Info/FAQs

I’m not located in Texas. Can you still work with me?

Yes! Trademarks and copyrights are protected under Federal law. This means that Francés and the support team can assist Visionary Founders & Nonprofits who are looking for a trademark attorney in Austin, TX; as well as anywhere in the United States or globally with their trademark and copyright matters.

Do Trademarks, Copyrights, & Patents protect the same things?

No. Trademarks, Copyrights, & Patents protect different types of intellectual property.

What is a Trademark or Service Mark?

A trademark typically protects brand names and logos used on goods and services. Traditionally, a trademark is generally a word, phrase, symbol, or design, or a combination thereof, that identifies the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishes them from the goods or services of others. Although quite rare and difficult to establish, trademark law recently also allows owners to obtain trademark rights in colors, scents, sounds, shapes, flavors, textures, and other “non-traditional” marks that identify and distinguish the source of goods or services. You can recognize a trademark claim by the “TM” or by the “R” in a circle ® symbol.

What is a Copyright?

A copyright protects “original works of authorship” which are fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Such works include literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works such as poetry, drawings, paintings, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright law does not protect facts, ideas, or discoveries, but it may protect the way that facts, ideas, or discoveries are expressed. You can recognize a copyright claim by the “C” in a circle © or by the word “Copyright”.

What is a Patent?

A patent protects inventions and discoveries.  

We do not handle patent law matters. However, we may be able to assist you with a referral to a patent law attorney.

How is a Trademark different from a Copyright or a Patent?

For example, if you invent a new kind of vacuum cleaner, you would apply to register a trademark to secure and protect your brand name of the vacuum cleaner. You would apply for a patent to protect the invention itself. And you would register a copyright for the TV commercial that you use to market the product.

When should a doctor, dentist, or other healthcare entrepreneur or professional secure Federal trademark protection for a practice name?

Ideally, before opening your doors.

Your medical or dental practice name deserves Federal trademark protection. Let Soul Matters - Visionary Trademark Law® help you.

Securing Federal trademark protection early, before investing in your website, signage, marketing, and patient outreach, helps confirm your name is available and reduces the risk of costly conflicts later. If another business already has rights to a similar name, you could face an expensive rebrand after you’ve already built goodwill in the marketplace. And important to know, registering your business with your state is not the same as owning Federal trademark rights.  

A Federal trademark provides nationwide protection for your brand, which is critical protection if you have any type of online presence, regardless of whether or not your office or medical / dental license is based in one state.

If your medical or dental practice is already established, it’s not too late. Federal trademark protection is just as important for existing practices, especially if you’re expanding, adding locations, offering telehealth services, or launching products or educational programs.

At Soul Matters - Visionary Trademark Law®, we help visionary physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other healthcare entrepreneurs and professionals protect the brands they’ve worked so hard to build through strategic searches, Federal trademark registration, and long-term brand protection. Your reputation deserves protection from day one, and every day after.