Before You Build the Brand, Protect the Name

You built the business. You created the name. You invested in the logo, the website, the marketing, and the reputation. But do you actually own the brand?

In this episode of Beyond the Cover, Tawonda Burks sits down with Chanda Komatsu, Attorney at Law, for a conversation every entrepreneur and business owner needs to hear.

With 30 years of legal experience, Chanda breaks down the world of trademarks and explains why registering an LLC or business name doesn't necessarily mean your brand is protected.

We talk about trademark searches, federal registration, common mistakes business owners make, what happens when someone else owns the rights to a name you've spent years building, and why protecting your intellectual property should be part of your business strategy from the beginning.

We also explore something entrepreneurs don't always think about: your trademark can become an asset. One that can be licensed, sold, transferred, and even become part of the legacy and wealth you leave behind.

Before you spend thousands building the brand, make sure you can protect the name.

Because building a business is one thing. Building something you actually own is another.

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Season 3, Episode 2 | Karen MacLaughlin

What does it really mean to serve your community through the justice system?

In Season 3, Episode 2 of Beyond the Cover, we sit down with Karen MacLaughlin for a conversation that goes beyond the courtroom, beyond the campaign, and beyond the title.

Karen shares the journey that led her to law, the experiences that have shaped her career, and why she believes this is the right time to take the next step in her service to Olmsted County.

We talk about justice, accountability, public safety, victims, families, mental health, and the responsibility that comes with making decisions that can impact someone’s life forever.

But this conversation is also about the woman behind the work. Her values. Her experiences. The lessons she has learned. And the story behind her decision to run for Olmsted County Attorney.

Because Beyond the Cover has never just been about what someone does. It’s about who they are, what shaped them, and the story behind where they’re going next.

Beyond the Cover | Season 3, Episode 2
A Rochester Women Magazine Podcast
Community. Connection. Content.

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Before You Build the Brand, Protect the Name

You built the business. You created the name. You invested in the logo, the website, the marketing, and the reputation. But do you actually own the brand?

In this episode of Beyond the Cover, Tawonda Burks sits down with Chanda Komatsu, Attorney at Law, for a conversation every entrepreneur and business owner needs to hear.

With 30 years of legal experience, Chanda breaks down the world of trademarks and explains why registering an LLC or business name doesn't necessarily mean your brand is protected.

We talk about trademark searches, federal registration, common mistakes business owners make, what happens when someone else owns the rights to a name you've spent years building, and why protecting your intellectual property should be part of your business strategy from the beginning.

We also explore something entrepreneurs don't always think about: your trademark can become an asset. One that can be licensed, sold, transferred, and even become part of the legacy and wealth you leave behind.

Before you spend thousands building the brand, make sure you can protect the name.

Because building a business is one thing. Building something you actually own is another.

rwmagazine.com 

facebook.com/rochesterwomenmagazine

instagram.com/rochesterwomenmagazine/

Some leaders build successful businesses. Others build successful people.

In this episode of Beyond the Cover, we sit down with Julie Herrera-LemLer, leader whose impact extends far beyond entrepreneurship. Through leadership, mentorship, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to community, she has helped countless individuals recognize opportunities they may never have seen for themselves.

While many know her for supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Rochester and Southeast Minnesota, this conversation goes beyond business. We explore the experiences that shaped her leadership, the challenges she's overcome, the relationships she's built, and the purpose that continues to drive her work.

Join us as we uncover the person behind the accomplishments and discuss what it truly means to create opportunity, open doors for others, and leave a legacy that strengthens future generations of entrepreneurs, leaders, and community builders.

Because sometimes the greatest success isn't measured by what you build for yourself, but by the possibilities you help others discover.

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Host and executive producer of KTTC - Midwest Access. After spending 20 years as a dietitian, Jessie embraced the power of saying yes and stepped into new opportunities that led her to the TV screen. Her journey included being crowned Mrs. North Dakota International 2019, and reflects her passion for building relationships, serving as a connector, and shaping how she wants to spend the back half of her life.

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Dawn shares her own journey of self-rediscovery and guides women through what doesn’t have to be a midlife crisis, but instead a powerful transition.

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Welcome to Beyond the Cover, where every conversation uncovers the heart of human experience, one story at a time.

In this episode, Sananda McCall chats with Jaclyn Johnson from the Rochester Civic Theatre. She opens up about the powerful journey of shedding self-doubt and discovering the strength to be fully present, both on stage and in life. Through the highs and lows of performance, Jaclyn explores the transformative magic that happens when we let go of fear and step into our true selves.

Join us as Sananda dives into a conversation about courage, vulnerability, and the art of finding your voice.

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 In this empowering episode, Sananda sits down with Dr. Taylor Christian to celebrate the strength, resilience, and magic of motherhood. From daily victories to extraordinary challenges, hear real stories that honor women who do it all — with heart, hustle, and undeniable grace. 

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