Welcome To Startup Students

Okay Startup Students, let’s get right back into the swing of things. As you begin you new venture adventure, the “little” things can become lost as you attempt to adhere to your grand vision. One such thing you really shouldn’t overlook is maintaining the naming rights to your product or service. Trademarking is a simple process that can potentially save (or cost) you millions in the long run. We’ve all purchased aspirin, cellophane, nylon, or a thermos, and of course ridden an escalator. But, did you know that each of those began their storied lives as a brand name?

Here are some benefits to trademarking your brand name:

• If your copyright is infringed, you now have the right to sue in federal court.
• By the same token, you limit your ability to be sued.
• You will have evidence of ownership, and sometimes your name is your most valuable asset.
• Your registration can be filed with U.S. Customs Service to prevent importation of infringing foreign goods – that is huge!
• You will be able to have a small “tm” placed after your logo or design to signify that this is your trademark and that others can not use it. This adds a sense of professional to your clients.

Overall, it’s simply a good idea to do so.  For more information, or to get the ball rolling with TM registration, visit the USPTO.  Class dismissed.

It’s been 145 days since my last post, and contrary to what some of you might have thought I did not die a week after Thanksgiving 2007. I do admit to being a slacker though.

I always envisioned my last semester in college to be the easiest. I figured I would take a few classes and just coast through graduation. As it turned out, however, it was by far one of the toughest and busiest few months of my life. I’d like to take a few minutes to share with you some of my accomplishments and I promise to get back into posting quality content this week.

First off, as you might have surmised, I am graduating. In fact, this is finals week so I only have a few days of college left. I’ve been in school longer than the average student – since summer 2002 actually – but I have loved every minute of it.

Beyond school, it has been a banner year thus far for my web development company, Brett Adams Design LLC. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a variety of clients transcending numerous industries. Later this week I plan on profiling a couple of them – at least one of which could be integral in the development of the next great Student Start Up.

And while business is going great, after much thought I’ve determined that getting some real world experience of my own is integral to my long term success as an entrepreneur. After a couple months of searching for the perfect fit, I have accepted a position at New York based startup Yodle.com. Yodle is a leading provider of local online advertising that provides businesses with a simple and affordable way to get more phone calls.

That being said, I will be moving to NYC in about three weeks and I start my new position in June. I look forward to the new experience and promise to keep you in the loop through this blog. Thanks again to those who have stuck around in my absence and welcome to the new readers. Class dismissed!