Author: Overlap Capital

  • From Hidden Use to National Power: Why Registering Your Mark Turns Local Rights into a Fortress

    Common-law rights are real. But without USPTO registration, your brand may be boxed in. Want nationwide protection (and legal weapons) for your mark? Let’s get you fortified. 1. Common-Law Trademarks: What They Are (and What They’re Not) Under U.S. law, a “common-law trademark” arises simply from using a mark—name, logo, slogan—in commerce, even if you…

  • The New Liquid Gold: How Small Businesses Can Turn Credit Cards Into Cash

    The New Liquid Gold: How Small Businesses Can Turn Credit Cards Into Cash

    Small businesses that have diligently managed their credit and capital often find themselves with enhanced creditworthiness and increased trust from lending institutions. However, when immediate capital is needed for strategic initiatives—such as research and development, major acquisitions, or real estate purchases—the traditional avenues of private equity or business loans can be time-consuming, potentially hindering competitiveness.…

  • From Courtside to Courtroom: The High-Stakes Battle Over ‘I Am More Than An Athlete’

    Game Plan sued LeBron’s Uninterrupted over ‘I Am More Than An Athlete’. Trademark fights like this teach crucial lessons for every founder. Get strategic early. The Trademark and the Spark: Origins & Filing In December 2016, Maryland nonprofit Game Plan, Inc. filed USPTO applications for the slogan “I Am More Than An Athlete”. After review,…

  • .COMs for Recording Artists

    .COMs for Recording Artists

    Your social media may absolutely be enough. It’s possible that your entire fanbase can live on social media and never need to visit your website. But there is a reality where investors, partners, press, and deep fans will want to know more about you. Tour dates, merch, exclusive content can all live on your very…

  • Piercing The Corporate Veil

    Piercing the Corporate Veil: When LLCs and Corporations May be at Risk An LLC or corporation’s owners, members, or shareholders may be on the hook personally for business debt. “Piercing the corporate veil” is a legal phrase that describes the owners of a corporation losing the limited liability that having a corporation provides them. When this…

  • The Multifamily Real Estate Approach

    The Multifamily Real Estate Approach

    What if you’re the first home you buy paid for itself each month? It’s very possible to qualify for an FHA loan for your first home AND acquire a rental property at the same time. The Multifamily Real Estate approach means you’re securing a property, living in it, and renting the other units out to…