Ever wonder how to protect the brand you work so hard to build? Welcome back trademark law expert, Kelli Jones who teaches us the ins and outs of how a trademark process works, when you might want to consider securing your brand, and what you should look out for before protecting your brand identity.

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Key Take-Aways:

1. A trademark is a part of your brand which identifies your good & services.

2. The difference copyright and trademark: copyright protects original work of author. Trademark protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs that distinguish the source.

3. The point of a trademark is to prevent consumer confusion.

4. Two things that are unrelated can exist.

5. Even if you’re using a brand name first, whoever files a trademark has the most rights.

6. Before creating the branding for your business, do a basic search on uspto as well as Google Search.

7. Hiring a lawyer for applying for a trademark adds further safeguard due to the extended search.

8. It’s important to file the branding with the words used for the business instead of only the logo, so that it’s always covered even when changing the branding colors and logo.

9. The beauty industry is one of the harder industries to get a trademark due to general wording that overlaps in the industry.

10.The trademark process can take a year or more after filing.

11. Trademarks can also negotiate terms specific to the state, but its typically federal.

12. If you’re using a name before someone registers and sends a cease and desist, you can appeal it.

13. A federal trademark will trump a state trademark in court.

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Feeling overwhelmed by salon contracts? Don't risk your business! Join us as lawyer Kelli Jones breaks down everything salon owners & hairstylists NEED to know about crafting ironclad contracts. Learn key terms, avoid hidden pitfalls, and discover strategies to maximize profits & protect your business. Listen now & gain the legal edge for your beauty business!

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Key Take-aways:

2. You can put anything in a contract, but it doesn’t mean it can be enforced in your state.

3. Don’t charge for things that are unreasonable, for instance the full service price.

4. Make sure your policy is clear, written and easily found on your website.

5. If a client is booking online and checks a box to agree to the policy, it’s in written form and easier to enforce the charge.

6. If you don’t have clarity on how charges work, when and what the stipulation is, it will be harder to legally hold the charge against the client.

7. Usually what can legally be held against you as a service provider is what you don’t include, not what you do include.

8. Be careful when asking to hold credit card information, you need to get authorization to charge their card.

9. As far as holding a non-compete for an employee, it is meant to protect both parties. It’s a red flag if a salon has you sign a non-compete if you are a 1099.

10. A non-compete shouldn’t prohibit an employee from being able to work if they left.

11. As an employee, consider negotiating the terms of the contract before finalizing.

12. As a freelancer when signing a contract with a brand, if asked for a non-compete for a longer duration, negotiate either a higher rate or for a shorter timeframe. Keep in mind, the brand’s contract doesn’t typically work favorably for the artist.

13. Look for words like perpetuity because the intellectual property can belong to the brand if you don’t negotiate it down.

14. Make sure you license it to them rather than them taking ownership of it.

15. Once you publish something online, you hold the copy-write to it. You need to give permission to someone else using your content, it could be copy write infringement.

16. It’s easier to escalate as necessary rather than deescalate a situation.

17. Try reaching out to the brand directly first before reporting, this is where you can negotiate a paid relationship with them.

18. If you feel nervous about signing a contract, think of it as a way to protect both parties and to prevent miscommunication.

Find Kelli @lawyerkelli_ on Instagram

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Finding the right salon home goes beyond just a pretty space. As a hairstylist, prioritizing a salon that fosters your professional growth can make or break the longevity of your success behind the chair. Discover how to find a supportive team environment that fosters professional growth through education and skill development. We'll discuss the importance of a salon culture that values your creativity and allows you to showcase your talents. Plus, we'll tackle practical considerations like added support and resources to look for in your salon home, that aligns with your experience and goals. Tune in and get ready to find the perfect salon to launch your dream career!

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Key Take-Aways:

1. Look at the salon culture. How is everyone treating one another.

2. Pay attention to the atmosphere. How is the interaction with clients?

3. Is there opportunity for you to grow as a stylist?

4. Reputation & integrity: Community, clients, and team/staff.

5. Look over reviews and visit in person.

6. Does the salon conduct a working/shadow or technical interview?

7. Is there a mentorship/coaching program?

8. What is their turnover rate? If it’s high, consider interviewing a couple of stylists first.

9. Is the salon open to Indie education? Do they cover the cost of classes?

10. Does the space fit the season of life you’re in? How much participation is required?

11. Find out what the compensation, expectation, and do they have a benefits pack?

12. Look out for cleanliness and organization, which shows you the foundation is there.

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