Episode 10

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Published on:

11th Sep 2024

Protect Your Brand: Essential Legal Steps for Creative Entrepreneurs with Kelli Jones

In this episode of the Creative Minds, Smart Money Podcast, I’m chatting with trademark lawyer Kelly Jones, who’s here to drop some serious knowledge on how to protect your creative business legally (don’t worry, we’re keeping it jargon-free). From the basics of trademarks vs. copyrights to the importance of securing your intellectual property before it’s too late, Kelly walks us through the essential legal protections every entrepreneur needs to know. We’ll cover the full trademark process, why proactive legal steps matter, and how to avoid those nightmare-worthy legal mistakes that could cost you big-time. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this episode will help you protect your business like the pro you are! 

Connect with Samantha:

Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Newsletter: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/podcastnewsletter

Connect with Kelli:

Website: www.kellijoneslaw.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyerkelli_

LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/kellianne-jones

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawyerkelli

Free Legal Cheat Sheet: https://www.yourlegalera.com/legal-cheat-sheet

00:00 Introduction to Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast

00:31 Meet Our Guest: Kelly Jones, Trademark Lawyer

00:47 Kelly's Journey to Becoming a Trademark Lawyer

02:12 Understanding Trademarks vs. Copyrights

03:15 The Importance of Being Proactive with Legal Matters

04:35 When to Consider Getting a Trademark

07:33 Common Legal Issues for Business Owners

10:43 Real-Life Examples of Legal Interventions

18:57 The Trademark Process Explained

21:59 Common Trademark Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

23:19 Actionable Legal Steps for Business Owners

25:10 Conclusion and Where to Find Kelly Jones

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About the Podcast

Creative Minds, Smart Money: Finance & Business Tips for Creatives
Creative Minds, Smart Money is the go-to podcast for creative entrepreneurs who are ready to stop treating their finances like a side character in their business story. Hosted by Samantha Eck, bookkeeper and fractional CFO, this show breaks down the financial side of running a creative business into actionable steps that actually make sense.

Each week, we tackle everything from pricing strategies and cash flow management to making smart business decisions that keep your creative business thriving (yes, even during those slow months). You'll get real, practical advice on managing your money and growing your business while still having time and funds to enjoy what you love.

Beyond the numbers, we explore the full picture of creative business success - from marketing strategies to efficient systems - because building a sustainable business requires more than just good bookkeeping. And occasionally, I bring in industry experts to share their insights on taking your creative business to the next level.

Ready to turn your creative talents into a thriving business that actually pays you what you're worth? Hit subscribe and let's make it happen.

About your host

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Samantha Eck

Samantha Eck is the powerhouse behind Firestorm Finance, where she transforms messy financials into crystal-clear roadmaps for success. With six years of corporate accounting under her belt, a formal education in numbers, and the street cred of running two creative businesses, she’s uniquely equipped to help fellow creatives decode the story their numbers are trying to tell. When Samantha’s not wrangling QuickBooks, you’ll find her dominating on Xbox or curled up with a page-turner, her husband by her side and her pup Vivi keeping watch. She knows that clarity in the books leads to big, dreamy business moves. Ready to see for yourself? Tune into her podcast, Creative Minds, Smart Money, where she makes money talk feel like catching up with a friend.