Welcome to another episode of The Lindsey Anderson Show! Today, I’m diving into a topic that I’m sure many of you haven’t thought much about: legal protections for your online content. As entrepreneurs and online business owners, we show up online every day—creating content, generating sales, and building our brands. But here’s the real question: Is your business actually protected?

The truth is, many entrepreneurs are losing money, missing opportunities, and even getting taken advantage of because they haven’t protected their intellectual property. Whether you’re posting on social media, creating content, or launching offers, you need to ensure that your work is legally protected. Today’s guest, Robert Thony, is here to help us navigate this crucial area of business. He’ll be sharing how to protect your intellectual property before it’s too late. I’m so excited for you to hear this!

Guest Introduction

Robert Thony is the founder of Tony Law and Entertainment, a firm that specializes in IP law and business law. With over a decade of experience, Robert has been helping entrepreneurs, creators, and online business owners protect their work and secure better deals.

He’s an expert in trademarks, copyrights, contracts, and negotiation strategies. Robert has worked with countless brands to ensure they’re legally protected while continuing to grow. His goal is simple: to help businesses not only survive but thrive, all while being legally secure. Robert provides guidance on everything from brand protection to navigating the complexities of the digital world with legal insight. Let’s dive into the conversation with Robert!

Protect Your Brand and Business - Key Takeaways

• Protect Your Brand Early: It’s critical to get your business structure right from the start. Whether you’re a consultant, or running a tech startup, choosing the right legal entity is key to protecting your business in the long run.
• Trademark Protection: Your brand name and logo should be protected from day one. Register them with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to prevent infringement and legal issues down the line.
• Trademark Search: Always conduct a comprehensive trademark search to make sure no one else is using a name or logo that’s too similar to yours.
• Legal Structure Matters: The legal structure you choose for your business affects the kind of protection you need. For example, a service-based business will have different legal needs than a product-based business.
• Investment in Protection: While it costs $350 per mark to file a trademark application with the USPTO, it’s a worthwhile investment to secure your brand’s future. The process can take 9-12 months, but it’s worth the wait for the protection it provides.
• Why Entrepreneurs Wait Too Long: Entrepreneurs often delay legal protection due to budget constraints or the desire to focus on marketing. However, failing to protect your brand early could lead to costly rebranding or legal disputes in the future.

Client Example: The Cost of Waiting

We share a common example that happens way too often. A business owner starts using a name that’s similar to another trademarked brand. At first, everything seems fine, but then, the clients start getting confused—some even reach out to the wrong business thinking they’re contacting the right one.

In these situations, the client may have to rebrand entirely, which is a huge financial and logistical burden. And sometimes, the other business already owns the trademark, which means they have the legal right to shut you down. This happens all the time, and it can set you back months, if not years, in your business journey.

Key Quotes

• "If you're serious about business, you need to get this protection so that you're not wasting years and investment into something you don't even own."
• "The minute you alter content or put it on a different platform, that’s potentially a violation of copyright law."
• "Understand what your intellectual property rights are, what you've created, and how to best protect them."

Resources Mentioned

• Robert’s website: www.thony.law 
• Connect with Robert on LinkedIn for legal insights and advice: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertthony/ 
• Follow Robert on Instagram for updates on IP law and business protections: @thony_law
• Register for my upcoming free live masterclass: https://www.lindseya.com/workshop