Join us for a discussion about what all entrepreneurs, small businesses, and start-ups should know about trademarks. We’ll discuss what trademarks are, the benefits of federal trademark registration, and the basics of the registration process. We’ll also talk about why it’s so important for any new business to select a trademark that is both federally registrable and legally protectable. We’ll close out the discussion with a question-and-answer session and direct you to free resources from the USPTO. 

Mariessa Terrell, J.D., Trademark Examining Attorney, began her trademark law career at the USPTO in 2000. After her departure from the USPTO, Mariessa worked as a solo trademark practitioner; in-house trademark attorney consultant for Lockheed Martin and Leidos Corporations; and trademark and fashion law professor at her alma mater Howard University School of Law (HUSL). In 2015, Mariessa was recruited to manage the USPTO Trademark Law Clinic at HUSL and was instrumental in helping to develop a Patent Clinic at HUSL in 2019.

Mariessa returned to the USPTO in 2020 and currently works as a trademark attorney advisor in the office of Trademarks Customer Outreach where she delivers to experienced practitioners educational content on advanced trademark topics. She earned her J.D from Howard University School of Law; her B.A., magna cum laude, from Pace University in New York City; and is admitted to the Maryland and District of Columbia bar associations. In her spare time, Mariessa volunteers with the High Tea Society, a life skills program for DC girls.