Trademark & Copyright

Trademark & Copyright Lawyer Protecting the Brands and Creative Work You Have Built

Your Brand and Creative Work Deserve Real Legal Protection, Not Just Recognition. Covington Law Is Ready to Help You Secure It.
Whether you are launching a new brand, registering a trademark, releasing creative work, managing a growing portfolio, or stopping someone from using what is yours, you deserve experienced legal representation that puts the protection of your intellectual property first.
At Covington Law, our experienced trademark and copyright attorneys proudly represent entrepreneurs, businesses, musicians, artists, and content creators across the country and around the world. We understand that your brand and creative work are among your most valuable assets, they carry your reputation, your income, and your legacy. That is why we take the time to understand what you have built, evaluate how best to protect it, and craft a strategy designed to secure and defend your rights.
From the moment you contact our office, you will have a legal team committed to protecting your rights, answering your questions, and guiding you through every step of the process. While you focus on building your brand and creating your work, we will handle the searches, filings, negotiations, and enforcement needed to keep what you create yours.

Schedule your FREE trademark evaluation today and discover how Covington Law can help you protect what you have built.

Why Brands and Creators Choose Covington Law

Free, No-Obligation Trademark Evaluation

Clear, Predictable Legal Fees

Available 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Strategic Protection From Brand Launch Through Enforcement

Experienced Attorneys Ready to Enforce and Defend Your Rights

Personalized Representation From Search to Registration and Beyond

Licensed in North Carolina and DC, Serving Clients Nationwide and Abroad

Trusted Trademark & Copyright Attorneys Protecting Brands and Creators Across the Country and Around the World

You have poured time, creativity, and hard work into building your brand and your body of work. But recognition alone does not protect it. Without the right legal protections in place, someone else can copy your name, dilute your brand, or profit from what you created, and reclaiming those rights after the fact is far harder than securing them from the start.

At Covington Law, we believe that every brand and every creator deserves strategic legal guidance and a trusted partner who is fully invested in protecting their work. Our mission is simple: help you build, protect, and enforce intellectual property that is truly yours.

Our attorneys understand that no two brands are alike. Every client has a unique name, a unique market, and a unique creative vision. That is why we take a personalized approach to every matter. We begin by listening. We learn about your brand, your creative work, and where you want to take it. Then we build a comprehensive protection strategy designed to secure your rights and build lasting value.

Whether you are clearing a new brand name, filing a trademark application, managing a growing portfolio, registering a copyright, sending a cease and desist letter, or protecting your mark internationally, our legal team has the experience, resources, and determination to protect and defend your intellectual property.

Intellectual property problems often develop quietly before they become costly. A name filed without a search, an unregistered brand, an unprotected creative work, or an infringer left unchallenged can create serious problems later. Without experienced legal guidance, many brands discover these gaps only when a conflict arises, when the cost of resolving them is far higher. Proactive protection helps you secure your rights before someone else takes advantage of them.

Covington Law helps you build on a strong foundation. Our attorneys search and clear your mark, prepare and file strong applications, manage your portfolio, register and protect your copyrights, and enforce your rights against infringers. When a dispute arises, we are fully prepared to send cease and desist letters, pursue opposition or cancellation, and litigate to protect what is yours.

Our commitment extends well beyond a single filing. We know that protecting a brand involves far more than registering a mark once. Throughout our engagement, we remain accessible, responsive, and committed to keeping you informed. You will always know where things stand, what to expect next, and how we are working to protect your rights.

Every matter we accept is backed by thorough preparation, strategic counsel, and a genuine commitment to protecting our clients’ brands and creative work. We understand that choosing the right trademark and copyright attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make for your brand, and we work every day to earn the trust our clients place in us.
Every matter we accept is backed by thorough preparation, strategic counsel, and a genuine commitment to protecting our clients’ brands and creative work. We understand that choosing the right trademark and copyright attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make for your brand, and we work every day to earn the trust our clients place in us.
Contact Covington Law today to schedule your free evaluation. We will assess your brand, explain your options, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about protecting your intellectual property. The initial evaluation carries no commitment.

When your brand and creative work are on the line, choose a legal team that is prepared to protect, defend, and enforce what you have built.

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Covington Law proudly protects the intellectual property of

Startups & Entrepreneurs

Small Businesses

Established Brands

Musicians & Recording Artists

Artists & Designers

Content Creators

Influencers & Personalities

Product & Consumer Brands

Restaurants & Hospitality

E-Commerce Sellers

Software & Tech Companies

Fashion & Apparel Brands

Media & Entertainment

Nonprofits & Associations

Franchises

Authors & Publishers

Photographers & Filmmakers

Agencies & Studios

Professional Practices

Emerging & Growing Companies

Why Choose Covington Law as Your Trademark & Copyright Lawyer?

Choosing the right trademark and copyright attorney can make a significant difference in how well your brand is protected. To secure and defend your intellectual property, you need more than someone to file paperwork, you need a trusted partner who understands creators, knows how to build defensible assets, and has the experience and determination to enforce your rights when they are challenged.
At Covington Law, we recognize that every brand and creator who comes to us has a unique story. Behind every name, logo, song, or design is someone who invested their time, talent, and resources to build something meaningful. Our goal is to protect that investment by providing knowledgeable legal guidance, clear communication, and strategic representation from the moment you contact us through the life of your brand.
Our firm is built on integrity, preparation, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for every client. Whether your matter is resolved through a smooth registration or requires firm enforcement against an infringer, you can trust that our legal team is fully invested in protecting your brand and your legacy.

In This Section

A Tailored Protection Strategy for Every Brand

No two brands are exactly alike. Your name, your market, your creative work, your goals, and the way you plan to grow all deserve careful consideration. That is why we never rely on a one-size-fits-all approach.
When you choose Covington Law, we begin by listening. We take the time to understand your brand, your creative work, and where you want to take it. Using that information, we develop a protection strategy tailored specifically to your goals and the realities of your industry.

You will never be treated like a case number. Our attorneys remain accessible throughout your matter, providing regular updates, answering your questions, and ensuring you always know what comes next.

Experienced Representation Across a Wide Range of Trademark & Copyright Matters

Our attorneys protect brands and creators in virtually every area of trademark and copyright law, nationally and internationally, including:
No matter how complex your needs may be, our team has the resources and determination to search and clear your mark, secure your registration, manage your portfolio, and enforce your rights when they are threatened.

We Build Every Application as Though It May Be Challenged

Many trademarks register smoothly. However, a strong registration often begins with thorough preparation that anticipates challenges before they arise.
The Trademark Office and competing brand owners closely evaluate whether an application is well-prepared and defensible. At Covington Law, we prepare every application as if it may be challenged. We conduct thorough searches, identify potential conflicts, describe goods and services with care, and build applications supported by sound legal strategy.
This level of preparation strengthens your position and demonstrates that your brand is committed to protecting its rights.

Fierce Advocacy to Protect Your Rights

When someone infringes your brand or copies your work, the other side may hope you lack the resources or resolve to respond. They may continue using your name, dispute your rights, delay resolution, or pressure you into walking away from what is yours.
Our attorneys understand these tactics and know how to respond effectively. We handle communications with infringers and opposing parties, send cease and desist letters when appropriate, and advocate firmly to protect your rights, including:
Our objective is simple: help ensure your rights are protected and enforced, so what you built stays yours.

Clear Communication Every Step of the Way

Legal matters can feel overwhelming, especially while you are focused on building your brand and creating your work. We believe clients deserve transparency, honesty, and consistent communication throughout the process.
At Covington Law, you will receive:
We know that peace of mind comes from understanding your options, and we are committed to ensuring you never feel left in the dark.

A Team Focused on Your Legacy

Protecting a brand involves much more than a single filing. It requires a well-searched mark, a strong application, careful portfolio management, and the willingness to enforce your rights over time.
Our legal team works diligently so you can focus on what matters most, building your brand and creating your work. While we handle searches, filings, portfolio management, and enforcement, you can concentrate on growing what you have built.
When necessary, we also coordinate with brand strategists, licensing professionals, and other advisors to help protect and maximize the value of your intellectual property.

Creator Knowledge Matters

As attorneys who understand the creative world, Covington Law knows the real-world challenges brands and creators face, from launching a name to releasing work and defending it against those who would copy it.
Our familiarity with the creative industries and the trademark and copyright process allows us to provide informed guidance tailored to the unique circumstances of your brand and your work.

Whether you are launching a new brand, releasing creative work, or expanding into new markets, we understand the real-world factors that shape how your intellectual property should be protected.

Clear, Predictable Legal Fees

When you are protecting your brand, you should understand exactly what your legal representation will cost.
Covington Law provides clear, predictable fee arrangements for trademark and copyright matters. That means:
This allows brands and creators of every size, from independent artists to established companies, to access experienced legal representation when they need it most.

Our Commitment to Every Client

At Covington Law, success is measured by more than registrations and filings. It is measured by the trust our clients place in us, the relationships we build, and the brands and legacies we help protect.

From your first consultation onward, you will have a legal team that is committed to:

01

Treating you as a true creative partner

02

Providing honest, strategic legal advice

03

Protecting your rights and your brand

04

Building defensible, valuable assets

05

Enforcing your rights when they are threatened

06

Helping you preserve your legacy

Your brand is your legacy, and protecting it becomes our priority.

Whether you are protecting a new brand, registering a trademark, or enforcing your rights against an infringer, do not wait to secure experienced legal guidance. Contact Covington Law today for a free evaluation and learn how our trademark and copyright attorneys can help protect what you have built.

Services We Handle

Types of Trademark & Copyright Protection We Handle

Every brand and creative work represents real time, talent, and investment, and all of it can be copied or exploited without the right protections in place. From clearing a name and registering a trademark to protecting copyrights and enforcing your rights, the legal side of your brand deserves careful attention. At Covington Law, we believe no creator or business owner should have to navigate those challenges alone.
Our experienced trademark and copyright attorneys serve entrepreneurs, businesses, musicians, artists, and content creators across the country and around the world in a wide range of matters. Whether you are launching a new brand, protecting an established one, or enforcing your rights against an infringer, our legal team has the experience and resources to protect what you have built.
Every trademark and copyright matter begins with understanding your brand. We take the time to learn about your mark, your creative work, and your goals, then build a strategy designed to secure and defend your rights. Whether the work involves a search, a registration, portfolio management, or enforcement, we prepare every matter as though it may one day be challenged.
No matter how complex your needs may be, our commitment remains the same: to protect your rights, defend your brand, and help you make sure what you create stays yours.
Trademark Searches & Clearance

Trademark Search Attorneys

Before you invest in a name, logo, or brand, it is important to confirm it is actually available. A comprehensive trademark search helps identify existing marks that could block your registration or expose you to an infringement claim. Our attorneys conduct thorough federal, state, and common-law searches and provide a clear assessment of your mark’s availability and strength, so you can move forward with confidence or adjust course before you commit.

Trademark Registration

Trademark Registration Attorneys

Registering your trademark secures your rights and gives you powerful tools to protect your brand. We handle the full registration process from start to finish, preparing and filing your application, describing your goods and services with care, and guiding your mark through examination. Our goal is to craft the strongest possible application, one designed to secure registration and build a defensible, lasting asset.

Trademark Portfolio Management

Portfolio Management Attorneys

As your brand grows, so does the work of maintaining and protecting it. Trademarks require ongoing renewals, maintenance filings, and monitoring to keep your rights strong. We manage your trademark portfolio over time, handling deadlines and renewals, watching for potential conflicts, and advising on new filings as your brand expands into new products, services, and markets.

Trademark Enforcement

Trademark Enforcement Attorneys

A registered trademark is only as strong as your willingness to enforce it. When another party uses your mark or trades on your brand, prompt and firm enforcement protects your rights and the value you have built. We help you enforce your rights through cease and desist letters, opposition and cancellation proceedings, negotiation, and litigation when necessary, always focused on stopping the infringement.

Cease & Desist Letters

Cease & Desist Attorneys

A well-drafted cease and desist letter is often the first and most effective step in stopping an infringer. It puts the other party on notice, asserts your rights clearly, and frequently resolves the matter without the need for litigation. We prepare and send cease and desist letters designed to protect your rights and, when possible, resolve the dispute efficiently and in your favor.

Dispute Resolution

Dispute Resolution Attorneys

Not every dispute can be resolved with a single letter. When conflicts arise over ownership, use, or infringement of a mark or creative work, experienced counsel helps protect your interests and work toward an efficient resolution. We advise clients on trademark and copyright disputes, pursuing negotiation, opposition or cancellation proceedings, or litigation as appropriate to protect your rights.

International Trademark Protection

International Trademark Attorneys

Your brand may not stop at the border. If you sell or plan to sell internationally, protecting your mark in other countries helps secure your rights as you expand. We help brands protect their trademarks internationally, including filings through the Madrid Protocol, so your rights are secured in the markets that matter most to your business.

Copyright Attorneys

Your original creative work, from music and writing to art, photography, and video, is protected by copyright. Registering your copyright strengthens your rights and gives you powerful tools to stop others from using your work without permission. We help creators register and protect their copyrights and enforce their rights when their work is used without authorization.

Licensing & Assignments

Licensing & Assignment Attorneys

Your intellectual property can be a source of ongoing value through licensing and assignments. Whether you are licensing your brand to others or acquiring rights from someone else, clear agreements protect your interests. We draft and review licensing agreements, assignments, and related contracts so your rights, and the value of your intellectual property, are protected.

Office Action Responses

Office Action Attorneys

After you file, the Trademark Office may issue an office action raising questions or objections about your application. A well-prepared response is often essential to keeping your registration on track. We analyze the office action, develop the strongest available arguments, and respond to address the examiner’s concerns and advance your mark toward registration.

Opposition & Cancellation

Opposition & Cancellation Attorneys

Sometimes protecting your rights means challenging another party’s mark, or defending your own against a challenge. Opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board can be critical to your brand. We represent clients on both sides of these proceedings, advocating firmly to protect their rights and their registrations.

Trademark Monitoring

Trademark Monitoring Attorneys

Enforcing your rights starts with knowing when they are threatened. Ongoing monitoring helps you catch potentially conflicting marks early, when it is easier to act. We monitor for filings and uses that may conflict with your brand and advise you on whether and how to respond, so you can protect your mark before a problem grows.

Renewals & Maintenance

Renewal & Maintenance Attorneys

A trademark registration must be maintained to stay in force. Missing a required filing or renewal deadline can jeopardize the rights you worked to secure. We track your maintenance and renewal deadlines and handle the required filings, so your registrations remain protected as your brand continues to grow.

Copyright Registration Attorneys

Registering your copyright strengthens your legal rights and expands the remedies available if your work is infringed. Whether you are a musician, writer, artist, photographer, or filmmaker, registration helps protect the work you created. We guide creators through the copyright registration process and help safeguard their original work.

Infringement Enforcement

Infringement Enforcement Attorneys

When someone copies your work or trades on your brand, you have the right to respond. Prompt enforcement protects your rights and preserves the value of what you created. We pursue enforcement through cease and desist letters, negotiation, and litigation when necessary, always focused on stopping the infringement and protecting what is yours.

Brand & Logo Protection

Brand & Logo Attorneys

Your name, logo, and tagline are the face of your brand, and among your most valuable assets. Protecting them helps preserve your reputation, your income, and your identity in the marketplace. We help brands secure and protect their names, logos, slogans, and designs through registration, monitoring, and enforcement, so your brand stays yours.

Discuss Your Situation
With Covington Law

If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, the most reliable way to understand your legal options is through an evaluation of your individual circumstances. Our team will take the time to learn about your accident, answer your questions, explain the personal injury claims process, and provide guidance based on the facts of your case.

We invite you to contact Covington Law to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we may be able to assist you.

Andrew Covington

Founding Attorney · NC

Services We Handle

Understanding Trademark & Copyright Law

Building a brand or releasing creative work means creating something valuable, and valuable things attract copycats. While every brand is unique, understanding how trademark and copyright law works can help you make informed decisions about protecting your intellectual property from the very start.
Trademark and copyright law protects the names, logos, and creative works that identify and distinguish your brand. A trademark protects the words, names, symbols, and designs that identify the source of your goods or services, while a copyright protects original creative works such as music, writing, art, photography, and video. Registering and enforcing these rights helps secure your ownership, preserve the value of your work, and stop others from profiting from what you created.

In This Section

What Is a Trademark?

A trademark is a word, name, symbol, logo, slogan, or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of your goods or services. Your brand name, logo, and tagline can all function as trademarks. Registering a trademark strengthens your rights, puts others on notice of your ownership, and gives you powerful tools to stop infringement.
Trademark rights are built on use and registration. A thorough search helps confirm your mark is available, a well-prepared application secures federal registration, and ongoing maintenance and enforcement keep your rights strong as your brand grows.

Federal Trademark Registration Requirements

To register a federal trademark, your mark generally must be distinctive, used in commerce or intended for use, and not confusingly similar to an existing mark. The application must accurately identify the mark, the owner, and the goods or services it covers, and it must clear examination by the Trademark Office.
Because the registration process can involve office actions, oppositions, and other challenges, careful preparation matters. A well-searched, well-drafted application improves your chances of securing registration and building a defensible asset.
The right approach for registering and protecting your mark depends on your brand, your industry, and your goals, and it varies from one client to the next.

We Build Every Application as Though It May Be Challenged

Many trademarks register smoothly. However, a strong registration often begins with thorough preparation that anticipates challenges before they arise.
The Trademark Office and competing brand owners closely evaluate whether an application is well-prepared and defensible. At Covington Law, we prepare every application as if it may be challenged. We conduct thorough searches, identify potential conflicts, describe goods and services with care, and build applications supported by sound legal strategy.
This level of preparation strengthens your position and demonstrates that your brand is committed to protecting its rights.

Fierce Advocacy to Protect Your Rights

When someone infringes your brand or copies your work, the other side may hope you lack the resources or resolve to respond. They may continue using your name, dispute your rights, delay resolution, or pressure you into walking away from what is yours.
Our attorneys understand these tactics and know how to respond effectively. We handle communications with infringers and opposing parties, send cease and desist letters when appropriate, and advocate firmly to protect your rights, including:
Our objective is simple: help ensure your rights are protected and enforced, so what you built stays yours.

Clear Communication Every Step of the Way

Legal matters can feel overwhelming, especially while you are focused on building your brand and creating your work. We believe clients deserve transparency, honesty, and consistent communication throughout the process.
At Covington Law, you will receive:
We know that peace of mind comes from understanding your options, and we are committed to ensuring you never feel left in the dark.

A Team Focused on Your Legacy

Protecting a brand involves much more than a single filing. It requires a well-searched mark, a strong application, careful portfolio management, and the willingness to enforce your rights over time.
Our legal team works diligently so you can focus on what matters most, building your brand and creating your work. While we handle searches, filings, portfolio management, and enforcement, you can concentrate on growing what you have built.
When necessary, we also coordinate with brand strategists, licensing professionals, and other advisors to help protect and maximize the value of your intellectual property.

Creator Knowledge Matters

As attorneys who understand the creative world, Covington Law knows the real-world challenges brands and creators face, from launching a name to releasing work and defending it against those who would copy it.
Our familiarity with the creative industries and the trademark and copyright process allows us to provide informed guidance tailored to the unique circumstances of your brand and your work.

Whether you are launching a new brand, releasing creative work, or expanding into new markets, we understand the real-world factors that shape how your intellectual property should be protected.

Clear, Predictable Legal Fees

When you are protecting your brand, you should understand exactly what your legal representation will cost.
Covington Law provides clear, predictable fee arrangements for trademark and copyright matters. That means:
This allows brands and creators of every size, from independent artists to established companies, to access experienced legal representation when they need it most.

Our Commitment to Every Client

At Covington Law, success is measured by more than registrations and filings. It is measured by the trust our clients place in us, the relationships we build, and the brands and legacies we help protect.

From your first consultation onward, you will have a legal team that is committed to:

01

Treating you as a true creative partner

02

Providing honest, strategic legal advice

03

Protecting your rights and your brand

04

Building defensible, valuable assets

05

Enforcing your rights when they are threatened

06

Helping you preserve your legacy

Your brand is your legacy, and protecting it becomes our priority.

Whether you are protecting a new brand, registering a trademark, or enforcing your rights against an infringer, do not wait to secure experienced legal guidance. Contact Covington Law today for a free evaluation and learn how our trademark and copyright attorneys can help protect what you have built.

What Trademark & Copyright Protection May Be Available for Your Brand?

Every brand faces different needs depending on its stage, industry, and goals. A new venture may need a clearance search and its first trademark registration, while an established brand may focus on managing a growing portfolio, enforcing its rights, or expanding protection internationally. The purpose of working with a trademark and copyright attorney is to secure and defend your rights before someone else can take advantage of them.
The protection that benefits any particular brand depends on many factors, including how the mark is used, the industry, existing conflicts, and your goals. Every brand is unique, and the right approach is best determined after a thorough evaluation of your specific circumstances.
At Covington Law, we carefully assess every form of protection your brand and creative work may need so you have a clear understanding of how to secure your rights and build lasting value.

Trademark Searches & Clearance

Before you invest in building a brand, it is important to confirm your name or mark is actually available. A thorough trademark search helps identify existing marks that could block your registration or expose you to an infringement claim. We conduct comprehensive searches and provide a clear assessment so you can move forward with confidence, or adjust your strategy before you commit.
When appropriate, we also advise on how to strengthen a mark to improve its chances of registration and protection.

Trademark Registration

Registering your trademark secures your rights and gives you powerful tools to protect your brand. We handle the full registration process from start to finish, preparing and filing your application, describing your goods and services with care, and guiding your mark through examination.
Our goal is to craft the strongest possible application, one designed to secure registration and build a defensible, valuable asset for your brand.

Trademark Portfolio Management

As your brand grows, so does the work of maintaining and protecting it. Trademarks require ongoing maintenance, renewals, and monitoring to keep your rights strong and your registrations in force.
We help manage your trademark portfolio over time, handling renewals and maintenance filings, monitoring for potential conflicts, and advising on new filings as your brand expands into new products, services, or markets.

Trademark Enforcement

When another party uses your mark or copies your work, prompt and firm enforcement protects your rights and the value of your brand. Waiting too long can weaken your position and your ability to stop the infringement.
We help you enforce your rights through cease and desist letters, negotiation, opposition and cancellation proceedings, and litigation when necessary, always focused on stopping the infringement and protecting what is yours.

Cease & Desist Letters

A well-drafted cease and desist letter is often the first and most effective step in stopping an infringer. It puts the other party on notice, asserts your rights clearly, and frequently resolves the matter without the need for litigation.
We prepare and send cease and desist letters designed to protect your rights and, when possible, resolve the dispute efficiently and in your favor.

Dispute Resolution

Not every dispute can be resolved with a single letter. When conflicts arise over ownership, use, or infringement of a mark or creative work, having experienced counsel helps protect your interests and work toward an efficient resolution.
We advise clients on trademark and copyright disputes, pursuing negotiation, opposition or cancellation proceedings, or litigation as appropriate to protect your rights.

International Trademark Protection

Your brand may not stop at the border. If you sell or plan to sell internationally, protecting your mark in other countries helps secure your rights as you expand into new markets.
We help brands protect their trademarks internationally, including filings through the Madrid Protocol, so your rights are secured in the markets that matter to your business.

Copyright Protection

Your original creative work, from music and writing to art, photography, and video, is protected by copyright. Registering your copyright strengthens your rights and gives you powerful tools to stop others from using your work without permission.
We help creators register and protect their copyrights and enforce their rights when their work is used without authorization.

Licensing & Assignments

Your intellectual property can be a source of ongoing value through licensing and assignments. Whether you are licensing your brand to others or acquiring rights from someone else, clear agreements protect your interests.
We draft and review licensing agreements, assignments, and related contracts so your rights, and the value of your intellectual property, are protected.

In This Section

Trademark & Copyright Resource Center

Protecting a brand or creative work involves far more than a single filing. Many creators and business owners navigate searches, applications, office actions, portfolio maintenance, and enforcement all while trying to build and grow their brand. Our process is designed to give you a trusted partner at every stage.

Protecting a brand or creative work involves far more than a single filing. Many creators and business owners navigate searches, applications, office actions, portfolio maintenance, and enforcement all while trying to build and grow their brand. Our process is designed to give you a trusted partner at every stage.

Step 1

Schedule a Consultation

The process begins with a free, no-commitment trademark evaluation to discuss your brand, your creative work, and your goals. You can reach us online, by phone, or by text, and our dedicated trademark support staff will guide you from the start.

This conversation also gives you the opportunity to learn more about how we work, ask questions, and determine whether our trademark and copyright services are the right fit for your brand.

Step 2

Searching & Clearing Your Mark

If we move forward together, you will be assigned a dedicated trademark team that begins with a thorough search of your proposed mark. Clearing your mark before you file helps you avoid conflicts and wasted investment.
Depending on your brand, this may include:
A clear picture of what is already out there helps us build a filing strategy designed to secure the strongest possible protection for your mark.

Step 3

Preparing Your Application

A strong registration begins with a strong application. We prepare your trademark application with care, describing your mark, its owner, and the goods or services it covers in a way designed to withstand examination and challenge.
This may include selecting the right filing basis, drafting precise descriptions of goods and services, and preparing the supporting materials your application requires.
Because every brand is different, the application we prepare is tailored to your specific mark and goals.

Step 4

Filing & Prosecuting Your Trademark

Once your application is prepared, we file it with the Trademark Office and manage the prosecution process on your behalf, tracking deadlines and guiding your mark toward registration.
We handle the filing, monitor the status of your application, and manage each step so you do not have to navigate the process alone.
Having experienced counsel also helps ensure that important deadlines, responses, and filings are handled in an organized and timely manner.

Step 5

Responding to the Trademark Office

After filing, the Trademark Office may issue an office action raising questions or objections about your application. A well-prepared response is often essential to keeping your registration on track.
Depending on the office action, our response may involve:
Our role is to address the Trademark Office’s concerns effectively and advocate for the registration of your mark.

Step 6

Enforcement When Necessary

Registering your mark is only part of protecting it. When someone uses your mark or copies your work, prompt enforcement protects your rights and the value of your brand.
If enforcement becomes necessary, our attorneys will guide you through the options, which may include cease and desist letters, opposition or cancellation proceedings, negotiation, or litigation, and advocate firmly to protect your rights.
Throughout any dispute, we continue evaluating opportunities to resolve the matter efficiently while remaining fully prepared to protect your brand.

Step 7

Ongoing Protection

Our relationship does not end once your mark is registered. As your brand grows and evolves, so do its protection needs. We are here to serve as your ongoing partner, handling renewals and maintenance, monitoring for conflicts, and advising on new filings as you expand.
You will always know where things stand, and we will keep you informed so you can make confident decisions for your brand.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Trademarks & Copyrights

Many brands and creators ask similar questions, including:

Is my brand name available to trademark?

Do I need to register my trademark?
What is the difference between a trademark and a copyright?

How do I stop someone from using my brand?

How long does trademark registration take?
Can I protect my trademark internationally?
What should I do if I receive a cease and desist letter?
Because every brand and every creative work is different, these questions are best answered based on your specific circumstances.

Let's Make Sure What You Create Stays Yours

Protecting your brand and creative work can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the process alone. Whether you have questions about searches, registration, portfolio management, enforcement, copyrights, or international protection, the team at Covington Law is here to provide guidance based on your specific situation.
If you are ready to protect what you have built, we invite you to contact our office to discuss your brand and your goals. We will listen, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions. Let’s make sure what you create stays yours.
Is my brand name available to trademark?

Availability depends on whether a confusingly similar mark already exists for related goods or services. Even if a name is available as a business name or domain, it may still conflict with an existing trademark. That is why a comprehensive clearance search is so important before you invest in a brand. During your free evaluation, we can discuss a search and give you a clear picture of your mark’s availability and strength.

Do I need to register my trademark?
While you may have limited rights simply by using a mark, federal registration provides significant advantages. It puts others on notice of your ownership, creates a legal presumption of your rights, and gives you powerful tools to stop infringement, including access to federal court. For most brands serious about protecting their name, registration is well worth it. We can help you decide what makes sense for your goals.
A trademark protects the words, names, symbols, logos, and slogans that identify the source of your goods or services, in other words, your brand. A copyright protects original creative works such as music, writing, art, photography, and video. Many creators and businesses need both. We can help you determine which protections your brand and creative work require.
How do I stop someone from using my brand?
If another party is using your mark or something confusingly similar, you have options. Enforcement often begins with a cease and desist letter, which puts the infringer on notice and frequently resolves the matter without litigation. If that does not work, opposition or cancellation proceedings and litigation may be available. We evaluate the situation and advise you on the most effective way to protect your rights.
How long does trademark registration take?
The timeline varies depending on the Trademark Office’s workload and whether your application encounters any objections or oppositions. A straightforward application may proceed more quickly, while one that receives an office action or opposition can take longer. A well-prepared, well-searched application helps reduce the risk of delays. We keep you informed at every stage of the process.
Can I protect my trademark internationally?
Yes. Trademark rights are generally territorial, so protecting your mark abroad requires filing in the countries or regions where you do business. The Madrid Protocol allows you to seek protection in multiple countries through a streamlined process. If you sell or plan to sell internationally, we can help you develop a strategy to secure your rights in the markets that matter to your brand.
What should I do if I receive a cease and desist letter?
Receiving a cease and desist letter can be stressful, but it is important not to panic or respond without understanding your rights. Some claims are valid, while others are overreaching. Before you take any action, it is wise to have the letter reviewed by an attorney who can assess the claim and advise you on how to respond. We help clients evaluate these letters and protect their interests.

Read More

Trademark & Copyright Resource Center

Understanding your rights as a brand owner or creator often starts with having access to reliable, easy-to-understand information. Our Trademark & Copyright Resource Center is designed to help entrepreneurs, businesses, and creatives learn more about searches, registration, enforcement, copyrights, and what to expect at each stage of protecting their intellectual property.
Whether you are launching a new brand or protecting an established one, our educational articles provide practical information to help you make informed decisions. While every brand is unique, these resources are intended to explain important legal concepts, answer common questions, and keep you informed about developments that may affect trademark and copyright owners.
Explore some of our latest trademark and copyright articles below.

Client Stories

What Our Clients Have to Say

Choosing a trademark and copyright attorney is an important decision, and hearing directly from clients who have worked with a firm can provide valuable insight into what it is like to partner with that team.
At Covington Law, we believe every client deserves to be treated as a true partner, with professionalism, responsiveness, and a genuine investment in protecting their work. From the initial consultation through the life of your brand, our team is committed to clear communication and personalized legal guidance based on each client’s unique goals.
The reviews below reflect the experiences shared by brands and creators who have entrusted Covington Law with protecting their intellectual property. Because every matter is different, past client experiences do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future matter.

“From our first call, they understood exactly what my brand needed. They handled my trademark search and registration with real care, and it felt like having a partner invested in protecting my work.”

- Danielle R.

“They treated my brand like it mattered, not just another filing. Communication was excellent, and I always felt confident that they were protecting my rights every step of the way.”

- Marcus T

“Professional, responsive, and genuinely invested in my success. They explained every option clearly and moved fast to stop someone from using my name. I finally feel like my brand is protected.”

- James P

Case Results

Trademark & Copyright Results.

Every trademark and copyright matter tells a different story. The mark, the creative work, the industry, the existing conflicts, and many other factors influence how a matter is handled and resolved. Because no two brands are exactly alike, past results should never be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of a similar outcome in any future matter.
At Covington Law, we believe that informed clients make confident decisions. Reviewing examples of prior matters can help prospective clients better understand the types of work our firm handles and the legal issues that may arise for a brand. However, every matter is evaluated on its own facts and circumstances.

Our Approach to Every Trademark & Copyright Matter

While the outcome of any legal matter cannot be guaranteed, our approach remains consistent from one engagement to the next. We take the time to understand our clients’ brands and goals, examine the relevant facts thoroughly, address potential conflicts, and develop a strategy tailored to the unique issues presented by each mark or creative work.

Depending on the nature of the matter, our work may include:

Representative Matters

Trademark Registration

A client engaged our firm to protect a new brand. We conducted a clearance search, prepared and filed the trademark application, and guided the mark through examination to registration.
A client discovered another party using a confusingly similar mark. After assessing the conflict and sending a cease and desist letter, the matter was resolved and the infringing use stopped.

Trademark Enforcement

Result: [Outcome]
A client received a cease and desist letter alleging infringement. We evaluated the claim, advised the client on their rights, and responded to protect their interests.

Cease & Desist

Result: [Outcome]
A creator engaged our firm to protect original creative work. We advised on available copyright protections and helped register and safeguard the client's work.

Copyright Protection

Result: [Outcome]
A client sought to protect an established brand in additional countries. We advised on international options and pursued filings to secure the client's rights abroad.

International Filing

Result: [Outcome]
A client faced a dispute over ownership and use of a mark. We investigated the circumstances, evaluated the applicable issues, and pursued a resolution through the appropriate process.

Every Matter Is Different

Although prior matters may provide general information about the work our firm has handled, they should not be viewed as a prediction of what may occur in any future engagement. The right approach for a brand depends on numerous factors, including:

For these reasons, it is not possible to accurately advise a brand without first understanding its specific mark, goals, and circumstances.

Where To Find Us

Service Areas

The Covington Law Office, PLLC

Address
918 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours

Monday – Friday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Covington Law, PLLC

Address
2201 Wisconsin Ave NW # 305

Hours

Monday – Friday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Discuss Your Situation
With Covington Law

If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, the most reliable way to understand your legal options is through an evaluation of your individual circumstances. Our team will take the time to learn about your accident, answer your questions, explain the personal injury claims process, and provide guidance based on the facts of your case.

We invite you to contact Covington Law to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we may be able to assist you.

Andrew Covington

Founding Attorney · NC