Initiating Protection is a law firm that specializes in helping our community's small and mid-sized businesses with brand protection. This firm was founded by Richard Rimer after he heard the phrase "but I didn't know" one too many times.
Richard previously worked as a trademark lawyer for large firms in Midtown Atlanta, representing large companies from around the world. Richard explained, "I often heard the smaller companies my clients were challenging say that they had no idea that intellectual property applied to them." He realized that these businesses needed education, information, and representation, and that he could not provide this effectively from a large firm environment. This is what inspired him to start his own law firm.
Richard said the first act at Initiating Protection was to change his professional title from "trademark lawyer" to "brand protection counsel." He said he knew his best clients would not know if they had a trademark, "but they would know that they had a brand." He also knew that many of these companies would have no idea that their brands may contain risk and that there could be ways to enhance the value inside their brands.
"There are two main concerns with any brand," explains Richard. First is whether the company has chosen a name that is distinct enough to warrant legal protection. "Companies often complain that someone is copying them, and are shocked to learn that some brands have a lesser level of legal rights." The second concern involves public confusion. You cannot choose a name that is similar to a competitor's name as this can lead to you being forced to change your company name and pay damages to the other company. Richard shared that he's seen many companies that were forced to close after making this mistake.
Brand protection is the combination of four separate steps. The most important step is performing a search to understand the risks and opportunities inside your brand. This allows you to plan for tomorrow. In many cases, a company should then take steps to authenticate its rights. Much like recording a deed at a courthouse, this lets the world know that you claim rights in your brand. Finally, you need to police to make sure others are not infringing your rights and then enforce your rights if necessary.
Tomorrow's concerns can be effectively addressed today. Gaining legal rights in your brands may be crucial in resolving a dispute on social media platforms or some other technology that may soon be essential for business. Demonstrating a commitment to protecting intellectual property rights prompts quicker responses from social media companies and deters would-be infringers.
When asked what advice he had for small business owners, Richard responded that "the most important thing is to be yourself and be unique. This is surprisingly important in the area of intellectual property." He also mentioned that "companies should not confuse the approval of a name from the Secretary of State with permission to use the name. These are two separate things."
Brand protection is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each client requires a tailored approach to address their unique needs and challenges. By combining strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and a proactive stance against infringement, Initiating Protection helps businesses safeguard their most valuable assets—their brands.
Richard Rimer is a proactive force in his family, community, and profession. As a father of four daughters, community leader, and Brand Protection Lawyer, he's dedicated to making a difference.
Initiating Protection, LLC
www.initiatingprotection.com
678.965.3268