. Ready to build or manage your frighteningly powerful IP? Book your consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.This information is for educational purposes only, isn’t legal advice, and doesn’t form an attorney-client relationship. Please seek the counsel of a licensed attorney, perhaps me, for your specific legal needs.

Your Idea is NEW, but is it OBVIOUS? The Obvious Killer haunts the USPTO. Learn the PHOSITA Test (Person Having Ordinary Skill in the Art) and how to prove your invention is a "significant leap," not just an expected variation! Full transcript at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Don't let the legal darkness win. Ready to build or manage your frighteningly powerful IP? Book your consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.This information is for educational purposes only, isn’t legal advice, and doesn’t form an attorney-client relationship. Please seek the counsel of a licensed attorney, perhaps me, for your specific legal needs.

Legal Fact: Sin 3 - Omission. Rejections based on insufficient disclosure are one of the most common grounds for application failure. A vague claim is an unenforceable claim.Full transcript at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠Don't let the legal darkness win. Ready to build or manage your frighteningly powerful IP? Book your consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com⁠. Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.This information is for educational purposes only, isn’t legal advice, and doesn’t form an attorney-client relationship. Please seek the counsel of a licensed attorney, perhaps me, for your specific legal needs.