Thomas G. Haren, Keenan M. Jones, and Karina Pantoja Share Four Traps to Avoid When Seeking a Cannabis Trademark in CBT Column

In a recent article for Cannabis Business Times, Thomas G. Haren, Keenan M. Jones, and Karina Pantoja offer practical guidance and tips to avoid common problems when registering trademarks in the cannabis industry. 

The article, “4 Pitfalls to Avoid When Seeking a Cannabis Trademark (and Tips to Avoid Them),” identifies the following mistakes businesses frequently make during the trademarking process:  

• Not knowing whether your mark is eligible for federal registration 

• Relying solely on state or common law trademark rights 

• Using a mark that’s too similar to another company’s 

• Waiting for regulatory changes

To learn how to protect your cannabis brand without falling into these traps, read the full Frantz Ward Full-spectrum Wisdom column article here.  

Tom represents licensed operators and ancillary service providers, advising cannabis clients on issues including license acquisition, corporate transactions, litigation, day-to-day business matters, strategic planning, municipal law, and regulatory compliance. He has led some of the largest M&A deals in the Ohio cannabis market, representing both the selling license holders and acquiring entities. 

Keenan represents businesses of all sizes in litigation matters, corporate formation, business development, and protection of intellectual property rights. Since 2017, he has focused his practice on assisting companies operating in the regulated cannabis space, including hemp, marijuana, and ancillary endeavors. 

Karina’s practice focuses on tax and estate planning, with additional experience assisting in general business matters. Karina is a native Spanish speaker and has used her language skills to translate legal documents, present for Spanish-speaking audiences, and interpret for Spanish-speaking clients. 

Cannabis Business Times is a publication that focuses on the business of legal cannabis for medical and adult use. They aim to provide timely information to help the reader make informed decisions about running their cannabis businesses and advancing their careers in the cannabis market.