Charleston senior associate Chris Casavale participates in the International Trademark Association’s Pro Bono Clearinghouse. “I was interested in the Clearinghouse because it allowed me to meet my ethical (pro bono) obligations while connecting me with people who wouldn’t normally have access to these services. It’s a great doorway for both the people in need of the service, but also for trademark attorneys who don’t have a way of identifying pro bono clients in the trademark space,” he says.

The Clearinghouse recently paired him with a musician in need of a trademark to protect his stage name. The two worked jointly through the registration process, and, as of July 2021, Joe Brady’s mark was fully registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In this interview, the Pro Bono Clearinghouse participants discuss the registration process and the value for artists, and others, pursuing trademarks.