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Structuring Trademark Clearance Opinions

Assessing Search Results to Identify Infringements, Overcoming Clearance Challenges, Preparing Opinions to Reduce Legal Risks

Recording of a 90-minute premium CLE video webinar with Q&A

This program is included with the Strafford CLE Pass. Click for more information.
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Conducted on Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Recorded event now available

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This CLE course will guide trademark counsel on conducting, analyzing, and using trademark searches. The panel will discuss overcoming the challenges in the trademark clearance process and outline best practices for preparing clearance opinions.

Description

Before a business adopts a mark, counsel must understand all potential infringement risks. In-house and outside counsel rely on trademark clearance searches to identify those risks. Counsel must carefully analyze the results of the clearance search and assess the risk posed by using the proposed mark. Millions of dollars may ride on the analysis and decision on how to proceed based on the clearance opinion.

Many courts recognize reliance on trademark searches and counsel's clearance opinions as a defense to infringement claims. However, the assertion of the advice-of-counsel defense may put the privilege waiver at risk. Companies and counsel should consider whether to obtain a formal written clearance opinion. If yes, the circumstances will shape what to include in the opinion letter.

Listen as our authoritative panel of trademark attorneys examines the analysis and use of the clearance report, reviews the challenges in trademark clearance, outlines steps to overcome the obstacles, and offers best practices for clearance opinions.

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Outline

  1. Analysis and use of search reports
  2. Clearance challenges and steps to overcome them
  3. Best practices for preparing clearance opinions

Benefits

The panel will review these and other key issues:

  • What factors should counsel consider when analyzing a clearance report?
  • What strategies can counsel use to overcome the challenges posed by the trademark clearance process?
  • What should be included in a trademark opinion letter?
  • How can counsel protect client confidentiality when asserting an advice-of-counsel defense?

Faculty

Chambers, Tucker
Tucker A. Chambers

Chief Trademark, Copyright & Marketing Counsel
Ecolab

Mr. Chambers is the Chief Trademark, Copyright and Marketing Counsel at Ecolab, where he manages a global...  |  Read More

Gallagher, Patrick
Patrick J. Gallagher

Partner
Barnes & Thornburg

Mr. Gallagher has deep experience in trademark clearance, investigation, prosecution, as well as client counseling and...  |  Read More

Weseman, Draeke
Draeke H. Weseman

Of Counsel
Greenberg Traurig

Mr. Weseman counsels clients on the strategic development, maintenance, and enforcement of trademark rights and related...  |  Read More

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