In this episode of Lawyerish: A Podcast for the People, host Brandon J. Wallace, Esq., sits down with Nicole Johnson, Esq., the founder of Trusted Trademarks and Contracts. They dive deep into why legal protection isn’t a luxury for entrepreneurs, it’s a necessity.
Whether you are a seasoned business owner or just starting your side hustle, this episode is packed with essential advice on how to keep your brand safe from “tragedy” and ensure your long-term “triumph.”
1. The Real Cost of Skipping a Trademark
Many entrepreneurs wait until they are “successful enough” to worry about legalities. Nicole warns that this is a dangerous gamble. She shared a sobering story of a client who had been in business for over 11 years, only to find out another company had trademarked her name during an expansion.
The Consequence: The client is now facing a total rebrand, changing websites, logos, and retail packaging, all while risking a lawsuit for past profits. Nicole notes that 90% of her clients are established businesses that are already unknowingly committing trademark infringement because they didn’t search on day one.
2. Legal Services Aren’t a Luxury
Host Brandon Wallace emphasizes a key theme: “You’re going to pay a legal bill one way or the other”. Engaging an attorney on the “front end” to insulate your work is significantly cheaper than hiring one on the “back end” when a crisis hits.
Nicole’s firm, Trusted Trademarks and Contracts, was built specifically to bridge this gap, providing affordable, easy-to-understand federal trademark registration and contract templates for influencers and small business owners.
3. Trust Your Vision (Even When Experts Don’t)
In a personal moment, Nicole reflects on her journey as a “non-traditional” attorney. She recalls having the vision for her current firm back in law school, only to be told by mentors that it “wasn’t practical”.
Five years later, she realized she had correctly predicted the boom of the creator economy. Her advice to her younger self? Trust yourself more. If you have a dream, push forward with it, regardless of what the “people who have been there” say—they might just lack your foresight.
4. Wellness Check: Be Kinder to Yourself
The episode concludes with a powerful “Wellness Check.” Brandon reminds listeners that progress is better than perfection. Using the old adage, “There’s only one way to eat an elephant—one bite at a time,” he encourages entrepreneurs to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Key Takeaways:
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Do your search early: Conduct a federal trademark search before you even file your LLC paperwork.
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Contracts matter: Ensure your vendors and partners are signed to sound, written agreements.
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You are not alone: Even when the journey feels isolating, there is a community of professionals ready to support you.
Watch the full episode here: Trademarks & Tragedies & Triumphs, oh my!
Connect with Nicole Johnson:
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Instagram: @trusted_trademarks
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Website: TrustedTrademarks.com
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