April 2023 Archive — Practical reads on trademarks and healthcare

This month's posts focused on two clear areas: practical trademark advice and plain-talk healthcare coverage. If you want quick, usable takeaways — not theory — you’re in the right place. Below I summarize each theme and give short, concrete steps you can act on right away.

Trademarks made simple

We published two how-to posts about trademarks: one on using an expired trademark and another on trademarking a made-up word. Short version: yes, you can use an expired mark, but only after you confirm it’s truly abandoned and not claimed by someone else. Steps to follow: check the national trademark registry for status, look for renewal or transfer records, and run a marketplace search to see current use.

If you created a new word and want it protected, start by checking registries and online use to make sure it’s unique. Then use the mark in commerce and file an application with your country’s trademark office. Keep these practical tips in mind: pick distinctive names, document first use dates, save examples of how you use the name, and budget for monitoring and possible opposition. If anything looks risky, talk to a trademark attorney before investing heavily in branding.

Healthcare topics you can use

Several posts looked at health care from everyday angles: what health-care marketing means, how people feel about their care, and several pieces asking whether U.S. health care is that bad and how the system works. The marketing piece explains basic goals — build trust, educate patients, and communicate services — and offers simple tactics like clear messaging, patient education materials, and using digital channels responsibly.

On the U.S. system: it’s advanced but costly. Practical steps for patients: know what your insurance covers, ask for cost estimates before non-urgent care, use preventive services that insurers often cover at low or no cost, and compare prices for common procedures when possible. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, check government programs or local clinics for sliding-scale options.

On feelings about care and perceptions of “free” healthcare: emotions matter. If you’re frustrated, make a list of specific issues (costs, access, communication) before calling providers or insurers. That gives you facts to act on, whether you’re filing an appeal, asking for a payment plan, or switching providers.

Want to read the full posts from April 2023? Use the archive list to open any title and read the full article. If you need a quick next step: for legal questions, check your national trademark database and speak to a lawyer; for health questions, review your insurance summary and ask your primary care provider. Those two moves will save time and reduce uncertainty.