Intellectual Property Law

EPGD’s 10 Steps to Start A Business

As times change, businesses change as well. We’ve seen a boom in entrepreneurial businesses throughout South Florida. If you find yourself feeling the bug, here are EPGD’s 10 simple steps to starting your own business.

Read More »
DBA registration form
Business Law
Eric Gros-Dubois

What is a DBA?

It is important to note that a fictitious business name is not the same as a trademark.  Entities like trademarks, service marks, corporations, and limited partnerships are legal names.  In contrast, the registration of a fictitious business name does not create any exclusive ownership rights, nor does it reserve the name against future use. 

Read More »
Intellectual Property Law
Eric Gros-Dubois

Charlie Sheen Changed his name, you can too!

Charlie Sheen, Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, Bruno Mars, Jamie Foxx, they all have one thing in common. They’ve changed their name. In case you didn’t know, celebrities aren’t the only ones who can do so. If you would like to legally change your name or restore a former a name, you may do so in Florida, provided that you are 18 years of age or older and satisfy certain other requirements.  In particular, the state of Florida has set forth specific procedures, which govern all legal name changes of Florida residents. 

Read More »
business name
Intellectual Property Law
Eric Gros-Dubois

What is a Fictitious Business Name?

An important aspect of establishing a business is finding the right name under which a given company is to conduct its business.  While some business owners choose to use their own legal name, such as “Jane Smith’s Hair Salon,” others might prefer to use a catchphrase or a term associated with the nature of the business or its product, for example “Jane’s Cuts,” or “Fashion Cuts.”  In the latter case, the business is said to operate under a fictitious business name.

Read More »
trademark
Intellectual Property Law
Eric Gros-Dubois

How to Register a Florida Trademark

In Florida, the general rule for trademark rights is “First In Use, First In Right.” In other words, you must be the first to use the mark in commerce. Either by selling products (for goods) or providing services (for services) before you can register the trademark.

Read More »
FREE DOWNLOAD

The Entrepreneur's Handbook

This is a quick legal reference guide covering 16 topics that every business owner needs to have to start a business