Episode 2: How to Protect Your Company using Trademarks with Scott Kartsounes

A trademark is a distinctive sign or emblem identifying a particular business or product. It can prevent others from using the same signs or emblems without permission. It is an exclusive right granted by law to a trademark holder to identify their goods and services as those produced or sold under their brand. Since registering a trademark is long and complicated, Scott brings the trademark jargon in a language that a ten-year child can understand. Scott Kartsounes is the co-founder of Intelligence, Inc., developers of Event Intelligence® – a leading online event booking, planning, and management platform used by thousands of mobile DJs, entertainers, photo booth operators, and event companies in two dozen countries worldwide. Intelligence, Inc. is also the developer of Party Blast™ – a prominent online event directory that lists thousands of event professionals in the U.S. & Canada. Intelligence, Inc. works with over fifty thousand event professionals. Scott Kartsounes holds a degree in Engineering from the University of Illinois Chicago, an MBA from National Louis University, and a certificate in Entrepreneurship from Harvard Business School. Scott also owned and operated one of Chicago’s largest and most successful mobile entertainment companies from 1990 to 2003. Tune in! Conversation Highlights; [01:05] A bit of Scott’s background and his Djaying Journey [06:00] Using Event Intelligence has been phenomenal in Kyle’s business [10:42] Trademarks and their importance to the company [13:52] Trademark versus copyright explained [15:12] How and where to register your trademark [16:07] Why should you register a trademark [17:32] Infringement by cyber-squatters and examples [20:18] Infringement by competitors’ examples [23:27] Trademark gives you the power to be the authoritative leader [27:34] What qualifies for registration [30:54] Examples of trademark classes in the education and entertainment industry [32:24] Expected fees and timelines when registering for a trademark [37:16] Online filing and what happens [38:58] This is when you can safely start using the ® symbol [41:11] Trademarking is not a one-time payment, but a lifelong commitment [43:36] Do you need further legal assistance? [46:20] Episode wrap up and calls to action Notable Quotes[03:42] In today’s world, subscription services are everything[04:15] To succeed in business, you must start by selling a concept, then a product follows[04:27] To buy a software service that you’ll download and install is unheard of nowadays. Everything is on the cloud.[17:13] Companies with a registered trademark symbol become more official and authoritative.Let’s Connect!Scott Kartsounes Websites: https://www.intelligenceinc.com/https://www.eventintelligence.com/ https://www.partyblast.com/Social Media: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/kartsounes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeinthecsuite/Twitter: https://twitter.com/kartsounesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kartsounes/Disclaimer: This interview is for informational purposes only. Scott Kartsounes is not an attorney. None of the information provided is meant to be construed as legal advice. Attendees should consult with a qualified attorney with questions specific to their situation.