Trademark Modernization Act – New Tools in the Trademark Toolkit

The Trademark Modernization Act (the “TM Act”) was passed in December 2020, and puts in place several changes that should be helpful for businesses that are looking to register their trademarks and enforce their trademark rights. The US Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) will add new rules to implement these changes, but some changes are… View Article


Comparing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Consumers typically file one of two types of bankruptcy – chapter 7 or chapter 13. There are important differences between a chapter 7 and a chapter 13. The difference between the chapters include structural and practical differences and present different options for a debtor. The right chapter for each debtor is heavily dependent on the… View Article


Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: A Different Way to Deal with Debt

The common perception of a bankruptcy includes: a person filing a bankruptcy a case, attending a hearing, and receiving a discharge of debt. However, there is another chapter to this story and that is a  bankruptcy under chapter 13 of the bankruptcy code. When considering bankruptcy options, there are hundreds of variables to consider. Some… View Article


Creating the Meaning of Your Trademark

US Patent and Trademark Office v. Booking.com BV Recently, the Supreme Court decided a trademark case that asked a very specific question. The answer could have a big impact on businesses trying to protect their brands. In US Patent and Trademark Office v. Booking.com BV, the Supreme Court had to decide whether a generic word… View Article


Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: A Shot at a New Beginning . . .

For a long time, the word “bankruptcy” brought with it a slew of negative connotations. Disappointment, failure, ruin, guilt, shame, and defeat are just a few words that describe the emotional state of a person faced with overwhelming debt who is looking for protection from creditors. Having represented thousands of debtors in chapter 7 proceedings… View Article


Introducing . . . Paul

We are excited to announce that Paul Godfread has joined Pruvent PLLC. Paul’s practice focuses on intellectual property and data privacy. He has represented businesses both large and small in transactions and litigation. He has substantial experience with trademarks and branding issues. Paul has a background in technology which has informed his practice. He has… View Article


How to Prepare for Mergers & Acquisitions in an Uncertain Economy

How the Right Strategies & Timing for Mergers & Acquisitions in Downturns Can Be the Key to Greater Returns & Success As the economy cycles, uncertainty can alter investment strategies and deals involving mergers and acquisitions (M&A). For example, during economic downturns: The sheer volume of M&A activity usually declines: When comparing the first quarter… View Article


Premises Liability During a Pandemic

Many Minnesota businesses reopened on May 18, 2020 as Minnesota relaxed the restrictions designed to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Specifically, Executive Order 20-56 rescinded a previous order, which had forced the closure of many businesses, and now allows limited customer interaction for a much wider range of the economy.  At the same… View Article


“The Application” is Available, Along With More PPP Loan Guidance Regarding Forgiveness

A lot of businesses were quick to take a loan that came out of the CARES Act’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). But those businesses did not take the funds knowing all the rules (or what the whole process would look like). As many readers of this article… View Article


Force Majeure Hits the Spot(light)

Many businesses are dusting off the seldom used force majeure clause in their agreements because of the current pandemic (due to government orders or otherwise). We have touched on this topic before. But what is a force majeure clause and what does it do? A force majeure clause allows a party to delay, suspend, negate,… View Article