
Kelli Jones: Are You in Danger of Losing Your Brand?
02/17/25 • 29 min
In this conversation, Abbey Crane interviews Kelli Jones, a trademark and contract lawyer, discussing the importance of trademarking for businesses, the differences between trademark and copyright law, and the impact of AI on legal practices. Kelli shares insights on the risks of not trademarking, the costs involved, and the necessity of having well-drafted contracts. The discussion emphasizes the need for legal protection in business to ensure growth and sustainability.
Key Takeaways:
- Trademarking is essential for brand recognition and protection.
- An LLC does not provide ownership of a brand name.
- The first to file a trademark has the strongest rights.
- AI-generated content may not be legally owned by the user.
- Contracts should address all potential scenarios to avoid disputes.
- Trademark registration can take over a year to complete.
- Legal advice is crucial for effective contract drafting.
- Budgeting for legal needs is important for business planning.
- Rebranding due to trademark issues can be costly.
- Understanding the difference between trademarks and copyrights is vital for business owners.
Interested in working with Kelli or want access to her templates? Click here!
In this conversation, Abbey Crane interviews Kelli Jones, a trademark and contract lawyer, discussing the importance of trademarking for businesses, the differences between trademark and copyright law, and the impact of AI on legal practices. Kelli shares insights on the risks of not trademarking, the costs involved, and the necessity of having well-drafted contracts. The discussion emphasizes the need for legal protection in business to ensure growth and sustainability.
Key Takeaways:
- Trademarking is essential for brand recognition and protection.
- An LLC does not provide ownership of a brand name.
- The first to file a trademark has the strongest rights.
- AI-generated content may not be legally owned by the user.
- Contracts should address all potential scenarios to avoid disputes.
- Trademark registration can take over a year to complete.
- Legal advice is crucial for effective contract drafting.
- Budgeting for legal needs is important for business planning.
- Rebranding due to trademark issues can be costly.
- Understanding the difference between trademarks and copyrights is vital for business owners.
Interested in working with Kelli or want access to her templates? Click here!
Previous Episode

Doug Johnson: What Every Business Needs to Know About Their Taxes
In this conversation, Doug Johnson, a CPA, shares his journey from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and partnership in accounting. He discusses the challenges of starting his own firm, the significance of understanding business structures, and common misconceptions about tax deductions. Doug provides valuable insights on when to hire an accountant, strategies for optimizing taxes, and the importance of tracking expenses. He concludes with advice on personal taxes and the key considerations for scaling a business.
Key Takeaways:- Small businesses often lack the processes of larger companies.
- Accessibility is key in providing accounting services.
- Hiring an accountant makes sense when net profits reach around $100K.
- Many believe they need an LLC to deduct expenses, which is a misconception.
- Buying items solely to reduce tax bills is not a sound strategy.
- Estimated tax payments help avoid tax sticker shock.
- Keeping receipts is crucial for substantiating deductions.
- Taking risks is essential for building the life you want.
Interested in working with Doug? Check out his website here!
Next Episode

Rachel Smalling: From Motels to Cocktails in Cookeville
In this engaging conversation, Rachel Smalling shares her journey as a small business owner in Cookeville, Tennessee. From launching the Lakeside Inn during the pandemic to expanding her portfolio with the Sportsman's Lodge and the 1854 Cocktail Bar and Lounge, Rachel discusses the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of community support, digital marketing, and maintaining quality in her offerings. Rachel also provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of passion, market research, and building a strong network.
- Rachel Smalling has multiple small businesses in Cookeville, TN.
- The Lakeside Inn was purchased during the COVID pandemic.
- Running a motel involves constant availability and mental challenges.
- Building a reliable team is crucial for small business success.
- The Sportsman's Lodge was a partnership with her partner's parents.
- Digital marketing is essential but can be overwhelming for small businesses.
- The 1854 Cocktail Bar was inspired by a trip to New York.
- Quality ingredients are prioritized in the cocktail offerings.
- Networking and community support are vital for entrepreneurs.
- Aspiring business owners should focus on authenticity and market needs.
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/unscripted-small-business-617159/kelli-jones-are-you-in-danger-of-losing-your-brand-84398762"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to kelli jones: are you in danger of losing your brand? on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy