Trademark & Copyright
Protection Counsel
Federal trademark registration, copyright protection, DMCA enforcement, and licensing counsel — structured around your creative and commercial goals.
Federal Trademark Registration & Brand Protection
A trademark is a word, phrase, logo, or symbol that identifies the source of goods or services and distinguishes them from those of others. Federal registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office provides nationwide priority, the right to use the ® symbol, and a presumption of ownership that significantly strengthens your position in any dispute.
Since 2019, foreign-domiciled applicants have been required to retain a U.S.-licensed attorney to file trademark applications with the USPTO. U.S.-domiciled applicants are not subject to the same mandatory requirement, but working with a licensed attorney remains the most reliable way to avoid procedural errors, respond to office actions, and build a defensible registration.
Clearance Searches
Comprehensive USPTO, state registry, and common-law searches before you invest in a brand.
USPTO Applications
TEAS Plus filings with proper identification of goods and services for the strongest possible registration.
Office Action Responses
Attorney-drafted responses to USPTO examining attorney rejections and procedural refusals.
International Protection
Madrid Protocol filings for brand protection in 130+ countries through a single application.
Why Register Federally
- Nationwide priority from your filing date
- Right to use the ® symbol
- Presumption of ownership in court
- Basis for blocking infringing imports at U.S. Customs
- Foundation for international registration
- Stronger leverage in cease-and-desist disputes
Trademark Consultation
30-Minute Trademark Consultation — $150
Attorney Hawkins will review your proposed mark, run a preliminary USPTO database check, assess your likelihood of registration, and explain the three-phase process before you spend anything on filing fees.
The $150 consultation fee is credited toward the Phase Three USPTO application attorney fee if you elect to file — not toward the Phase Two memorandum.
Cancellation & No-Show Policy
More than 24 hours' notice: Full $150 refund.
Less than 24 hours' notice: $50 forfeited; $100 refunded.
No-show: Full $150 forfeited. No exceptions.
A Clear, Three-Phase Process
Trademark work begins with a conversation, not paperwork. The firm structures its trademark services in three distinct phases so you can make an informed decision at every step before committing to a federal filing.
Phase One
Initial Consultation
$150
30-minute trademark consultation
Fee credited toward Phase Three if you elect to file.
- Review of proposed mark and business context
- Preliminary USPTO database search
- Initial registrability assessment
- Explanation of three-phase process
- Candid assessment of registration prospects
Phase Two
Trademark Clearance Memorandum
$750
Comprehensive clearance search & written memo
Phase One fee is not credited toward Phase Two.
- Comprehensive USPTO database search
- State trademark registry search
- Common-law use search
- Written legal memorandum
- Registrability assessment with risk analysis
Phase Three
USPTO Application
$1,500
Flat fee + USPTO filing fees (per class)
Phase One $150 fee credited toward this phase.
- TEAS Plus application preparation
- Identification of goods and services
- Specimen review and guidance
- Initial USPTO examiner correspondence
- Filing confirmation and status updates
Ready to Protect Your Brand?
The trademark process begins with a consultation. The firm will assess your mark, explain the clearance process, and give you a candid view of your registration prospects before you spend a dollar on filing fees.
Licensed In
Florida · D.C.
Carl G. Hawkins
Carl G. Hawkins advises entrepreneurs, content creators, athletes, and businesses on the full spectrum of intellectual property matters — from federal trademark registration and USPTO prosecution to copyright protection, DMCA enforcement, and licensing strategy.
As a boutique solo practitioner, Mr. Hawkins works directly with every client. There are no associates reviewing your matter before it reaches him — he handles it personally, from initial assessment through final resolution.
Full Biography