Founded in April 2022, All Spark Electric, Inc. is a Colorado-based residential electrical company offering a full range of services—from remodels and new construction to general electrical maintenance. Led by Laura Douglas, with support from Jeremy Douglas, the company serves clients throughout the state and is active on social media under the handle @comom2three.
To protect their growing brand and prevent future legal conflicts, All Spark Electric turned to Indie Law to trademark their business name, “All Spark Electric, Inc.”
Challenges
1. Lack of a Website for Proof of Use
Without a website, providing the USPTO with valid proof of commercial use was difficult. The team needed to identify alternative forms of evidence that would meet federal standards.
2. Trademark Discrepancy
The company originally intended to trademark “All Spark Electric,” but official branding consistently included “Inc.,” requiring a pivot in filing strategy to ensure consistency.
3. Search Results Concerns
Indie Law’s comprehensive trademark search revealed potential conflicts, necessitating a careful legal review and explanation to the client.
4. Need for a Second Trademark Search
Because the final filing would include “Inc.,” a second full search was required to confirm there were no conflicts with the revised trademark.
5. Maintaining Momentum Through Client Communication
To avoid application delays, Indie Law needed to ensure timely responses from the client and maintain clear communication throughout.
Solutions
✔ Alternative Proof of Use Strategy
Indie Law guided All Spark Electric in submitting alternative materials, such as photographs of business vans, yard signs, business cards, and invoices, all demonstrating trademark use in real-world settings.
✔ Aligning the Trademark With Actual Use
Through collaborative consultation, it was determined that filing for “All Spark Electric, Inc.” better aligned with the business’s actual branding and legal presence.
✔ Explaining Trademark Search Findings
Indie Law presented a clear, jargon-free summary of potential risks found in the trademark search and offered professional advice on why moving forward was still viable.
✔ Second Search for Accuracy and Legal Strength
A follow-up search ensured that “All Spark Electric, Inc.” was distinct and registrable, solidifying the trademark strategy.
✔ Consistent Client Follow-Up
To keep the process on track, Indie Law emphasized urgency in communications and followed up regularly to gather information quickly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Results
- Accepted Proof of Use:
Alternative evidence submitted to the USPTO was accepted, allowing the application to proceed without issue. - Trademark Aligned with Brand:
Filing for “All Spark Electric, Inc.” matched existing branding, increasing both the strength and clarity of the trademark. - Fully Informed Client:
The client understood potential risks and next steps thanks to transparent legal communication. - Accurate and Confident Application Filing:
The second trademark search confirmed the brand’s uniqueness and supported a confident filing strategy. - Timely Progression:
Indie Law’s proactive follow-ups kept the process moving and reduced the risk of missed deadlines or abandonment.
Key Takeaways
This case study shows how even without a website or initial clarity on branding, a business can still secure its trademark through strategic legal guidance. With Indie Law’s help, All Spark Electric:
- Used creative proof-of-use alternatives to meet USPTO requirements
- Strengthened their trademark by aligning it with their actual business name
- Understood the risks of moving forward thanks to clear, transparent communication
- Maintained steady application momentum with consistent legal support
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