Protecting my present and my future
Donation protected
I'm Nerissa.
I have made a career out of helping people find their voice and embrace what gives them joy as a multiple award-winning teacher and storyteller who finds herself in the middle of the dopest projects.
The artists, businesses, students, and creative professionals I've helped have gone on to win national level residencies, be on national talk shows, win high level grants and multimillion dollar bids, be featured in global media... and I'm so grateful that I've been a small part of their success.
Now, I'm being called to expand my work -- online.
Before I can do that with confidence, I need to protect myself and my intellectual property.
I develop ideas and concepts in unique ways that if I take ownership of them, will support me serving the community for years to come. I have a 22 year history of working in this community as an advocate, teacher and artist.
If I don't protect my intellectual property now, I can't sustain that work -- especially now since all of my work is online.
That means it's especially vulnerable to being copied and distributed, without compensation me as its creator.
The budget:
The fee for registering the trademark nationally in the 3 classes it qualifies for is approximately $3,200. This includes the attorney's comprehensive trademark search, their handling of the application, and answering correspondence with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The addition $1,800 is for the attorney's fee to address any concerns the USPTO may have about my application or make corrections. If the trademark challenged by the national office, the attorney will advise me. Using the results of the search, we'll select a different logo, or a different name. Then, they'll need to refile the application with that adjustment.
I've reached out to three reputable attorneys in my area, and each of them gave me the same quote.
I need the funds as soon as possible, because all of the attorneys tell me the process takes 3 to 6 months.
What's at stake if this isn't funded:
The work I do is important, and I want to continue doing it for the rest of my life. If it's stolen, I'll have to start from scratch. That will be demoralizing, especially because it's happened to me before.
Right now, an artist known by the name of Lady A is in a battle with the band formerly known as Lady Antebellum for use of her name. Anita White has used the name for over 20 years, BUT she didn't trademark the name. Whether people feel that it's morally wrong for Lady Antebellum to take her name doesn't matter. Legally, there isn't much Anita can do.
That can't be me. Please help me prevent that.
Benefits to you:
I've thought about how to reward the people who support this cause. I created a follow-up record to make sure EVERYONE is thanked.
Everyone who donates ANY amount will get a thank you. If I have your phone number, it will be a personal phone call. If I don't, it will be with a social media post.
If your donation is above $99, I have a book called 31 Days of Yes. I will email you a copy, and it will be signed.
If your donation is above $499, we'll do a 60 minute Zoom call-- and we can talk about whatever project, whatever mission or business you want to talk about. I'll send you my calendar and you can book at your convenience.
If your donation is above $999, you'll get the Zoom call, and you'll be listed on as one of my founding sponsors online, and on my materials. That listing won't expire. You will always be acknowledged in my work.
For every donation: I will be rereleasing my book in 2021. At the end of the book, there will be a donor acknowledgement page listing every name, no matter the amount -- unless you decide you want to be anonymous.
I was asked what I wanted for my birthday. This is it.
Thank you.
I have made a career out of helping people find their voice and embrace what gives them joy as a multiple award-winning teacher and storyteller who finds herself in the middle of the dopest projects.
The artists, businesses, students, and creative professionals I've helped have gone on to win national level residencies, be on national talk shows, win high level grants and multimillion dollar bids, be featured in global media... and I'm so grateful that I've been a small part of their success.
Now, I'm being called to expand my work -- online.
Before I can do that with confidence, I need to protect myself and my intellectual property.
I develop ideas and concepts in unique ways that if I take ownership of them, will support me serving the community for years to come. I have a 22 year history of working in this community as an advocate, teacher and artist.
If I don't protect my intellectual property now, I can't sustain that work -- especially now since all of my work is online.
That means it's especially vulnerable to being copied and distributed, without compensation me as its creator.
The budget:
The fee for registering the trademark nationally in the 3 classes it qualifies for is approximately $3,200. This includes the attorney's comprehensive trademark search, their handling of the application, and answering correspondence with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The addition $1,800 is for the attorney's fee to address any concerns the USPTO may have about my application or make corrections. If the trademark challenged by the national office, the attorney will advise me. Using the results of the search, we'll select a different logo, or a different name. Then, they'll need to refile the application with that adjustment.
I've reached out to three reputable attorneys in my area, and each of them gave me the same quote.
I need the funds as soon as possible, because all of the attorneys tell me the process takes 3 to 6 months.
What's at stake if this isn't funded:
The work I do is important, and I want to continue doing it for the rest of my life. If it's stolen, I'll have to start from scratch. That will be demoralizing, especially because it's happened to me before.
Right now, an artist known by the name of Lady A is in a battle with the band formerly known as Lady Antebellum for use of her name. Anita White has used the name for over 20 years, BUT she didn't trademark the name. Whether people feel that it's morally wrong for Lady Antebellum to take her name doesn't matter. Legally, there isn't much Anita can do.
That can't be me. Please help me prevent that.
Benefits to you:
I've thought about how to reward the people who support this cause. I created a follow-up record to make sure EVERYONE is thanked.
Everyone who donates ANY amount will get a thank you. If I have your phone number, it will be a personal phone call. If I don't, it will be with a social media post.
If your donation is above $99, I have a book called 31 Days of Yes. I will email you a copy, and it will be signed.
If your donation is above $499, we'll do a 60 minute Zoom call-- and we can talk about whatever project, whatever mission or business you want to talk about. I'll send you my calendar and you can book at your convenience.
If your donation is above $999, you'll get the Zoom call, and you'll be listed on as one of my founding sponsors online, and on my materials. That listing won't expire. You will always be acknowledged in my work.
For every donation: I will be rereleasing my book in 2021. At the end of the book, there will be a donor acknowledgement page listing every name, no matter the amount -- unless you decide you want to be anonymous.
I was asked what I wanted for my birthday. This is it.
Thank you.
Organizer
Nerissa Street
Organizer
Fort Lauderdale, FL
