Quote of the Day

"The protection of trade-marks is the law's recognition of the psychological function of symbols. If it is true that we live by symbols, it is no less true that we purchase goods by them. A trade-mark is a merchandising short-cut which induces a purchaser to select what he wants, or what he has been led to believe he wants." Justice Felix Frankfurter

QR Codes: Law Firms Join The Party

The days of QR Codes being used solely as coupons and price checks are gone and now even law firms are joining the QR Code party. Law firms, as with other more traditional service providers, are finding innovative ways to integrate QR Codes into their promotional efforts. Here are some of the ways QR Codes are currently being used to promote law firms: 1. On business cards to link to contact information, directions, newsletters, or webpages; 2. On websites for clients to store contact information on their smartphones; 3. On law firm blogs to link to a law firm's main website (scan image to the left); 4. To link to a webpage offering a free consultation, ebook, or free report; 5. To link to an video tutorial on a specific legal issue or area of law.

Is Facebook A Platform Made for Branding or Advertising

An interesting read discussing if Facebook can truly emerge as an alternative to Google as a global advertising platform. The article discusses the difference between achieving viability as a branding medium, something Facebook has already proven it does quite well, and achieving viability as a advertising medium, a crucial component of Facebook's future monetization efforts and an essential step in justifying its arguably unjustifiable corporate valuation numbers. While it seems an afterthought to most established and emerging brands that to have a Facebook page is the first step to joining the social media world, it has yet to be shown whether they will ever be considered on the same level as Google in the online advertising world. Only time and pay-for-clicks will tell.

USPTO: Trademark Rule Change - New Requirements for Specimens and Affidavits for Declarations of Use

I have been of the opinion for quite some time, that specimens should be required for each good and/or service listed in a trademark application so as to leave no doubt as to any elements of fraud, lack of bona fide intent, or for renewals, abandonment. It appears that while the USPTO has not gone so far as to require such proof of use at this time, based on the new rules going into effect on June 22, 2012, they are definitely heading in that direction. NEW USPTO EXAMINATION RULES