EP 98: Trademarks, Trust & Scaling Smart: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know

Ever wonder if your business is legally protected… or if you're one cease and desist letter away from chaos?

In this episode, I’m joined by Joey Vitale—award-winning trademark attorney and founder of Indie Law—for a straight-talking, eye-opening look at what it really takes to protect your brand. Whether you’re building your business brick by brick, launching a new offer, or already scaling something big, this convo is your legal wake-up call.

Joey and I unpack everything from the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when it comes to trademarks, to wild trademark battles (wait ‘til you hear about Starbucks’ green apron debacle 😬), to simple, proactive steps that keep your business safe and sound.

You’ll walk away knowing:

• What a trademark actually protects (hint: it’s more than your logo)
• Whether your domain, LLC, or summit name is enough (spoiler: it’s probably not)
• How to confidently move forward—without legal overwhelm

Grab a notebook—Joey’s even sharing a contract bundle and a special listener discount for those ready to take action.

On This Week’s Episode, We Discuss:

• What trademarks actually protect (and why they’re so misunderstood)
• The most common legal slip-ups entrepreneurs make when naming offers, programs, and businesses
• The domain name myth—why owning your URL doesn’t mean you own your brand
• Real-life cautionary tales, including a Starbucks trademark fail that cost big
• Trademarking 101: “in use” vs. “intent to use”—what you need to know
• Can’t trademark that: book titles, generic terms & other brand-name no-nos
• Naming smarter: how creative brand identity = stronger legal protection
• AI and trademarks: how ChatGPT copycats could be hurting your brand
• What to do today if your brand isn’t protected (even if you’ve been in business for years)
• Free tools + offers to help you get legally legit, fast

✨ Special Offer: Book your free trademark consult at Indie Law and mention Jennie Wright or Acquire to get $300 off your flat-fee trademark package.

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Connect with Joey:

Follow Joey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoeyvitale/

Follow Joey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejoeyvitale

Follow Joey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejoeyvitale/

Check out Joey’s website: www.indielaw.com

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