Aight... on Friday, I promised to tell you about that time I almost got sued... here goes....
So, it's May 2005 and your boy is rolling!
I had just turned 39 (May 3rd... save the date... cash, checks & major credit cards accepted)
We had multiple Housing Developments working all around the country using HOPE VI federal grants.
We were serving over 1,000 families per year in our Urban Housing Counseling & Financial Empowerment Program.
By then I had been invited to Capitol Hill in D.C. on multiple occasions to discuss issues related to Urban Development.
We were making noise internationally, as well. By that time I was working on a 1,100 home development in Benin, West Africa.
And then on a random Tuesday, Fredda, my assistant at the time, hands me "The Letter".
I'm working from memory, but it went something like this:
Dear Tracy J. Brown,
Have you lost your dern mind? Urban America is my brand name! You should have checked with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office before you decided to go get all successful and stuff. Because you was 'ig-nit' (a.k.a. ignorant to the law) I hereby demand that you immediately cease and desist the use of Urban Amercia USA or I will sue you for a gazillion dollars in federal court. š„“š²š¤£
So, after reading the letter, I immediately checked my bank account. Realizing that I didn't have a gazillion dollars, I started the process of changing our name. LOL... Happy Birthday to me.
So, 18 Years later, what's the lesson?
There are many, but if I had to narrow it down to one, I would say, get a good trademark attorney on your team.
Today, Urban Awareness USA (that's a better name anyway) has partnered with Toni Moore, ESQ., one of the best trademark attorneys in the country. Toni is a Boss! We don't do anything today without running it by her. I recommend you do the same.
Funding Your Mission 2023...
This year, in October, we will be hosting our annual conference, live in Orlando. The whole team (including Toni) will be there.
You're invited to attend for 75% OFF...
As special Early Bird Summer Sale, we are offering 75% off the All-Access Passes to the 3-Day Funding Your Mission Conference in Orlando, Florida.
As part of this "Summer Sale" you can get your tickets for 75% OFF! This means you'll pay $274.
Your Ticket Includes:
- All-Access 3-Day Pass
- Networking Pass with UA Consultants
- Networking Pass with 7-Figure Nonrpfit Leaders
- Online Resource Library Access
- Pre-Conference Coaching (Live Via Zoom)
- Post-Conference Coaching (Live Via Zoom)
- Discounted Hotel Room Rate @ Rosen Centre (Optional)
- And Much More!
We also have group rates if you want to bring your team!!
To get started click the link below:
If you have questions or need help with anything, please call Jarrett at (866) 975 8722 EXT 1.
