The probate process in Texas can be broken down into six steps. The first step involves the initial filing of the application for probate, usually in the probate court in the county where the decedent resided. This application includes information such as the...
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What Is A Trademark Search? Why Do We Need One?
A trademark clearance search is generally a search of registries, markets, and other avenues of commerce to see if your prospective trademark may be “confusingly similar” to the prior mark. The analysis of what is confusingly similar depends on more than just the mark...
What Is Probate Under Texas State Law? Is There More Than One Type Of Probate?
Probate will be necessary when a person dies and leaves property that has not been transferred by trust, joint ownership, the right of survivorship, or direct payments to beneficiaries. For example, if an insurance policy or retirement account hasn’t been transferred...
What Is Protected Once A Trademark Has Been Established?
An established trademark protects the trademark owner from others who may try to hitch a ride or damage on the goodwill that is associated with that trademark. For example, an entrepreneur may put out a confusingly similar trademark on related goods or services....
How Can I Protect My Trademark Or Patent From Being Infringed Upon?
One way to protect a trademark from infringement is to select a strong mark. There is something called the spectrum of distinctiveness in trademark law, which goes from something that is generic (i.e. having no distinctiveness whatsoever), to something that is...
How Long Is My Trademark Valid For? Does My Trademark Ever Expire?
If properly maintained, a trademark registration may exist indefinitely provided it is continuously being using in commerce in association with the claimed goods and/or services it covers. Trademarks are assumed to be abandoned after three years of consecutive non-use...
A Beginner’s Guide to Estate Planning
Contrary to popular thought, estate planning is not just something for the extremely wealthy or the elderly. In fact, every adult should consider how they would like to preserve and pass on their wealth to future generations, charitable organizations, or other...
Wealth Transfer Strategies to Consider in an Election Year
With a push by the Democratic party to return federal estate taxes to their historic norms, taxpayers need to act now before Congress passes legislation that could adversely impact their estates. Currently, the federal estate and gift tax exemption is set at $11.58...
How to Help Your Loved Ones (and Assets) Avoid Probate
Today, many people are using a revocable living trust instead of a will or joint ownership as the foundation of their estate plan. When properly prepared, a living trust avoids the public, costly and time-consuming court processes of conservatorship or guardianship...
How To Set Up Your Trustee For Success
For many people, a revocable living trust is a valuable tool to ensure that their finances are well managed during periods of incapacity and that their loved ones are financially secure upon their passing. However, signing the trust agreement doesn’t end the estate...