Erik Pelton

A registered trademark provides unmatched protection for a company name, product or service, slogan, or logo, but the registration process can be long and full of procedural traps. With that reality in mind, EMP&A was founded in 1999 with three simple goals:

• To leverage Founder and Lead Attorney Erik Pelton’s experience as an examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and provide top-notch service to clients without big law firm costs. Our clients have received more than 5,000 trademark registrations, and our firm has been named a top-10 trademark filer by Trademark Insider®.
• To help businesses protect one of their most valuable and important assets – their brand – with predictable and affordable flat fees. That means no unexpected costs or fees, and no “nickel and diming” when it comes to phone calls, emails, or other administrative basics.
• Using technology to make working with a trademark lawyer easier, more efficient, less intimidating, and less expensive. We have developed custom, proprietary software that manages application filings and deadlines; this technology handles much of the administrative work so that we can focus on our clients and casework.

EMP&A was founded with the dream of making intellectual property protection understandable, accessible, and affordable for businesses and entrepreneurs of all sizes and types. We think of ourselves not only as experienced trademark attorneys but, more importantly, as counselors working with our clients side-by-side to support their business goals and maximize their brand assets.

Registering a trademark doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Our clients range from solo start-ups to multinational corporations; from businesses seeking their first trademark to those with dozens already registered. Regardless of an organization’s size or experience, trademarks play a significant role in the success of a business and its ability to leverage its brand, and we have helped build and sustain strong brands for hundreds of internet ventures; software, real estate, cosmetics, apparel, publishing and toy companies; restaurants and breweries; inventors; and other businesses.

Founded in 1999 by a former U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) trademark examiner, EMP&A handles everything related to the trademark and copyright protection process, including:

• Clearance searches
• Registration with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Registering internationally
• Registration renewals
• Cease & Desist matters
• Monitoring for infringement
• Representing parties in Trademark Trial and Appeal Board oppositions, cancellations, and appeals
• Negotiating trademark settlements
• Office Action responses
• Strategizing on brand creation, use, or redevelopment
• Handling Federal Circuit Court of Appeals cases
• Providing specialized feedback