User Agreement
Welcome, and thank you for using Trademarkia. Please read this
engagement agreement and all other agreements and policies referenced
herein in its entirety. These agreements and policies are collectively
referred to as the “Terms of Service” (or
“Terms”). Please read the following carefully before using
the
www.trademarkia.com
website operated by the law firm LegalForce RAPC Worldwide P.C., dba
Trademarkia P.C. (the “Firm”, “We” or
“Trademarkia”), as these Terms contain important information
regarding your legal rights, remedies, and obligations. Set forth below
are various limitations and exclusions, a binding arbitration agreement,
and a class action waiver.
This User Agreement (“Agreement”) is a contract between you
(“User,” “Prospective Client,” or “Trademark
Owner”), LegalForce RAPC Worldwide P.C., dba Trademarkia P.C. (the
“Firm”, “We” or “Trademarkia”), and
affiliates to the extent expressed throughout this Agreement. Please read,
agree to, and accept all of the terms and conditions contained herein in
order to become a User of the Trademarkia website (www.trademarkia.com)
and the rest of the Site or the Site Services as defined in the
Site Terms of Use
.
This Agreement includes and hereby incorporates by reference all
previously accepted agreements made by accessing this website and/or its
services, including your agreement to be bound by the Terms and Conditions
set forth herein. This Agreement also hereby incorporates the following
important agreements:
Site Terms of Use
; Engagement Letter and Attorney-Client Fee Agreement and ACH
Authorization Agreement; Debit/Credit Card Authorization Agreement;
Privacy Policy
; Cookie Policy; Trademark Use Guidelines; Proprietary Rights Infringement
Reporting Procedures; Trademarkia Website, Cloud, Mobile & Desktop
App; Software License Agreement; API Terms of Use; and the Client IOLTA
Trust Account instructions as applicable. Please note that these
agreements may be modified from time to time, and it is suggested that you
periodically check for these updates. This Agreement further incorporates
the Trademarkia Watch Subscription Terms, Trademarkia Privacy Guard
Service, Trademarkia Subscription Terms, and RAPC Retainer Deposit
Instructions for any User accessing the Trademarkia Watch Subscription
Service. These agreements are collectively, with this Agreement, referred
to as the “Terms of Service.”
Subject to the conditions set forth herein, Trademarkia may, at its sole
discretion, amend this Agreement and other Terms of Service at any time.
In the event that a revised version is posted on the Site, Trademarkia
will provide reasonable advance notice of the amendment by either posting
the updated Terms of Service on the Site, providing notice on the Site,
and/or sending notice by email. If the amendment includes an increase of
fees charged by Trademarkia, Trademarkia will provide a notice of at least
10 days in advance. However, Trademarkia may not provide any advance
notice for changes resulting in a reduction in fees or any temporary or
promotional fee change. Any revisions to the Terms of Service will take
effect on the noted effective date ( the “Effective Date”).
By agreeing to these Terms, you fully understand that by using the
website and/or services herein incorporated, you agree to be bound by
the Terms of Service, including the Arbitration Provision set forth in
Sections 19-20 of this Agreement (subject to your right to opt out). If
you choose not to accept the Terms of Service
in its entirety
, you must refrain from accessing or using the website and/or its
services after the Effective Date.
As either an individual, on behalf of an entity or agency, or in
connection with providing and/or receiving services on behalf of an
individual, entity, or agency, you warrant that you are an authorized
individual thereby having the authority to bind said individual, entity,
or agency to the Terms of Service. Furthermore, by agreeing to the Terms
of Service, you are effectively binding both yourself and said
individual, entity, or agency to these Terms.
Terms of Service
I affirm that I am the owner of the Prospective Trademark or am authorized
by the owner of the Prospective Trademark (the “Client”) to
engage a law firm for representation regarding the process contemplated
herein (the “Matter”). The Client understands that the law
firm of LegalForce RAPC Worldwide P.C., dba Trademarkia P.C. (the
“Firm”, “We” or “Trademarkia”) in the
United States is solely representing the Client in the Matter, provided,
however, that such representation is expressly contingent on the Firm
approving the representation of the Client in the Matter. This requires,
among other things, that both the Client and the Matter pass the
Firm’s conflict clearance check. The Firm is the sole owner of the
Trademarkia.com website. The Client understands that the Firm’s
representation is expressly limited to the Matter and does not extend to
any other legal services, including any foreign trademark matters.
Moreover, the Firm’s Client in the Matter is solely the specifically
identified Trademark Owner. For natural persons, this means that the
Firm’s Client is the natural person only. For Trademark Owners who
are other than natural persons, such as a business organization,
corporation, partnership, joint venture, or other entity, the Firm’s
Client is that organization only, and not any of the organization’s
officers, directors, employees, shareholders, or corporate
affiliates.
By entering into this Agreement, Client understands that the Firm’s
representation extends only to the Client and not to any other person or
entity, including but not limited to any officers, agents, employees,
attorneys, managers, directors, partners, or any other person or entity
that may be related to the Client, however, and wherever formed. Client
understands that it is the Client’s obligation to disclose to the
Firm any entities that they believe are related to the Client for which a
conflict check is requested, such as companies and LLCs that they own, are
members of, are officers of, or have a beneficial interest in. Failure to
affirmatively disclose such entities within one (1) business day after
entering this Agreement by the Client constitutes a waiver of any and all
rights related to any conflict of interest claims the Client may later
seek to raise.
This Agreement shall not be read as to invite or create an
attorney-client relationship, either express or implied, with anyone
other than the Client.
I warrant, on behalf of the Client, all of the following:
Client understands that these Terms of Service will serve as an Engagement
Letter and an Attorney-Client Fee Agreement with the Client only after (1)
I indicate my acceptance to these Terms on the Trademarkia website either
by clicking a checkbox or by agreeing to these Terms by clicking the
“Agree” button required to complete this workflow as a
prerequisite to arrive at the payment page; and (2) it is accepted by the
Firm, including after a successful conflict check has been completed.
Client and Firm understand and agree that any and all disputes arising
from this Agreement will be resolved through private binding arbitration
rather than litigation as described herein. Client fully understands that
in order to best protect the interests of the Client, the Firm will handle
any Client funds in accordance with applicable Rules of Professional
Conduct, including, if necessary, the deposit of any funds paid in advance
for all United States legal services into an IOLTA escrow trust account
until the Firm accepts the representation, a conflict check is performed
and cleared, and the law firm fees have been earned or expenses incurred.
If I subscribe to the Firm’s Watch Subscription services, *I
understand that Watch Subscription is a recurring service offered by
the Firm and which automatically renews every quarter.*
Client understands that the Client may cancel Watch Subscription at any
time by simply logging into the Trademarkia website and canceling the
service, by contacting Trademarkia at any time at
customer.service@trademarkia.com, or by calling the toll free number at
877-794-9511.
I further understand that for Trademarkia’s $99 or lower discounted
U.S. trademark legal advice and filing service, this is a special pricing
service that requires retaining the Trademark Watch Subscription for at
least six months. This means, I will need to pay an additional $198
over the next six months as part of this bundled price for a discounted
U.S. filing along with the Trademark Watch Subscription. I
understand that if I cancel the Trademark Watch Subscription prior to the
expiration of the 6 month minimum period, Trademarkia will upgrade the
discounted initial trademark filing service to $299 for the unbundled
package. After maintaining the Trademark Watch Subscription for
more than six months, Trademarkia wil longer assess the difference in fees
between the discounted and unbundled price should the Trademark Watch
Subscription be canceled. This is required for Trademarkia to recoup
the cost of providing its services, and is an integral part of this
Engagement Agreement and Terms.
The Firm’s address for any correspondence is as follows:
Trademarkia P.C. Primary Office
440 E. Southern Avenue
Tempe Arizona 85282
Tel: 1-877-794-9511
Fax: 650-989-2131
Email: customer.service@trademarkia.com
The client understands that if the Client decides to file a trademark
application in the United States, the Client may be represented by U.S.
licensed attorneys at the Firm in the United States. The Client
understands that the scope of representation is limited to representation
until the mark registers and does not include any post-registration
services relating to the trademark unless the Client has specifically
hired the Firm to perform such post-registration services. Absent an
agreement in writing to the contrary, the Firm’s representation in
the Matter shall terminate 60 days after the Prospective Trademark has
become registered by the USPTO or abandoned; however, Client may terminate
the Firm’s representation in the Matter at any time, subject to the
Client’s obligation to pay fees or expenses due or incurred during
the representation, and Firm may terminate the Firm’s representation
sooner, to the extent permitted by the Rules of Professional Conduct
governing the representation.
In addition, representation in the Matter will end automatically in the
event that the Prospective Trademark is assigned to a different trademark
owner other than the Client. In the event that the Trademark is later
assigned to a different owner by the Client or assignees, the Client
understands that the future owner will not be a client of the Firm unless
a separate Engagement Letter is entered between the Firm and any such
future owner.
I warrant on behalf of the Client that the Client understands, gives
consent, and gives Power of Attorney to the law firm of Trademarkia P.C.
to represent the Client on the Matter before the United States Patent and
Trademark Office (the “USPTO”) based on the Firm’s
acceptance of the representation and clearance of the Firm’s
conflict check process. Trademarkia is a full-service intellectual
property law firm. We are headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. See our
contact us
page for more details.
The client understands that the Client must communicate confidential
information only through the licensed attorney with whom the Client has an
attorney-client relationship at the Firm. The client understands that
attorneys at the Firm are able to advise Clients only on federal U.S.
legal issues and/or state law questions in states in which the attorneys
are licensed.
Client understands that, from time to time, the Firm may hire licensed
attorneys on a fixed-fee contractual basis to assist internal attorneys
employed by the Firm in the initial review of new trademark filings, the
initial review of statements of use, and in the initial preparation of
Office Action responses when business circumstances warrant (e.g., peak
season overload, quality improvement, preparation time reduction) at the
Firm's sole discretion. The Firm will verify that any attorney the Firm
chooses to hire on a contractual basis is licensed and in good standing
with the State Bar in which they are licensed. Further, the Firm will
ensure that any licensed attorney hired as a contractor to the Firm signs
a confidentiality agreement with the Firm for all work product produced
for review and final approval by internal attorneys employed by the Firm
and agrees to follow all USPTO ethical rules.
The Firm may refund or offer satisfaction credit for non-legal services
that have not been completed upon the Client’s request in email or
writing only, and such a request must be made to
customer.service@trademarkia.com within 5 calendar days of purchase. The
client understands that any purchase of non-legal services he/she orders
from the Firm is final, and no refunds will be issued once the service has
been completed. After 5 calendar days, no refunds will be given for such
orders, and all such sales are final. When requesting a refund, Client
agrees to make clear who such refund should be sent to, and, if
applicable, who to make a check payable to, proof of authority to speak on
behalf of the purchaser or proof of identification as the purchaser, as
well as provide the address to which any check may be mailed. The client
agrees to accept a check for any refund provided and that he/she will
notify the Firm of the Client’s request in writing for a refund
within 5 days of purchase.
National Rights
The client understands the rights granted by a U.S. trademark extend only
throughout the territory of the United States and have no force or effect
in any foreign country. The client understands that almost every country
has its own trademark laws, and if the Client desires a trademark in a
particular country, he/she must make an application for the trademark in
that country or otherwise qualify for such trademark rights in accordance
with the requirements of that country. Client further acknowledges and
waives any conflicts between marks secured by third parties using the
technology of the Firm in foreign countries in which the Client has not
registered the Client’s trademark.
For non-U.S. trademark matters, Client hereby understands that trademarks
will be filed in the Client’s name when country laws permit or will
be managed by licensed law firms in countries other than the United States
("Regional Firm") for trademark matters in such countries. In instances
where a Regional Firm is authorized, the Client understands that the
attorney-client relationship will be between him/her and the Regional Firm
and that the Client will not be assisted by the Firm other than for the
limited purpose of ensuring that the Client is satisfied with the services
of the Regional Firm. In the case that information is shared with the
Prospective Client through the Firm on behalf of the Regional Firm, such
communications will be privileged and maintained confidentially. The
Client will be introduced to the Regional Firm, and any confidential
communication for non-U.S. matters may be between the Client and the
Regional Firm only, without involvement from the Firm. The client hereby
understands that any international fees listed or paid by the Client may
include a small cash rate and exchange fee hedge against currency
fluctuations and are quoted in U.S. dollars. The international fees listed
on the Trademarkia website are subject to change or fluctuation due to
changes in exchange rates, regulatory change, or other change not within
the control of the Firm, and upon notification of such difference, the
Client agrees to either pay the difference or cancel their request for
such international trademark application services.
Scope of Representation: Trademarkia P.C. Terms of Engagement
For U.S. trademark matters, these Terms of Service and Representation
Agreement ("Agreement") are entered into by and between LegalForce RAPC
Worldwide P.C., dba Trademarkia P.C. (the “Firm”,
“We” or “Trademarkia”) and the person who requests
the U.S. trademark-related services (the “Prospective Client”
or "Client"). This Agreement becomes effective after the Firm accepts a
request for legal services on behalf of the Client in the Matter. The
Client requests the services described below, and the Firm will only
provide those services in the Matter pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement. The scope of the representation is limited only to the U.S.
trademark matter for which specific legal services were requested (the
“Matter”). Any additional services beyond the scope of the
Matter require a new written terms of service and representation agreement
before the Firm will agree to provide any such additional services.
If the Trademark Owner is an individual, then the Client is the named
individual only and no other person or entity. If the Trademark Owner is
an entity or organization, including but not limited to a corporation,
partnership, joint venture, or any other entity or kind, then the Client
is the organization or entity only, and the Firm expressly does not
represent any of the organization or entity’s employees, officers,
employees, agents, attorneys, representatives, or any other person or
entity acting for or on behalf of any such organization or entity,
including any corporate parents, subsidiaries, affiliates or related
entities.
Client hereby understands, gives consent, and gives Power of Attorney to
the Firm to represent Client in the Matter before the United States Patent
and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”), but only once the Firm has
conducted a successful conflict check and has otherwise agreed to form an
attorney-client relationship with the Client. No implied relationship is
formed, and acceptance by the Firm of the attorney-client relationship is
required in order for an express attorney-client relationship to be
formed, the terms of which shall be governed by this
Agreement.
The Firm is a full-service intellectual property and a corporate law firm
with an office in Tempe, Arizona (see:
www.legalforcelaw.com
). For U.S. trademark matters only, the Trademark Owner understands that
the Firm’s representation is contingent upon the Firm accepting this
request for legal services in the Matter, which includes clearing the
Firm’s conflict check process. Once the Firm accepts the
representation, the Trademark Owner will become the Client of the Firm for
the Matter. Until that time, the Trademark Owner will only be a
Prospective Client of the Firm.
1.
Limited Scope of Service
The client retains the Firm to prepare and file a trademark application
based on the information given to the Firm by the Client electronically
through the Trademarkia.com website. In addition to this, the Client
retains the Firm to provide a single phone consultation of up to thirty
(30) minutes (“Limited Scope of Services”) described on the
Trademarkia.com website, at the Client's request. In addition, the Client
retains the Firm to provide additional services including:
-
An initial email to the Client that confirms the information
electronically provided by the Client;
-
Suggestions on how to emphasize what the Client believes to be the
trademarkable aspects of the Client's name, logo, sound, and slogan
written description submitted through Trademarkia.com;
-
Answers to the Client’s basic federal trademark law questions;
- Suggestions on how to use trademark search results;
-
Answers to why the Client may want to obtain a trademark ability opinion
based on the Client’s trademark search results;
-
A brief explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of filing an
intent to use trademark applications;
-
Answers to the Client's questions of whether a federal trademark or
other types of federal intellectual property protection is appropriate
for the Client;
-
Suggestions on how to proceed to protect the Client’s business
name, logo, sound, or slogan through federal trademark protection;
-
A brief explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of an
infringement opinion; and
-
A summary of consultation in the email to the Client if the Client
requests it.
Therefore, and as examples only, EXCLUDED from the Limited Scope of
Services are:
- Discussion on state trademarks and/or state law;
-
Assessment of common law rights by others that might preclude the Client
from securing common law rights or acquiring federal registration;
- Responses to Office Actions from government agencies;
-
Responses to Cease and Desist challenges from Parties disputing
ownership;
-
Responses to Opposition proceedings against the Client’s
trademark;
-
Negotiating coexistence agreements whereby two trademark owners agree to
use their similar marks.
-
Review, analysis, and formal opinion of prior art or trademark search
results;
-
Appeals to the Trademark Trials and Appeals Board (the
“TTAB”);
- Assessment of originality of mark;
- Assessment of ownership;
- Assessment of the likelihood of confusion challenges;
-
Assessment of statutory and court-sanctioned bars to trademarkability;
- Assessment of the value of a mark;
- Infringement of trademarks owned by others; or
-
Examination and assessment of any of the Client’s previously filed
trademarks and any recommendations thereto.
The Client may retain the Firm to provide all or some of the excluded
services under a separate Engagement Agreement.
2.
Service Fees/Costs
For the Limited Scope of Services, and prior to the commencement of
services, the Client agrees to pay the Firm the charges described herein.
Furthermore, the Client expressly agrees that the Firm's fees are earned
once any one of the following conditions listed below are met:
-
The Firm has conducted a preliminary review of the filing information
submitted by the Client.
-
The Firm has sent correspondence to the Client regarding any issues
related to the preparation of the Client's pending trademark application
order, including but not limited to requests for Proof of Use, changes
to the Identification of Goods and/or Services, and results of a Direct
Conflict search.
-
The Client utilizes any of his or her allotted phone consultation time
with the Firm.
-
The Firm commences any of the Limited Scopes of Services outlined in the
Limited Scope of Services section.
The Firm charges standard fixed fee rates and/or hourly fees based on the
type of matter and other considerations for which fees are calculated
based on the standard rates of the partners, associates, and paralegals of
the Firm that perform services on the Client’s behalf.
3.
Cancellation Policy
The Limited Scope of Services may be canceled by the Client prior to the
time the Firm commences work on the Limited Scope of Services. Service
fees are non-refundable any time after the Firm commences the Limited
Scope of Services unless the Rules of Professional Conduct dictate
differently. In certain instances where we are unable to complete
the legal services, we may offer a prorated refund based upon the legal
services provided.
A refund request must be submitted within Fifteen (15) days of the
original payment date to the Customer Service or to the working
Attorney who has provided you with the advice on your chances of the
Trademark Registration.
4.
No Guarantee
a. The Firm has made no representations, promises, warranties, or
guarantees to the Client, expressed or implied, regarding the outcome of
the Client's matter, and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as
such a representation, promise, warranty, or guarantee.
b. Client understands that the time limitation for the Limited Scope of
Services could be disadvantageous to the Client. For example, the Firm
cannot and does not make any representation that all of the Client's
questions can be fully explored and/or discussed. Therefore, important
aspects of the Client's business interests, such as the likelihood of
challenges by other parties and/or the Client's situation, may not be
addressed. If important aspects are not covered, this may negatively
affect the scope and/or accuracy of the consultation.
c. Client understands that the Firm is available for a supplemental
consultation if the Client believes that the Limited Scope of Services was
insufficient for the Client's needs.
d. Client understands that the Firm cannot file an Office Action response
and/or Statement of Use and/or Renewal on their behalf if the time limit
given by the government has expired, the request is made within seven (7)
days prior to the deadline set forth by the government (and the firm does
not have enough information to make a filing), or filing such would
violate law or ethics rules. In such instances, if an Office Action
response and/or Statement of Use and/or Renewal request is made by the
Client after the time limit given by the government has expired, the
Client hereby authorizes the Firm to file a Petition to Revive the
trademark application if such an option is still available and to charge
the applicable government fee associated with a Petition to Revive to the
payment information provided by the Client. If the option is no longer
available, the Firm will advise the client to refile that Trademark
Application or refund the IOLTA funds related to such a request to the
Client subject to the Cancellation Policy mentioned under section 3.
5.
USPTO Filing/Public Information
Once the Client’s application is submitted, the Client understands
that the USPTO will not cancel the filing or refund fees paid. The
government filing fee is a processing fee, which is not refunded even if
the USPTO cannot issue a registration after a substantive review. This is
true regardless of how soon after submission the Client might attempt to
request cancellation of the filing. Therefore, the Firm requests that the
Client review all information submitted carefully prior to submission.
All information submitted to the USPTO at any point in the application
and/or registration process will become public record, which may include
the Client’s ownership name, phone number, email address, and/or
street address. By authorizing the Firm to file the application, any
response, or submission to the USPTO, the Client acknowledges that the
Client has
no right to confidentiality
in the information provided. The public will be able to view this
information in the USPTO’s online database, through internet search
engines, and through other online databases. This information will remain
public even if the application is later abandoned or any resulting
registration is surrendered, canceled, or expired. For any information
that may be subject to copyright protection, Client represents that he or
she has the authority to grant, and is granting, the Firm and the USPTO
permission to make the information public in its online database and in
copies of the application or registration record.
6.
Consent to Firm for Changes and/or Discretion
The client agrees and authorizes the Firm to make changes to the Client's
trademark application for the purpose of facilitating registration of the
Client's trademark application in accordance with applicable law. These
changes include but are not limited to the following:
-
The identification of goods and/or services including classes and
descriptions provided by the Client for legal accuracy.
-
Any changes proposed by the governmental or trademark-issuing body
overseeing the Client's trademark application including but not limited
to disclaimers, translation statements, drawing descriptions, and
changes to the identification of goods and services.
i) Proof of Use/Specimens
Where the Client requests filing of a 1(a) Use In Commerce trademark
application with the USPTO, the Client expressly agrees and authorizes the
Firm to examine the validity, authenticity, applicability,
appropriateness, and suitability of the proofs of use/specimens
(“specimens”) submitted by the Client. The client expressly
agrees not to submit to the Firm any fraudulent or fabricated specimens of
use to the Firm. The client understands that under United States law, a
trademark must be used in commerce in the territory of the United States
consistent with the description and classification selected to qualify as
a 1(a) Use In Commerce trademark filing. Where such specimens are not
sufficient, Client agrees and authorizes the Firm to conduct an online
search for alternate acceptable specimens on the Client’s website
and to file such specimens with the Client's application if the Firm
determines that such specimens are authentic, valid, and not fraudulent
based on the statements provided by the Client to the Firm. The Firm will
exercise its best efforts and discretion to ensure the accuracy,
legitimacy, and validity of such specimens submitted to it, consistent
with United States law.
Where the Firm requests the Client to provide alternate specimens, if the
Client fails to provide the requested alternate specimens within 72 hours
of the Firm's initial request, the Client agrees and authorizes the Firm
to file with the current specimens provided and/or other specimens deemed
acceptable by the Firm or file the Client’s application as a 1(b)
Intent-to-Use filing based on the discretion of the Firm to protect the
Client’s interests.
Where the Client does not provide proof of use that is accurate, valid,
and acceptable or fails to provide any proof of use, the Client authorizes
the Firm to file the application as a Section 1(b) Intent-to-Use
application. If the Client does not provide proof of use, Client expressly
and voluntarily declares that the Client has a bona fide intention to use,
or use through any related company or firm or licensee, the mark in
commerce in the United States or in connection with the identified goods
and/or services and understands that additional fees to show proof of use
may apply if the application is accepted by the USPTO. The Firm reserves
the right to revoke Power of Attorney if the evidence is sufficient to
determine that the Client has provided a fraudulent specimen to the Firm,
or has misrepresented its bona fide intention of use, in an effort to
deceive the Firm or the USPTO of legitimate use in commerce in the United
States or in a foreign country.
ii) Logo Mark Applications
Where the Client requests filing of a logo mark application, the Client
agrees and authorizes the Firm to file the logo mark application based
upon the colors expressly claimed and/or featured on the logo mark
submitted by the Client or in Black and White (B&W) format if, based
on the professional discretion of the Firm to best protect the
Client’s interests, the Firm feels that the Client’s interests
would be better protected if no color claims are made in order to preserve
rights in any color based. The client expressly acknowledges that it is
his or her responsibility to request, in writing, that a logo mark be
filed with or without a color claim if desired.
7.
Representations of Client
In providing the Firm and/or the Regional Firm with any information and/or
materials to be used in conjunction with the Client's request for
trademark legal services, Client expressly and voluntarily declares that:
a. Client believes that he/she is entitled to use the applied-for or
at-issue mark in commerce and that he/she is the owner of the
trademark/service mark sought to be registered;
b. To the best of the Client's knowledge and belief, no other person,
firm, corporation, or association has the right to use the mark in
commerce either in the identical form thereof or in such near resemblance
thereto, as to likely cause confusion, mistake, or deceive when used on or
in connection with the goods/services of such other person;
c. Client declares that all statements made of his/her own knowledge and
provided to the Firm and/or the Regional Firm are true and that all
statements made on information and belief are believed to be true;
d. Client acknowledges and understands that the Firm and/or the Regional
Firm may reasonably rely upon any information and/or materials provided by
the Client to be used in conjunction with the Client's request for
trademark legal services;
e. Client understands that any willful false statements, and the like,
made to the USPTO, may be punishable by law and constitute grounds for
invalidating any trademark filings utilizing such willful false statements
and may jeopardize the validity of the application, submission, or any
registration resulting therefrom;
f. Client understands that filing under a Section 1(b) Intent-to-Use basis
requires the Client to do the following before the mark can register: (1)
begin using the mark in commerce in the territory of the United States
consistent with the goods/services associated with the description and
classification selected; and (2) file an Allegation of Use that includes a
valid specimen of this use in commerce within the United States and an
additional fee. Furthermore, even if the application has already been
approved, the examination of the Allegation of Use may result in the
examining attorney issuing a refusal;
g. Client expressly agrees not to submit any fraudulent or fabricated
specimens of use to the Firm. Client understands that under United States
law, a trademark must be used in commerce in the territory of the United
States consistent with the description and classification selected to
qualify as a 1(a) Use in Commerce trademark filing;
h. Client believes the specimen(s) shows the mark as used on or in
connection with the goods/services in the application when filing under
Section 1(a);
i. To the best of the Client's knowledge and belief, no other persons,
except, if applicable, concurrent users, have the right to use the mark in
commerce, either in the identical form or in such near resemblance as to
likely cause confusion, mistake, or deceive when used on or in connection
with the goods/services of such other persons;
j. To the best of the Client's knowledge, information, and belief, formed
after an inquiry reasonable under the circumstances, the allegations and
other factual contentions made above have evidentiary support;
k. Client declares that all statements made of his/her own knowledge are
true and that all statements made on information and belief are believed
to be true; and
l. Where the Client fails to adhere to any of the provisions listed in
Section 7(a)-(k) above, Client indemnifies, absolves, and holds harmless
the Firm and/or the Regional Firm from any liability stemming from the
Client's failure to adhere to the provisions of Section 7 contained
herein.
8.
Choice of Firm
The Prospective Client agrees and authorizes the Firm to select any
U.S.-licensed trademark attorney at the Firm to work on the Prospective
Client's Matter at the Firm's discretion. If the Prospective Client wishes
to request a specific attorney at the Firm to work on the Matter, the
Prospective Client must notify the Firm within 48 hours of making his/her
initial request for legal services. The Prospective Client acknowledges
that his/her request is subject to the availability and consent of the
requested attorney and that the ultimate selection of attorneys lies with
the Firm in the absence of a specific directive from the Prospective
Client. The Prospective Client may review profiles of attorneys at the
Firm at the attorneys section of
Trademarkia.com
.
Prospective Client understands and hereby acknowledges that, by agreeing
to these Terms, Prospective Client grants and provides informed consent to
the Firm to earn legal fees for his/herUnited States trademark
application. Prospective Client additionally grants and provides informed
consent to the Firm to optionally file his/her trademark application if
the Firm determines that there are reasonable grounds to proceed in order
to best protect the Client’s interests if no response is received
from the Prospective Client in written email response within three (3)
business days after the Firm sends to the Prospective Client an email
outlining the risk of refusal for issues including but not limited to
vagueness and incompleteness in proof of use, classification selection(s),
the description provided, risk of the likelihood of confusion, or other
challenges or concerns that may be posed that create roadblocks and/or
prevent the registration of their trademark.
Furthermore, Prospective Client understands and hereby acknowledges that
in granting informed consent to the Firm, there is a chance for an initial
refusal based on issues including but not limited to disclaimers,
classification, description of goods and services, a likelihood of
confusion, or other third-party challenges against their mark, which will
require a separate retainer payment of $399 to $1299 (based on the
complexity of the response required) should that risk materialize in the
form of an Office Action by the USPTO and/or $1500+ if a third-party
opposition and/or cancellation proceeding is initiated against his/her
mark. Prospective Client hereby acknowledges being informed of these
risks.
Prospective Client hereby agrees to timely respond to email or telephonic
communications by the Firm with respect to legal matters within three (3)
business days, except in cases where a deadline is seven (7) days or less
away. In such cases, the client shall respond within twelve (12)
hours and/or as soon as possible. If a response to a communication
is received three (3) days or fewer prior to the deadline, the firm may
not be able to render the services. Prospective Client understands that
failure to respond to official communications by the Firm with respect to
Office Action, Notice of Allowance, or Dispute matters can result in the
loss of rights and/or additional legal fees incurred by the Prospective
Client, owed to the Firm when the Firm prepares a complete or partial
response based on information already provided to the Firm to preserve the
Prospective Client's legal rights because of an impending deadline and a
lack of timely response by the Prospective Client. Prospective Client
understands that he/she will receive a bill for these services in the
instance that the Firm responds on his/her behalf due to a lack of
communication by the Prospective Client and expressly agrees to timely pay
these invoices for services rendered (between $399 to $1299 depending on
the complexity of response).
Prospective Client also hereby acknowledges that government fees paid by
the Firm on the Prospective Client's behalf are non-refundable, as the
USPTO and many foreign trademark offices do not offer refunds. In the
event that the Client is not satisfied with the services provided by the
Firm, the Firm may grant the Client satisfaction credit for the portion of
its legal fees only to be used for future services by the Firm at its sole
discretion and to the extent not inconsistent with the Firm’s
professional obligations.
Moreover, Prospective Client hereby understands that legal fees to the
Firm are earned regardless of whether the mark is actually filed upon
commencing of substantive work reviewing a trademark filing matter, as
professional legal counsel advising the Prospective Client not to proceed
with a filing is legal advice and counsel, which can save the Prospective
Client substantial and non-refundable government fees, marketing expenses,
branding expenses, advertising expenses, and loss in goodwill, among other
business expenses such as attempting to pursue a name, logo, or slogan
that is not likely to be registrable as a federal trademark. The Client is
hereby informed and hereby understands that advising the Client not to
proceed requires substantive review and legal analysis (e.g., search,
analysis of prior marks, and opinion) by attorneys of the Firm, and this
is a valuable consideration for legal fees earned.
Further, Prospective Client hereby provides informed consent to the Firm
to modify his/her description of goods/services and classification
selection based on the sole discretion of the Firm's attorneys
representing the Prospective Client's interests based solely on the
information provided to the Firm by the Client on Trademarkia.com.
9.
General Responsibilities of the Firm and the Client
It will be the Client’s continuing obligation to assist the Firm in
the Client’s representation and provide the Firm with any relevant
information requested by the Firm in the scope of representation. It is
the Client's continuing duty to inform the Firm of the identity of any
person(s) or corporation(s) who is/are adverse to Client or in conflict
with the Client with respect to those legal matters as to which the Firm
is representing Client.
Client agrees to provide complete and accurate information to the Firm's
attorneys, to cooperate, to keep the Firm's attorneys informed of any
important developments which may come to Client's attention, to abide by
this Agreement, to pay the Firm's bill(s) on time, and to keep the Firm
advised of Client's address, telephone number, and whereabouts.
The Firm will keep the Client apprised of significant developments
throughout the performance of the legal services, as required by the
applicable Rules of Professional Conduct. The Firm will also consult with
the Client as necessary to ensure the timely, effective, and efficient
completion of the Firm’s work. Unless the Client instructs the Firm
otherwise in writing, the Firm’s communications with the Client may
be through email without encryption (with the risk that a third party may
intercept an unencrypted communication). Attorneys at the Firm are
licensed in certain jurisdictions, and therefore, the Firm hereby limits
the scope of any engagement consistent with the state licensing
limitations of its attorneys and U.S. federal law matters only.
If and when it is necessary for the Firm to engage foreign associates to
handle filings and other matters outside the territory of the United
States, the foreign associate will form a direct and independent
attorney-client relationship with the Client. The client understands that
he or she is financially responsible for payment of the foreign
associate's fees and that the foreign associate is directly responsible
for the proper discharge of professional services rendered to the Client
by that foreign associate.
10.
Waiver of Confidentiality of Identity
Unless the Client advises the Firm in writing at the time of the
Firm’s engagement, by signing this Agreement, Client hereby agrees
that the Firm can publicly disclose that the Firm represents the Client.
The client also understands that the Firm may, for example, be required to
disclose such representation to other clients to provide adequate
disclosure to resolve any client conflicts. The USPTO also makes such
relationships public. This waiver applies only to the Client's identity.
11.
Trademarkia.com
Trademarkia® is the trade name of LegalForce RAPC Worldwide, P.C., an
intellectual property law firm in the United States that created the
Trademarkia.com
website.
By using the Trademarkia website, the Client agrees to follow, be bound by
these
Terms of Use
, and agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including
United States export and re-export control laws and regulations. It is the
Client’s responsibility to review these Terms of Use periodically;
if at any time the Client finds these Terms of Use unacceptable or
does not agree to these Terms of Use, the Client should not use this
Site.
12.
Future Work for Others
Client agrees that the Firm or the Regional Firm's representation of the
Client is for the Limited Scope of Services defined herein, and Client
agrees that the Firm or the Regional Firm may represent parties in the
future on matters that may be adverse to Client, so long as such future
representation does not involve confidential information that the Firm or
the Regional Firm gained from its representation of the Client pursuant to
this Agreement. In any event, the Firm or the Regional Firm will seek to
prevent any and all conflicts of interest by withdrawing the Power of
Attorney and notifying clients to select another firm when necessary.
During such a process, the Firm or the Regional Firm will preserve client
confidence and will work to make such a transition as smooth as possible.
The client agrees that emails and/or telephonic calls are the primary mode
of communication and therefore agrees to regularly check for voicemails
and emails from the Firm or the Regional Firm for important,
time-sensitive communications and to not block such communications if the
Client wishes to remain sufficiently informed.
13.
General Responsibilities
The Firm and/or the Regional Firm will keep the Client apprised of
developments as necessary to perform legal services and will consult with
the Client as necessary to ensure the timely, effective, and efficient
completion of legal work. Unless the Client instructs the Firm and/or the
Regional Firm otherwise in writing, this contact may be through email
without encryption (the risk is that a third party may intercept the
communication). If and when it is necessary for the Client to engage the
Regional Firm to handle filings and other matters outside the territory of
the United States, the Regional Firm may form a direct and independent
attorney-client relationship with the Client. The client is financially
responsible for payment of the Regional Firm's fees, and the Regional Firm
is directly responsible to the Client for the proper discharge of
professional services rendered by that associate.
14.
Advance Waiver of Future Conflicts of Interest
The Firm's practice involves the representation of many different clients,
some of whom focus on similar business areas as the Client’s. Due to
the size of the Firm, there may potentially be a different group of
attorneys in the Firm preparing and prosecuting trademark or patent
applications for other clients – perhaps a competitor of the Client
– in the same, similar, or related technology or service space as
the Client.
The engagement between the Client and the Firm is also understood as
entailing the Client’s consent to the Firm’s representation of
other potential future clients in matters in which one of those other
clients may be adverse to the Client in matters unrelated to those that
the Firm is handling or has handled for the Client. Given the diverse
nature of the Firm's business, encompassing many different industries,
however, the Firm must preserve its ability to represent those other
clients on matters which may arise in the future, including matters
adverse to the Client, provided that the Firm would only undertake such
representation of said clients under circumstances in which the Firm does
not possess the Client’s confidential information relating to the
transaction, and the Firm would staff such a project with one or more
attorneys who are not engaged in the Client’s representation. In
such circumstances, the attorneys in the two matters would be subject to
an ethical wall, screening them from communicating with each other and
from access to the other matter's documents regarding its respective
engagements. If the Client is aware of any entities or matters for which
the Firm should invoke such an ethical wall/screen, the Client is required
to identify the names of all such persons, entities, or matters to the
Firm in writing. If any dispute occurs between current clients, the Firm
will not represent either of the current clients in that particular
dispute absent written consent from both affected clients.
The client understands that the Firm would not agree to undertake the
Client’s representation herein without this advance waiver. Although
the Client may revoke this waiver as to future matters at any time, the
Client agrees that such revocation will not affect any matters undertaken
by the Firm prior to the Firm's receipt of the Client’s written
notice to the Firm of the revocation, even if those matters are still
pending at the time of the Firm's receipt of the Client’s notice of
revocation.
The client is made aware of the Client’s right to consult with
independent counsel to determine whether the Client wishes to enter into
these terms including this advance waiver and this Engagement Letter. The
client acknowledges that the Client has had a sufficient opportunity to do
so and that Client hereby consents to the Firm’s representation of
the Firm’s other clients under the circumstances described in this
section.
The client hereby agrees, by expressly accepting this Agreement, that the
Firm and the Regional Firm may publicly disclose that the Firm and the
Regional Firm represent the Client. The Firm and the Regional Firm may,
for example, be required to disclose such representation to other clients
for reasons of identifying and/or resolving potential client conflicts
and/or in marketing communications. The USPTO and the European Union
Intellectual Property Office (the “EUIPO”) also makes such
relationships public.
The Firm and the Regional Firm's expertise derive from many years of
representing thousands of clients, some of whom focus on similar business
areas. Due to the size of the Firm and the Regional Firm, there is
potentially a different group of attorneys in the Firm and the Regional
Firm preparing and prosecuting trademark applications for another entity
(potentially a competitor) in the same, similar, or related technology
area as the Client. It is the Firm’s belief that such representation
does not amount to a potential or actual conflict as defined by the USPTO
Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.
In most situations, Client understands that it is not even possible to
predict such potential conflicts. Therefore, the Firm and the Regional
Firm want the Client to be aware that the Firm and the Regional Firm do
not view such possibilities as requiring any disclosure under the Arizona
Rules of Professional Conduct. The Firm and the Regional Firm ask that the
Client hereby provide consent, by accepting this Agreement, to the
Firm’s representation of such other clients. The Client can be
assured that to the extent the Firm and the Regional Firm are aware of the
possible relatedness of some technology the Firm and the Regional Firm may
be working on for different clients, the Firm and the Regional Firm take
reasonable steps to prevent any information provided by the Client from
being made available to members of the Firm and the Regional Firm working
for competing entities in the same technology area. In addition, if the
Client is aware of any entities for which the Firm and the Regional Firm
should take such reasonable steps, the Client is invited to identify such
entities in writing. It should also be noted that if a dispute occurs
between clients, the Firm and the Regional Firm will not represent either
of the clients in the dispute and will be required to withdraw from the
representation of one or both parties. The Client may terminate this
attorney-client relationship at any time and for any reason.
This engagement will conclude upon the completion of services contemplated
by this Agreement in the Matter, or the Firm may withdraw as permitted by
the Rules of Professional Conduct. The Client remains responsible for
paying all fees and costs the Firm incurs on the Client's behalf before
the Firm receives notice of termination or withdrawal, plus fees for any
work reasonably incurred by the Firm in terminating the Client’s
representation.
15.
Export Control
Client hereby affirms, by signing this Agreement, that any technology or
subject matter submitted by the Client within the scope of the
Firm’s service conforms to at least one of the following conditions:
-
All technology or subject matter falls within a non-defense related
classification under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
-
All technology or subject matter falls within a dual-use classification
under the EAR but is not subject to export control restrictions on
defense-related items.
-
The technology or subject matter has already been exported by the
Client, is subject to automatic licensure under the export control
provisions of the EAR, and/or is internally managed by the Client in
accordance with the EAR.
16.
Modification
Other than the requirements set forth in Paragraph 1 (above), this
Agreement cannot be modified, except pursuant to a written document signed
by the Client and the Firm.
17.
Effective Date
The term of this engagement shall commence and become effective on the
date this Terms of Service and Engagement Letter is electronically signed
by the Client (or “User,” “Party,” or collectively
with the Firm “Parties”) and shall extend until modified by
the Parties, confirmed in writing, provided, however, that the Parties
understand and agree that the representation is subject to the
Firm’s acceptance of the representation, including after the Firm
(or collectively with the Client “Parties”) completes a
conflict check and otherwise agrees to accept the request for services.
The Parties to this Agreement shall be the User and Firm. The User
understands that the Firm co-signs and executes this Agreement
automatically upon acceptance of the Terms herein by the User. The initial
projects shall be governed by the following terms of engagement between
the User and the Firm.
This Agreement supersedes prior agreements between the Firm and the
Client.
18.
General Terms
As in all areas of law, the final outcome of a matter cannot usually be
determined with absolute certainty. Client acknowledges that the Firm
gives no assurance, guarantee, or warranty regarding the outcome of any
matter, and that the Client’s decision to retain the Firm is not
based upon any representation by the Firm or belief on the Client’s
part, that any particular outcome will, or will not as the case may be,
result.
This Agreement constitutes the complete and entire agreement between the
Client and the Firm relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, and
there are no other agreements, inducements, promises, representations, or
understandings, oral or otherwise. This Agreement cannot be modified,
except pursuant to a written document signed by the Client and us.
The firm shall purge the client files older than (one) 1 year for matters
that have not officially submitted to the USPTO or other trademark
offices. All the files that are physical or in electronic format will be
removed from the Firms databases. For client matters that were filed with
USPTO or other trademark offices or government agencies, such records may
be purged every three (3) years. However, all the Trademark
information can be accessed on the USPTO/ government databases using the
identification numbers such as Trademark Application number and/or
Trademark registration numbers.
Upon termination of this engagement, the Firm may retain a copy of your
file. After termination of the engagement, the Firm has the right,
in its discretion, to delete, discard or destroy any files relating to
this engagement, provided however, that the Firm will not exercise this
right for one year after termination of the engagement. Unless the
Firm receives written instructions from you to the contrary, by executing
this agreement, You represent and agree that the Firm may, after the one
year period has lapsed, delete, discard or destroy any documents
pertaining to this engagement. This right is subject to any contrary
obligations imposed by law, including any subpoena or litigation hold that
the Firm is made aware of.
19.
Dispute Process, Arbitration, and Scope
In the event a dispute arises between the Client and the Firm (the
“Parties”), the Parties shall make a good faith attempt to
resolve the dispute quickly and cost-effectively. The Firm and the
Regional Firms do not anticipate having any disagreements with the Client
about the quality, cost, or appropriateness of services. However, if any
concerns about these matters arise, the Client shall notify the Firm
immediately. The Firm and Regional Firm endeavor to resolve any
disagreements in a fair and amicable manner. If the Parties are unable to
settle the matter between themselves, the Parties hereby agree to resolve
any matter, including but not limited to those relating to the
Firm’s fees, quality, or appropriateness of the services, through
binding arbitration. Arbitration is typically a less expensive and quicker
alternative to litigation, allowing resolution of the disputes to occur
privately (the “Arbitration Provision”).
Any claims, disputes, or controversies arising out of or relating to this
Agreement are covered by this Arbitration Provision, including but not
limited to those regarding the Trademarkia website, Site Services, Terms
of Service, escrow payments or agreements, any claimed payments due to the
Client from the Firm, its Affiliates, or successors, trademark disputes,
trade secret disputes, copyright disputes, patent disputes, unfair
competition, false advertising, consumer protection, privacy,
compensation, classification, minimum wage, seating, expense
reimbursement, termination, discrimination, and any retaliation or
harassment and claims arising under the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016,
Civil Rights Act of 1964, Rehabilitation Act, the Civil Rights Acts of
1866,1871, and 1991, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Americans with
Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Family Medical
Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Affordable Care Act, Genetic
Information Non-Discrimination Act, Uniformed Services Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act, Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification
Act, Older Workers Benefits Protection Act of 1990, Occupational Safety
and Health Act, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985,
False Claims Act, any state statutes and/or regulations addressing the
same or similar subject matters, and all other federal or state legal
claims arising out of or relating to the relationship between the Client
and the Firm or the termination of that relationship.
Any disputes between the Parties not subject to the pre-dispute
arbitration agreement as provided by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 111-203) or as provided by an Act of
Congress or Executive Order are excluded from the coverage of this
Agreement.
20.
Arbitration of All Disputes Including Claims of Malpractice
The Firm does not anticipate any disagreements between the Firm and the
Client regarding quality, cost, or appropriateness of services. However,
if any concerns regarding these matters arise, the Client shall notify the
Firm immediately. The Firm always endeavors to resolve disagreements
fairly and amicably. If the Parties are unable to settle the matter
between themselves, the Parties hereby agree that all disputes regarding
the construction, application, or performance of any services under this
Agreement and any claims arising out of this Agreement or its breach
including, without limitation, claims for breach of contract, professional
negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, misrepresentation, fraud, and
disputes regarding attorney’s fees and/or costs charged under this
Agreement shall be submitted to binding arbitration upon the written
request of one party after the service of that request on the other Party.
Arbitration is typically less expensive and a quicker alternative to
litigation, allowing private resolution of the disputes.
The arbitrator shall allow limited discovery to enable the Client and the
Firm to present each case but shall be mindful of the mutual desire to
avoid broad discovery expenses typically allowed in civil litigation. When
the arbitrator has issued a decision, judgment on that decision may be
entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
The Client and the Firm both understand that each is waiving a trial by
jury
. The Parties further agree that any award issued through arbitration may
be appealed by either Party to the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation
Services (the “JAMS”) Private Appeals Board.
Client and Firm confirm that they have read and understood this section
and voluntarily agree to binding arbitration. In doing so, Client and Firm
voluntarily give up any constitutional rights to trial by judge or jury.
The Client has the right to consult with independent counsel regarding the
agreement to binding arbitration or to any other term of this Agreement
before signing it. Client agrees that he/she has had the opportunity to do
so and is voluntarily signing this Agreement thereafter.
Arbitration shall be conducted by the JAMS. The arbitrator must decide all
disputes in accordance with the chosen association's rules and in
accordance with Arizona law and shall have the power and obligation to
decide all matters submitted, including arbitrability and legal questions
raised by pleading or summary judgment motions. In the event that any
dispute or claim is determined not subject to arbitration by the
arbitrator, all parties agree that their respective rights and obligations
shall be governed by the laws of the State of Arizona, excluding its
choice of law rules. Furthermore, in the event that any dispute or claim
is determined not subject to arbitration by the arbitrator, all parties
agree that any and all legal action or proceedings shall be instituted in
a state or federal court in Arizona in the County of Maricopa.
Informal Dispute Resolution
Both Client and Firm agree to provide notice of any disputed claim (the
“Claim”) to the other Party, as applicable, before serving a
demand for arbitration of the Claim. Client agrees to notify the Firm of
said Claim either by mail at Attn: Legal, 440 E. Southern Road, Tempe,
Arizona 85282, or by email to
customer.service@trademarkia.com
. The Firm agrees to provide a notice to Client at the Client’s
expressed email address on file (in each case, a “Notice”).
Afterwards, both the Client and the Firm will seek informal voluntary
resolution of the Claim. Any Notice must include pertinent contact
information, account information, and a brief description of the Claim so
that the Client or the Firm, as applicable, may evaluate the Claim and
attempt to informally resolve the Claim. Both the Client and the Firm will
have 60 days from the date of the receipt of the Notice to informally
resolve the If successful, this will avoid the need for any further
action.
Client understands that he/she is free to consult with other counsel
regarding the agreement to arbitration or to any other term of this
Agreement and agrees that he/she is voluntarily accepting this
Agreement.
Binding Arbitration and Class Action/Jury Trial Waiver (Does not apply to
users located outside the United States and its territories)
This Arbitration Provision applies to all users except those located
outside of the United States and its territories.
In the unlikely event that Parties are unable to resolve a disputed claim
within 60 days of the receipt of the applicable Notice, the Client, the
Firm, and its Affiliates agree to resolve the Claim by final and binding
arbitration before an arbitrator from the JAMS. Parties thereby agree to
waive their constitutional rights to a trial by court or jury. The JAMS
may be contacted at www.jamsadr.com.
Scope of Arbitration Agreement and Conduct of Arbitration
This Arbitration Provision applies to any Claim brought by either the
Client or the Firm and survives after the relationship between the Client
and the Firm is terminated. This Arbitration Provision covers, but is not
limited to, all claims, disputes, or controversies arising out of or
relating to this Agreement, Terms of Service and the Firm Payroll
Agreement. While this Arbitration Provision is intended to resolve any
disputes that would otherwise be resolved in a court of law or before a
forum other than arbitration, if, for any reason, the JAMS will not
administer the arbitration, either Party may apply for the appointment of
a neutral arbitrator through a court of competent jurisdiction.
Arbitration will be conducted in Maricopa County, Arizona in accordance
with the JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures’
Optional Expedited Arbitration Procedures, except as otherwise provided
herein. Arbitration of disputes brought by a Party alleging a violation of
a consumer protection statute will be subject to the JAMS Consumer
Arbitration Minimum Standards, and such arbitrations will be conducted in
the same state and within 25 miles of where the Party is located.
Similarly, in accordance with the JAMS Employment Arbitration Rules and
Procedures (“Rules”), Claims by Freelancers alleging
employment or worker classification disputes will be conducted in the same
state and within 25 miles of where Freelancer is located. The applicable
Rules are outlined at www.jamsadr.com or may be found by searching online
for “JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures,”
“JAMS Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures,” or
“JAMS Consumer Arbitration Minimum Standards.” Any dispute
regarding the applicability of the Rules shall be resolved exclusively by
the arbitrator. Any Party has the right to appear at the arbitration
alternatively by telephone and/or video rather than in person.
The Client and the Firm will follow all applicable Rules with respect to
arbitration fees. In any arbitration under the JAMS Employment Arbitration
Rules and Procedures, a Freelancer is only responsible for the JAMS
arbitration fees including the filing or initial appearance fees
applicable to court actions in the proper arbitration jurisdiction. In the
event that there is an excess of JAMS arbitration fees, the Firm will pay
the difference. In any arbitration under the JAMS Comprehensive
Arbitration Rules and Procedures’ Optional Expedited Arbitration
Procedures then in effect in which a Party makes a Claim under a consumer
protection statute, the Party will only be responsible for either the JAMS
arbitration fees including the filing or initial appearance fees
applicable to court actions in the proper arbitration jurisdiction or a
payment of $250.00, whichever is less. In the event that there is an
excess of JAMS arbitration fees, the Firm will pay the difference. The
arbitrator must follow applicable law and may award only those remedies
that would have applied had the matter been heard in court. The
arbitrator’s judgment may be entered in any court having
jurisdiction.
This Arbitration Provision does not apply to any previously pending
litigation between the Client and the Firm in a state or federal court or
arbitration before the expiration of the opt-out period set forth herein.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no amendment to
this Arbitration Provision will apply to any matter pending in an
arbitration proceeding brought under this Section 19 unless all Parties to
that arbitration consent in writing to that amendment.
This Arbitration Provision does not apply to claims for workers
compensation, state disability insurance, or unemployment insurance
benefits.
This Arbitration Provision does not prevent the Client from making a
report to or filing a claim or charge with a government agency including,
without limitation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S.
Department of Labor, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, National
Labor Relations Board, or Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.
This Arbitration Provision does not prevent the investigation by a
government agency of any report, claim, or charge otherwise covered by
this Arbitration Provision. This Arbitration Provision does not prevent
federal administrative agencies from adjudicating claims and awarding
remedies based on those claims, even if the claims would otherwise be
covered by this Arbitration Provision. This Arbitration Provision does not
prevent or excuse a Party from satisfying any conditions precedent and/or
exhausting administrative remedies under applicable law before bringing a
claim in arbitration. The Firm will never retaliate against a client for
filing a claim with an administrative agency or for exercising any
individual or collective rights under Section 7 of the National Labor
Relations Act.
Interpretation and Enforcement of this Arbitration Provision
This Arbitration Provision is the full and complete agreement relating to
the formal resolution of Claims. Except as otherwise stated herein, this
Arbitration Provision covers all disputes arising out of or relating to
the interpretation, enforcement, or application of this Arbitration
Provision, including the enforceability, revocability, scope, or validity
of the Arbitration Provision or any portion of the Arbitration Provision.
All such matters will not be decided by a court but rather by an
arbitrator who shall have exclusive jurisdiction to decide all such
disputes. All parties expressly agree that the arbitrator, and not a
court, will decide any question of whether the parties agreed to
arbitrate, including but not limited to any claim that all or part of this
Arbitration Provision, this Agreement, or any other part of the Terms of
Service is void or voidable.
In the event any portion of this Arbitration Provision is deemed
unenforceable, the remainder of this Arbitration Provision will remain in
effect and enforceable. If any portion of the Class Action Waiver in
Section 19of this Arbitration Provision is deemed to be unenforceable,
both the Client and the Firm agree that this Arbitration Provision will be
enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Class and Collective Waiver
Private attorney general representative actions under the Arizona Labor
Code are not arbitrable, not within the scope of this Arbitration
Provision, and may be maintained in a court of law. However, this
Arbitration Provision affects the Client’s ability to participate in
class or collective actions. Both the Client and the Firm agree to bring
any dispute in arbitration on an individual basis only and not on a class
or collective basis on behalf of others. There will be no right or
authority for any dispute to be brought, heard, or arbitrated as a class
or collective action or as a member in any such class or collective
proceeding (“Class Action Waiver”). Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement or Rules set forth by the JAMS, disputes
regarding the enforceability, revocability, scope, or validity or breach
of the Class Action Waiver may only be resolved by a civil court of
competent jurisdiction and not by an arbitrator. In any case in which (1)
the dispute is filed as a class or collective action and (2) there is a
final judicial determination that all or part of the Class Action Waiver
is unenforceable, the class or collective action to that extent must be
litigated in a civil court of competent jurisdiction, but the portion of
the Class Action Waiver that is enforceable shall be enforced in
arbitration. The Firm will never retaliate against a client, through
disciplining or threatening to discipline, as a result of a client’s
filing or participating in a class or collective action in any forum.
However, the Firm may lawfully seek enforcement of this Arbitration
Provision and the Class Action Waiver under the Federal Arbitration Act
and seek dismissal of such class or collective actions or claims.
Right to Opt Out of the Arbitration Provision
The Client may opt out of the Arbitration Provision contained herein by
notifying the Firm in writing within 30 days of the date the Client first
registered for the Site. To opt out, a written notification including the
Client’s name, account username, address, telephone number, email
address, and a statement indicating that the Client wishes to opt out of
the Arbitration must be sent via mail to the Firm at Attn: Legal, 440 E.
Southern Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85282 or alternatively by email to
customer.service@trademarkia.com
. Please note that opting out of this Arbitration Provision will not
affect any other terms of this Agreement.
If the Client does not opt out as provided in this Section 19, continuing
the relationship with the Firm constitutes mutual acceptance of the terms
of this Arbitration Provision by the Client and the Firm. The Client has
the right to consult with independent counsel concerning this Agreement
and the Arbitration Provision.
Enforcement of this Arbitration Provision
This Arbitration Provision is the full and complete agreement relating to
the formal resolution of any disputes stated herein, replacing any and all
prior agreements regarding the arbitration of disputes. In the event that
any portion of this Arbitration Provision is deemed unenforceable, the
remainder of this Arbitration Provision will remain in effect and
enforceable. Moreover, if any portion of the Class Action Waiver stated in
this section is deemed to be unenforceable, the Client and Firm agree that
this Arbitration Provision will be enforced to the fullest extent
permitted by law.
21.
Client Duties
I acknowledge and warrant that I and Client agree to be honest and
truthful with the Firm, to cooperate, to keep the Firm informed of any
information or developments that may come to my and Client's attention, to
abide by this Agreement, to pay attorney's bills and retainers on time,
and to keep the Firm advised of the Client's address, telephone number,
email, and location. I acknowledge and warrant that the Client will assist
the Firm in providing all necessary information and documents and will be
available when necessary in proceedings. I also warrant that my email
address and contact information used to request this Engagement and sign
up on the Trademarkia website will be the sole and exclusive means for the
Firm to communicate with the Client and is therefore directly associated
with the Client.
22.
Business Filings, Registered Agent Service including for Privacy Guard
Subscriptions
The Firm offers entity formation, business filing, privacy guard
subscriptions, and registered agent Services in all 50 states. The Firm
occasionally partners with other companies to fulfill business formation,
registered agent, privacy guard or other business filing orders. You
understand and agree that the Firm will share certain personally
identifiable information for you with the applicable third-party provider.
States require your business entity to have a registered agent or an
equivalent on file with the Secretary of State or other department. By
purchasing Registered Agent Services from the Firm, you authorize
the Firm and/or its third-party provider to receive service of process,
including any notices of legal proceedings, other legal notices, or
official government communication, and any items covered by the respective
statute, rule, or regulation on your entity’s behalf. You further
authorize your Registered Agent to scan, upload and transmit any such
communications received on your entity’s behalf to your email
address and into your account. When appropriate, the Firm and/or its
partners may also forward physical mail received on your behalf to the
business address we have on record. To update your contact information,
please contact us at
customer.service@trademarkia.com
.
The Firm's filing Services are intended for users forming or maintaining
their own business(es). Communications related to the Firm’s filings
will be directed towards the email and/or mailing address we have on file.
To ensure uninterrupted service, Registered Agent Services, Trademark
Watch Subscriptions, and Privacy Guard Services will automatically renew
for successive terms at the end of each subscription period. If you do not
opt out of this auto-renewal program, Trademarkia will charge the payment
method (e.g., credit card, debit card, or PayPal) you provided with the
original order and renew you for the service term you selected.
Trademarkia reserves the right to increase all service fees at any time
without notification to you. We will, however, notify you of any increase
in service fees prior to renewing your service.
You may cancel the Registered Agent Service at any time by contacting the
Firm at 1-877-794-9511 during our normal business hours. In addition
to canceling the Registered Agent Service, to comply with your state's
regulations, you will also need to submit appropriate change of agent
paperwork with the applicable state agencies. Any fees associated with
completing such a change of agent are your sole responsibility. By
canceling the Registered Agent Service, you acknowledge and understand
that we will take necessary steps to resign as your registered agent. Upon
resignation, Trademarkia and any of its affiliates, directors, agents,
employees, or other Trademarkia service providers will cease to act as
your Registered Agent and stop all Registered Agent related Services.
Specific information regarding the change of registered agent process and
any related government fee information can be found on your state's
website. Trademarkia does not offer full or prorated refunds for canceled
Registered Agents Services. Such services are purchased and renewed on an
annual basis and must be canceled prior to the renewal date to avoid
recurring annual charges.
If your entity is dissolved, either voluntarily or involuntarily, it is
your responsibility to notify Trademarkia of this dissolution so that we
may cancel the Registered Agent services that are no longer needed. Until
we are notified otherwise, your Registered Agent subscription will
continue to renew and bill as described in this section.
Trademarkia reserves the right to cancel your Registered Agent Service at
any time if you refuse to pay or your payment method is declined. You
agree to bear any risk of termination, and under no circumstances will
Trademarkia be liable or responsible for any damage or inconvenience
caused or alleged to be caused by termination.
23.
Termination of Membership and Access Restriction
Trademarkia reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to downgrade or
terminate your access to the Services, for any reason and at any time
without prior notice. For example, we may suspend or terminate your use of
some or all of the Services if you violate these Terms or use the Services
in a manner that may expose us to legal liability, disrupt the Services or
disrupt others' use of the Services.
If Trademarkia elects to terminate your membership and/or subscriptions,
Trademarkia will provide you with notice at your registered email address.
Trademarkia also reserves the right to modify or discontinue, either
temporarily or permanently, any part of its Services with notice. You
agree that Trademarkia will not be liable to you or to any third party for
any modification, suspension, or discontinuance of your membership or
access to the Services.
If your Trademarkia membership is paid for by a Program Sponsor and they
elect to discontinue the service, you will have the opportunity to
continue your membership personally by enrolling in a paid subscription.
24.
Subscription Agreement and Auto-Renewals
These are terms that govern any subscription service offered through
Trademarkia, including but not limited to the Privacy Guard subscription
and the Trademark Watch subscription. If you signed up for one or
more subscription services through the Website, these additional terms
apply.
Your license to the Services is valid during the period your subscription
remains in good standing and there are no outstanding subscription
payments (hereinafter “Subscription Term”). To keep your
Subscription Term valid and in force, you must pay all charges to your
account relating to your subscriptions, including applicable taxes and
fees. Unless otherwise provided, your Subscription Term is on an automatic
renewal and you will be required to pay, through the credit card provided
by you, for the next applicable Subscription Term at the beginning of the
Subscription Term period. These charges are applied regardless of whether
you continue to use the Services during the Subscription Term. YOU ARE
RESPONSIBLE FOR SUBSCRIPTION FEES UNTIL YOU CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION OR IT
IS OTHERWISE TERMINATED.
If your Subscription Term is month to month and your purchase date is on
the 29th through 31st day of any month, your renewal date will fall on the
last day of the month for any succeeding months with fewer days. Unless
otherwise provided, the renewal period will be the same as the price you
originally paid.
We may offer promotional trial memberships. Although the promotional trial
membership may be advertised as free promotional memberships, you
authorize us to charge your credit card $1 to confirm the source of the
payment. AT THE END OF A TRIAL OR PROMOTIONAL MEMBERSHIP, UNLESS OTHERWISE
STATED IN THE OFFER OR YOU CANCEL, YOUR SUBSCRIPTION WILL RENEW
AUTOMATICALLY AND YOUR CREDIT CARD WILL BE CHARGED TO BEGIN YOUR INITIAL
SUBSCRIPTION TERM. It is very important to understand that you will
not receive a notice from us that your free trial has ended and that
payment for your subscription is due.
We may discontinue offering subscriptions and will cease charging you
accordingly. We may also terminate your Subscription in our sole
discretion subject to your right to a prorated refund of fees.
We may increase subscription fees and/or terms with 30 days’ notice
to you. You may terminate your services before the increase in fees or
renewal terms is put into effect. If you do not cancel, you will be
charged the new rate at the time of the renewal of your Subscription Term
the increased amount and/or your renewed Subscription Term will be the new
applicable length.
If your payment on file is not approved on the date of the renewal of the
Subscription Term, you will be allowed a period of at least three business
days to provide updated payment information. If no updated information is
provided after the three business-day period, we may suspend your service
and terminate the Subscription. If we make a charge to your credit card
and it is declined, we may, but are not obligated to make up to five more
attempts to bill the card over a thirty-day period. We also reserve the
right to charge your card smaller amounts in more than one transaction not
to exceed the amount of the due Subscription Term payment. In the event
that you or we (through our payment service providers) update your payment
method to remedy a change in validity or expiration date, we will
automatically resume billing you for your subscription to the Services. We
reserve the right not to reactivate an account or subscription until all
past due amounts are paid.
Trademarkia offers a Premium Privacy subscription service through its
Registered Agent Service. If you cancel this service, you will need to pay
a cancellation fee. This fee covers charges by the USPTO for the trademark
address change. You cannot cancel your subscription without paying this
cancellation fee. Canceling the service without paying the cancellation
fee could lead to the registered agent receiving official USPTO
documentation regarding your trademark without compensation.
To cancel your subscription, contact us at
customer.service@trademarkia.com
or by calling us at 1-877-794-9511. After you have canceled, your
subscription and account will remain active through the end of the then
current Subscription Term. After termination, you may not have access to
your account or the Services related to your subscription.
Trademark Watch Subscription
I further understand that for Trademarkia’s $99 or lower discounted
U.S. trademark legal advice and filing service, this is a special pricing
service that requires retaining the Trademark Watch Subscription for at
least six months. This means, I will need to pay an additional $198
over the next six months as part of this bundled price for a discounted
U.S. filing along with the Trademark Watch Subscription. I
understand that if I cancel the Trademark Watch Subscription prior to the
expiration of the 6 month minimum period, Trademarkia will upgrade the
discounted initial trademark filing service to $299 for the unbundled
package. After maintaining the Trademark Watch Subscription for
more than six months, Trademarkia wil longer assess the difference in fees
between the discounted and unbundled price should the Trademark Watch
Subscription be canceled. This is required for Trademarkia to recoup
the cost of providing its services, and is an integral part of this
Engagement Agreement and Terms.
The Trademark Watch Subscription service is offered to ensure that
trademarked business names, logos, and services are policed and monitored
against possible infringement. We search U.S., foreign, and common
law marks that are direct matches, phonetically similar, similar in terms
of translation, or appearance by way of design to your marks as published
in the Official Gazette of the USPTO and Trademarkia. I understand
that if I receive the first month of the Trademark Watch Subscription on a
complimentary basis for the first 30 day period (one month), the first
quarterly billing of $99 will occur on the first day of the new month
following the complimentary month period.
Trademark Insurance Program
I further understand that the Trademark Insurance program offered through
Trademarkia is limited to legal fees incurred in prosecution of a
trademark. It does not guarantee that a mark will be registered, as
this depends on what governments may find as confusingly similar and which
third parties may choose to challenge a registration request. If
after a Trademarkia attorney makes necessary arguments on your behalf for
those who elect the Trademark Insurance Program (without additional legal
fees to you), if your mark still remains unregistrable, the Firm will
cover the legal fee to file a new mark on your behalf after putting its
best foot forward through Final Refusal.
25.
Logo Design Services
Logo design services are offered on the Website. Once you make the
required payment and provide us with the specifications for your logo, our
designers create a unique, original logo in accordance with your
instructions and the package you purchased. After completing the initial
design(s) of your logo, we will provide you with potential logos (the
“Initial Design Samples”). At this point you may accept an
Initial Design Sample, request revisions, or request a refund. There is no
additional fee for revisions, provided the requested revisions do not
conflict with your original logo specifications. The number of revisions
you may request is dependent upon the design package you purchased.
Turnaround time for a revision is 1-2 business days. After accepting a
design as your final logo, whether acceptance was made after receiving the
Initial Design Sample or after requesting revisions, we will send you the
completed logo (the “Final Distribution”).
After the Final Distribution, you gain the ownership of the final logo. We
only retain the right to use the final logo, or any logo created in the
process, within printed and on-line portfolios, including promotional
materials such as newsletters and advertisements. You understand that
after receiving the logo via the Final Distribution, you will still need
to register the logo with the appropriate governmental agency to gain full
intellectual property rights to your logo. An incomplete transaction
results in Trademarkia retaining all intellectual property rights of the
designed logo.
If a refund request for the logo services is submitted before receiving
your Initial Design Samples, you may be eligible for a 100% refund. If a
refund request is submitted within 72 hours of receipt of the Initial
Design Samples, and before you request any changes, you may be eligible
for a refund. You are ineligible for a refund after you request revisions
to an Initial Design Sample. You are ineligible for a refund if the
request is submitted after 72 hours of the receipt of the Initial Design
Samples. You are ineligible for a refund if your order is terminated due
to a breach of these Terms of Service or any of the policies herein
referenced.
Regardless of the language used elsewhere in this Section, we reserve the
right to impose a design fee on logo design services refunds. Regardless
of the language used elsewhere in this Section, we also reserve the right
to approve or deny a refund request on a case-by-case basis. If the design
you receive is defective or not the same as shown at the time of
purchasing, and the defect is not a delivery error, then you will be
entitled to a refund. Whether a logo is defective is at our sole
discretion.
26.
New Services/Features
From time to time, we may offer new services and/or features through the
website (including, the release of new tools and resources). Such new
features and/or services shall also be subject to these Terms of Service.
27.
Headings
All headings contained herein are for reference only and shall not affect
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement in any manner.
Trademarkia looks forward to representing the Client. If the terms set
forth in this Agreement are satisfactory, please electronically sign the
original and the copy of this agreement in the space provided below. The
Client should keep one copy for record-keeping purposes.
28.
Severability
If any section of this Agreement is found by competent authority to be
invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the
validity, legality, and enforceability of such section in every other
respect and the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in effect.
29.
Conclusion
Trademarkia and/or the Regional Firm are delighted to be asked to provide
legal services to the Client. The firm and/or the Regional Firm are
looking forward to working with the Client on this engagement. Should the
Client ever wish to discuss any matter relating to legal representation by
the Firm, please do not hesitate to call 650-390-6400 (Trademarkia U.S.
office), or to speak to one of the attorneys familiar with this
engagement.
30.
Contact Us
We are headquartered in Mountain View, California with a primary office in
Tempe, Arizona. See our
contact us
page for more details.
Trademarkia Headquarters (LegalForce RAPC Worldwide P.C.)
440 E. Southern Avenue
Tempe Arizona 85282
Tel: 1-877-794-9511
Fax: 650-989-2131
Email: customer.service@trademarkia.com
Revision Date: January 3, 2023