Fortis Law Partners, a leading Denver-based law firm that specializes in legal needs for every stage of corporate growth, has expanded its trademark practice. Andrew Comer heads the division. Under Fortis’ Trademark Practice, services include Intellectual Property (IP) strategy; Trademark registrations and related filings; Trademark defense procedures; post-registration strategy; litigation for Trademark disputes; and other brand protection offerings.
“Startups are so caught up in getting the business up and running that they overlook the importance of protecting their brands,” Comer said. “We offer busy entrepreneurs in a vast array of industries services that protect the future of their company. We explain how to protect a diverse range of innovative products and brands.”
Passage of the Farm Bill has meant seismic shift in CBD regulation and IP protection
Even before the Farm Bill passed in December 2018, Comer was helping clients in the cannabis space protect their Intellectual Property by preparing and submitting trademark applications. Prior to the Farm Bill, any product with hemp or cannabidiol (CBD) was illegal under federal law, preventing federal trademark registration. But as the industry saw signs that the Farm Bill was going to pass, legal representatives, including Comer, began preparing to advance their clients’ IP protections by strategically submitting trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Now that the Farm Bill has passed, hemp-derived CBD is federally legal, and the USPTO is analyzing these applications.
Comer advises clients operating in the cannabis space on how to develop protectable marijuana and cannabidiol brands and products; how to secure trademarks for brands; what common law rights a company may already have; and alternatives to federal registration for marijuana/THC products.
In addition to trademark strategies, Comer advises companies on mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and other corporate matters affecting their formation, financing and operation. He has assisted clients of different sizes as they grow, negotiate with vendors and customers, and prepare for acquisition. His clients include software and application developers, cloud services companies, creative and advertising agencies, manufacturers, marijuana businesses, retailers, and various service providers. He works with clients—from founders to boards of directors to investors—to ensure compliance with securities laws and other laws that affect their investments and other interests.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Shawna McGregor at shawna@themaverickpr.com or 917-971-7852.
About Fortis Law Partners
Fortis Law Partners offers broad expertise to help clients achieve effective legal solutions, from the simplest matters to the most challenging business problems. Whether a successful outcome means winning at trial, dismissing a lawsuit, negotiating a settlement, closing a transaction, or just getting thoughtful legal advice, Fortis lawyers get results. Our business-minded problem-solving approach, coupled with a persistent dedication to client service, enables us to create unmatched value. Practices include Commercial Litigation, Corporate / Securities / M&A; Employment Law; Tax; Compliance Programs and Internal Investigations; and Real Estate & Development. For more information, visit FortisLawPartners.com. Continue the conversation on LinkedIn and Facebook.
