Category: Trademark

Rae Guyse: Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America

Excellence in the Legal Realm

In the vast and intricate tapestry of the legal world, certain individuals stand out for their expertise, passion, dedication, and the indelible mark they leave on their field. Rae Guyse, an Associate Attorney at Ritter Spencer Cheng PLLC, is one such luminary, recently shining even brighter with her recognition by the esteemed “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” award.

Celebrating Legal Brilliance

“Best Lawyers,” a name synonymous with excellence in the legal profession, has a storied tradition of spotlighting the crème de la crème of attorneys worldwide. Their “Ones to Watch” award is particularly special. It’s not just a nod to an attorney’s past achievements but a resounding affirmation of their potential to shape the future of law.

Delving into Rae’s Journey

Rae’s foray into the legal world, especially her focus on the cannabis and litigation practice groups, has been remarkable. In an industry rife with complexities, especially concerning the burgeoning sectors of hemp, cannabis, and alternative medicine, Rae has emerged as a beacon of knowledge and guidance.

Her academic laurels, crowned by her graduation with honors from the University of Texas School of Law in 2020, set the stage for her professional journey. But her real-world prowess, from assisting a diverse clientele ranging from dispensaries to processors, truly sets her apart. Rae’s nuanced understanding of insurance programs and innovative approach to risk management challenges make her an invaluable asset to clients and the legal community.

A Glimpse into the Future

Recognition by “Best Lawyers” is more than just an accolade; it’s a testament to Rae’s unparalleled expertise and promising legal trajectory. As regulations and landscapes evolve, especially in the dynamic world of cannabis and hemp, Rae is poised to be at the forefront, guiding, influencing, and shaping its course.

The legal community and its observers have much to look forward to, with professionals like Rae Guyse leading the charge. Her recent recognition is a personal achievement and a celebration for the entire legal fraternity, heralding the bright future ahead.

 

Chelsie Spencer: A Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyer for 2023-2024

Chelsie Spencer: A Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyer for 2023-2024 2

A Legal Force in Cannabis

In the ever-changing world of cannabis law, it’s essential to have knowledgeable and forward-thinking experts. Chelsie Spencer is one such expert. Recently, she earned a spot on the prestigious “Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers” list for 2023-2024. Let’s explore what this award means and why Chelsie is a name you should know in the cannabis legal sphere.

Forbes’ Seal of Approval

Forbes Magazine has described Chelsie as the “rare friendly face amid a cutthroat CBD hurricane.” This speaks to her unique blend of expertise and approachability in the complex world of CBD law.

Versatility in Practice

Chelsie leads the cannabis practice at Ritter Spencer Cheng PLLC, representing a diverse clientele, from dispensaries to growers and beyond. Her work isn’t just about courtrooms; it’s about shaping businesses through licensing, regulatory compliance, and other critical operational aspects.

A Trademark Authority

Beyond cannabis, Chelsie is a seasoned trademark attorney. She has an impressive track record of securing federal trademarks and managing global trademark portfolios. This dual expertise makes her a valuable asset to clients in the cannabis industry and beyond.

Accolades and Recognition

Chelsie has received national recognition, including titles like Super Lawyer in Cannabis Practice by Thomson Reuters and the Client Champion award by Martindale-Hubbell. The “Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyer” accolade for 2023-2024 adds another layer of prestige to her already impressive resume.

Leadership and Policy Influence

Chelsie isn’t just about legal representation; she’s about shaping the industry. She serves in leadership roles in various cannabis-related organizations and has been instrumental in drafting legislation at both state and federal levels.

A Well-Deserved Honor

The “Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyer” award for 2023-2024 is more than just a title; it recognizes Chelsie Spencer’s comprehensive expertise and influence in the cannabis legal field. As the industry continues to evolve, experts like Chelsie will undoubtedly be at the forefront, guiding it towards a more regulated and prosperous future.

Chelsie Spencer: Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America

A Leader in the Legal Community

In American law’s vast and intricate landscape, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the trailblazers who are making significant strides in their respective fields. One such legal expert is Chelsie Spencer, who has recently been honored to be included in the prestigious 2024 edition of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America award is awarded to attorneys for outstanding professional excellence in private practice. This accolade is a testament to Chelsie’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and contributions to the legal community, particularly in the cannabis and hemp industries.

Pioneering the CBD and Cannabis Legal Landscape

Chelsie’s reputation in the cannabis industry speaks for itself. Forbes Magazine’s portrayal of her as a “trusted ally amidst the tumultuous CBD (cannabidiol) storms” captures the essence of her role in this rapidly evolving industry. Leading the cannabis practice at Ritter Spencer Cheng PLLC, Chelsie’s clientele spans a broad spectrum, from local dispensaries to national manufacturers.  She is deeply involved in transactional aspects, focusing on licensing, regulatory compliance, and other business intricacies. Furthermore, she is a recognized voice in the industry, frequently sharing insights and forecasts at national symposiums.

Beyond Cannabis: Trademark Mastery

While Chelsie’s achievements in the cannabis sector are noteworthy, her expertise doesn’t end there. She’s also a formidable force in the world of trademarks. With a track record of securing federal trademarks and managing global trademark strategies, she’s carved a niche in this domain. Her work involves not just the registration of trademarks but also navigating the complex waters of transactional challenges, making her services invaluable to businesses across various sectors.

A Tapestry of Achievements and Recognitions

The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America honor is a milestone in Chelsie’s career, but it’s just one of many. She’s previously been spotlighted as a Super Lawyer in the Cannabis practice by Thomson Reuters and has clinched the Client Champion honor from Martindale-Hubbell. Additionally, her leadership roles, notably as the President of the Texas Hemp Legal Fund and Vice President of the Texas Cannabis Council’s Board of Directors, speaks to her commitment to the industry and her desire to shape its future.

In law, where change is the only constant, professionals like Chelsie Spencer are invaluable. They don’t just adapt to change; they drive it. Her recognition as one of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is not just a personal achievement; it’s an affirmation of her contributions to the broader legal community. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, with new challenges and opportunities emerging, it’s heartening to know that experts like Chelsie are at the forefront, guiding, influencing, and shaping its future.

 

 

When to Hire an Intellectual Property Attorney

Protecting intellectual property helps ensure the business owner maintains the rights to a unique idea, good, or service. Without this protection, a competitor may steal a popular product, or an inventor could lose credit for their product. Sometimes, creators need extra legal help when protecting their intellectual property. An intellectual property lawyer like those at Ritter Spencer Cheng can help investors avoid confusion when navigating intellectual property protection. Before legally documenting intellectual property or hiring a lawyer, it is good to understand what category it falls under and the extent of its protection. 

Everything You Need to Know about Trademark Licensing

Business owners have several options to safeguard their brand. While profiting from sales through a third party, many opt to employ trademark licensing to legally protect their goods and services while trusting a third party to manufacture or sell the brand. With years of experience in various industries, the trademark attorneys at Ritter Spencer Cheng are well-versed in trademark law and can successfully guide businesses through the trademark registration or licensing process. Below, we offer answers to basic questions regarding trademark licensing to provide further insight for anyone considering this avenue.

3 Things Every Cannabis Business Owner Should Know

Entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry face numerous choices that influence the success of their businesses. With so much to consider when building a cannabis company, business owners may easily get lost, confused, or make uninformed decisions that may imperil their business. At any stage of entrepreneurship, the right information could avoid unfortunate legal or financial issues such as bankruptcy. 

From trademarks to financial decisions, a business’ growth opportunities often rely on the decisions made by cannabis business owners. These decisions can be greatly influenced by the knowledge of experienced cannabis attorneys like those at Ritter Spencer Cheng. Read on below to read three things every cannabis business owner should know. 

The Growing Importance of State Trademarks

A trademark is a type of intellectual property consisting of a word, phrase, logo, sound, or smell that identifies the source of ownership of goods and/or services. Obtaining a federal trademark provides the trademark owner the exclusive right to use the trademark nationwide and allows the owner to pursue an infringement action against others for using an identical or confusingly similar mark. Obtaining a state trademark affords an owner a similar form of limited protection; however, the owner only has the exclusive right to use the trademark within the state she registers.

Trademark Protection for Cannabis Businesses

As the medical marijuana, hemp, and CBD industries are still relatively new, many cannabis business owners are unsure whether they qualify for trademark protection or not. The 2018 Farm Bill clarified the legal distinction of hemp from marijuana and the status of popular cannabinoids and derivatives, such as CBD. Accordingly, positive changes regarding hemp-based trademarks have taken place, which the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) outlined in an Examination Guide in May of 2019. Below, we outline the basics of trademarking with a focus on cannabis and hemp products at the federal and state level. 

5 Things to Know About Trademark Infringement

Trademarks are common as companies make efforts to stand out in competitive industries. However, in this pursuit of differentiation, some businesses may take inspiration from a competitor’s creative assets. These actions risk infringing on the trademark of the business that registered the concept with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Trademark infringement cases can be complicated, which is why companies should work with an experienced Texas trademark lawyer from Ritter Spencer Cheng PLLC. Read below to learn some of the basics of trademark infringement and what legal options are available to businesses with a registered trademark.