Firm updates, legal insights, and perspectives for modern businesses.

Brand Protection

How to Conduct a Trademark Clearance Search

A trademark clearance search helps determine whether a proposed name, logo, slogan, or other brand identifier may conflict with existing trademark rights. A proper search goes beyond checking whether an identical name appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office database. It examines similar marks, related goods and services, pending applications, state registrations, and marketplace uses that may never have been federally registered.

Vest Counsel · July 25, 2026

Juris Education Interview With Vincent van Houden, Attorney At Vest Counsel

Vincent van Houden is a Harvard Law graduate with a degree in psychology from UC Berkeley. In 2024, Vincent founded Vest Counsel, a law firm advising founders and creators on intellectual property, technology, and business strategy. Prior to that, Vincent worked in the capital markets practice at Fried Frank and for a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.‍

Vest Counsel · July 20, 2026

Brand Protection

Pinto Picasso® Trademark Officially Registered

On March 24, 2026, the United States Patent and Trademark Office officially registered the PINTO PICASSO® trademark on the Principal Register, securing federal protection across two commercial categories.

Vest Counsel · April 11, 2026