About this episode
In this fascinating episode of EYL, hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings sit down with seasoned trademark attorney Rosezena Pierce to uncover the critical aspects of trademarking your business. Rosezena emphasizes the importance of securing your brand name legally before you pour your time, effort, and finances into building your business. Right from the start, Rosezena equates starting a business without a trademark to building a house on land you don't own—a recipe for disaster. She shares eye-opening stories from her decade-long career that illustrate the financial and emotional toll that can come from not taking this crucial step. Learn why simply having an LLC or a corporation is not enough for full ownership of your business name. Rosezena provides valuable insights into the different classes under trademark law and the nuances that can make or break your business. From understanding the complexities of what can be deemed confusingly similar, to the story of the original Burger King in Illinois that got boxed into a 20-mile radius because they didn't have federal registration, this video is packed with information you can't afford to miss. Rosezena also explains where and how to search for your desired business name to ensure it's free and clear for your use. She highly recommends hiring a skilled attorney for this process, as doing it yourself or relying on data transfer companies may lead to costly mistakes. The episode wraps up by revealing why federal trademark registration provides broader and more reliable protection, especially in today's internet-driven world. If you're an entrepreneur looking to build a legacy that outlives you, this episode is a must-watch! **Key Moments To Watch:** - [00:00:00-00:00:12] Why trademarking your business before launch is crucial - [00:01:09-00:01:27] Where to search for your desired business name - [00:02:10-00:03:01] Understanding the nuances of trademark law - [00:03:01-00:03:37] Cesar from Black Ink's trademark misunderstanding - [00:06:00-00:06:26] Difference between state and federal trademark registration - [00:08:26-00:10:02] The story of the original Burger King in Illinois **About EYL Media:** EYL (Earn Your Leisure) is a multimedia platform created by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings. The platform's mission is to highlight entrepreneurs, educators, and business leaders who share their journeys and the actionable insights they've accumulated along the way. The EYL channel covers a diverse range of topics from financial literacy and personal development to entrepreneurial success and investment strategies. **Subscribe to EYL for more enlightening conversations with leaders and innovators who are reshaping the business landscape!** **Hashtags:** #EYL #EYLPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Trademark #BusinessTips #RashadBilal #TroyMillings #RosezenaPierce #BusinessLaw #LegalAdvice #Branding #BusinessStrategy #EarnYourLeisure #SmallBusiness #StartupTips #FederalTrademark #LLC #Corporation #BusinessName #EntrepreneurLife Elevate your business knowledge and ensure you’re on the right path by securing your brand name legally. Watch this episode and protect your business from the ground up. Our Sponsors: * Check out PNC Bank: https://www.pnc.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/eyl Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.