<?php
if (!defined('ABSPATH')) {
    exit;
}
// Function to display trademark informational
function brandabean_display_brand_article() {
        $adm_url = admin_url( 'admin.php?page=' );
        $plug_url = plugin_dir_url(dirname(__FILE__));
    ?>
    <div class="wrap">
            <img src="<?php echo esc_url($plug_url) . 'static-images/dlogowide.png'; ?>" alt="Logo" style="max-width:100%; height:auto;"><br>
            <img src="<?php echo esc_url($plug_url) . 'static-images/button1a.png'; ?>" alt="Brand Name Guidance" style="max-width:100%; height:auto;">
            <a href="<?php echo esc_url($adm_url) . 'coffee-dropship-how-this-works'; ?>">
            <img src="<?php echo esc_url($plug_url) . 'static-images/button4.png'; ?>" alt="How This Works" style="max-width:100%; height:auto;"></a>
            <a href="<?php echo esc_url($adm_url) . 'brandabean-coffee-dropship_menu'; ?>">
            <img src="<?php echo esc_url($plug_url) . 'static-images/button2.png'; ?>" alt="Logo on Product" style="max-width:100%; height:auto;"></a>
            <a href="<?php echo esc_url($adm_url) . 'coffee-dropship-send-logo'; ?>">
            <img src="<?php echo esc_url($plug_url) . 'static-images/button3.png'; ?>" alt="Logo Send to us" style="max-width:100%; height:auto;"></a>
            <a href="<?php echo esc_url($adm_url) . 'coffee-dropship-products'; ?>">
            <img src="<?php echo esc_url($plug_url) . 'static-images/button5.png'; ?>" alt="Manage Products" style="max-width:100%; height:auto;"></a>
            </div>
    <div class="wrap">

        <h2>Building a Brand: Before You Name It Keep This In Mind*</h2>

        <img align="left" src="<?php echo esc_url($plug_url) . 'static-images/ibrand.png'; ?>" alt="Coffee bag in grocery store " style="max-width:100%; height:auto;">

        <p>Starting a new brand is an exciting endeavor. One of the first steps is often choosing a name that reflects your brand's identity and resonates with your target audience. 
        However, it's crucial to remember that selecting a brand name involves more than just creativity; it also requires a careful consideration of legal and intellectual property aspects.</p>
        <p>When your first order is sent to us, the first thing we do is check your brand name against the trademark database at USPTO.gov to protect you and us from legal issues. 
        We are not a replacement for real legal advice from a law office and we do not offer legal advice.  We simply do a basic check to make sure nothing comes up related to your
        name or design.  If we find something we let you know via email and request a name change or explain what the issue is.</p>

        <h3>The Risks of Trademark Infringement</h3>

        <p>Using a brand name that infringes on someone else's intellectual property can have serious consequences. It can lead to costly legal battles, damage your 
        reputation, and disrupt your business operations. To avoid these pitfalls, it's essential to conduct thorough research and take necessary precautions.</p>

        <h3>The Importance of Trademark Searches - We will help you with this, free of charge. (but we can not guarantee legal compliance, only your own attorney can do that).</h3>

        <p>It's important to note, we are not a law firm, we are not attorneys, we do not give legal advice, but we are VERY familiar with trademark searches, 
        trademark office actions, specimens, and more.  For that reason, we do assist at no cost, we just can't give you any legal advice.
        To minimize the risk of trademark infringement, consider a trademark search and consult with an intellectual property attorney. Here's why:</p>
        <ol>
            <li>
                <p>Trademark Search: A trademark search helps you identify existing trademarks that may be similar to your chosen name. 
                This can be done through online resources like the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO.gov) website or by hiring a professional 
                trademark search firm.  A search engine like Google can also help, showing you brand names identical to your idea, that may not have
                applied for a trademark, but may still have rights if you're using the same name they have worked hard on and invested in.</p>
            </li>
            <li>
                <p>Legal Counsel: An intellectual property attorney can provide expert guidance on trademark law and assess the potential risks associated 
                with your chosen name, if any. They can also help you navigate the trademark application process if you decide to register your brand name.</p>
            </li>
        </ol>

        <h3>How to Search for Trademarks on USPTO.gov</h3>

        <p>The USPTO website provides a valuable resource called the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). Here's how to use it:</p>

        <ol>
            <li>Access TESS: Visit the USPTO website and navigate to the TESS search page. (Search the trademark database).</li>
            <li>Enter Search Terms: To the left of the search bar select "Wordmark". Enter your desired brand name and select Search. Next, to the right of the search
            bar select "Expert".  A menu in the left expands.  Select the checkbox next to "30" (this is Class 30, or "Foodstuffs").  When you select "30" it will 
            automatically select any related class numbers.  Now view your search results.  This can be overwhelming, sometimes there's thousands of results.
            Keep in mind, we will also be checking this database, but much deeper than this simple check you are doing.  We, as manufacturer and distributor, are liable
            not only for everything we ship, but everything we print and everything we apply a label to. If a name is trademarked and we print the label with the
            intention of using it in commerce, we just committed trademark infringement as explained by our own legal counsel.  For that reason, we want to protect you,
            because it protects us.  Sometimes we spend 2 or 3 hours just searching a single brand name to make sure we are good to go with shipping it.  This costs
            you nothing, we do this free.  On average we request a name change for 3 or 4 percent of all new brands we start working with each month.  Be unique, avoid single 
            common words, be creative and there should be no declines on your brand name.</li>
            <li>Refine Your Search: Use filters explained above to narrow down your search results, and the status of the mark (live, pending, dead, abandoned).</li>
            <li>Review Results: Carefully review the search results to identify any existing trademarks that may conflict with your chosen name.</li>
        </ol>

        <h3>Building a Brand with Confidence</h3>
        <img align="left" src="<?php echo esc_url($plug_url) . 'static-images/iworker.png'; ?>" alt="Person working on a computer " style="max-width:100%; height:auto;">
        <p>By conducting thorough trademark searches and consulting with an attorney, you can significantly reduce the risk of legal issues and build a strong foundation 
        for your brand. Remember, a little precaution upfront can save you a lot of trouble down the road, and we can not guarantee legal compliance.
        Every brand name you've ever heard of goes through
        this same process, whether it's a 1 person operation or has thousands of workers.  It's normal and comes with being in the consumer product industry.</p>

        <h3>Additional Tips:</h3>
        <img align="right" src="<?php echo esc_url($plug_url) . 'static-images/ibrandbag.png'; ?>" alt="Private labeled coffee bag " style="max-width:100%; height:auto;">
        <ul>
            <li>Start your trademark search early in the branding process.</li>
            <li>Consider AI like ChatGPT or Gemini.  You can type an entire paragraph about what you want a name for and it will give you a great list, and help you brainstorm unique and original names.</li>
            <li>If you're unsure about the legality of a name, it's always best to stay on the side of caution and choose a different option.</li>
            <li>By taking these steps, you can create a brand that is creative and memorable.</li>
        </ul>

        

        <p>By following these guidelines, you can  embark on your branding journey, knowing that you've taken the necessary steps backed by your own attorney to protect your intellectual property and build a successful business.</p>
        <p>*This page is for informational purposes only and does not offer any legal advice, only suggestions to consult with your own attorney as a best practice. The author is not an attorney. 
            Legal compliance is not guaranteed, only your own attorney can answer if you are in legal compliance.</p>
    </div>
    <?php
  //  end tm info
}
?>