Top-Tier Headshots

Capturing your confidence while giving you a top-tier headshot experience!

Owner

HeadshotCrew

Studying under Peter Hurley and other Headshot Crew associates in order to learn the best methods and techniques for headshot photography

Associate Photographer

Your current headshot is either selling for you, or silently costing you five and six-figure opportunities.

If you’re a founder, executive, keynote speaker, or rising thought-leader, you can’t afford to look average online. Your face is your digital handshake, and right now:
	•	❌ A five-year-old selfie is undercutting your authority.
	•	❌ Inconsistent visuals are confusing investors, event planners, and recruiters.
	•	❌ A stiff, “school-picture-day” portrait is making you seem unapproachable.

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The Problem I Solve

Most high-achievers know their work speaks volumes, but their image whispers the wrong story. They need a headshot that conveys confidence, credibility, and genuine connection in under one second.

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The Top-Tier Solution

I combine expression coaching, cinematic lighting, and brand strategy to create photographs that shout: “This is the leader you’ve been looking for.”
	•	Guided Confidence – I coach you into natural, powerful expressions, even if cameras make you panic.
	•	Brand Alignment – Every frame is mapped to your speaking topics, values, and target audience.
	•	Luxury Experience – From wardrobe prep to same-day image selection, you’ll feel like you’re on a VIP set, not in a photo mill.

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Proof That It Works
	•	A recently laid-off client landed her dream job within weeks—her new headshot was the first thing the hiring board mentioned.
	•	One author’s portrait became her book cover, driving sold-out speaking engagements and a spike in sales.
	•	60% of my new business comes from inbound referrals, because powerful images travel fast.

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Ready to Own Your First Impression?
	1.	Book a 15-minute discovery call → calendly.com/toptierheadshots
	2.	Get a personalized shoot plan that aligns with your goals.
	3.	Walk away with images that open doors while you sleep.

I have limited monthly spaces available. Reach out to book your spot.

Photographer | Author | Entrepreneur

Daniel Wakefield

Kicking off the big 4-0 birthday by photographing my buddy Alex Carratala’s car at sunrise against the Miami skyline. So blessed to do what I love!

Thank you everyone for all the birthday wishes pouring in already, I have the BEST network!

Headshot Photographer and First Impression Architect | Helping founders, executives, and keynote speakers elevate their game | People connector | Best-Selling Author | Published wildlife photographer

No alternative text description for this image

How it started vs. How it’s going:

Started 5 years ago with:

👉 headshot sessions in my living room
👉 $50 revenue the first month
👉 2 connections on LinkedIn
👉 no one in the business community knows who I am
👉 zero Google reviews

Vs. Now:

👍 Blessed to be in an incredible studio space
👍 Incredible network
👍 15,000+ LinkedIn followers
👍 Getting closer to 10Xing previous career’s income in business revenue
👍 330+ 5 Star Google reviews

There is still SO much to learn and personal/business growth to pursue. But looking back, there are SO many reasons to pause and give thanks 🙏 

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the journey!

When she saw my last "before & after", Mari Delgado, CFP® reached out and said "you have to do mine next!"

It's not just about giving someone a new headshot. It's about showcasing the industry experts they are. They're at the top of their game. And I want to help them look like it.

Thanks, Mari!

I’m so proud of her. She went from almost crippling shyness a couple of years ago to owning the stage. And she’s doing it not because we forced her to, but because she has a passion for it. And she’s already talking with her best friend about doing it together again next year.

No lesson today, just thankful for her and proud of her!

Hey ATLANTA! I'm coming to you! 

I'm doing a ONE DAY ONLY headshot popup in Atlanta on December 18th. Spots are limited and it's first come, first serve.

Know anyone that needs an impactful headshot?

Comment "GO" and I'll DM you the details!

On-location branding shoot in Boca today! By the time we’re done, this client is gonna be ready for FORBES, social media, website and newsletter content, etc. 

Sky is the limit!

Super happy with how these shots turned out!

Porsche Cars North America

Can you tell I was excited to have Rich Rogers in my studio???

He and Romi Wallach have been the biggest business development influences in my life and biz, whether they know it or not. But I hope posts like this express at least a fraction of my appreciation.

Thanks for coming in, Rich!

In case anyone was wondering how the photos of my friend’s Porsche turned out… 😁

The SPARK shoot is becoming a yearly tradition.

Here’s what you won’t find happening here:

❌ school picture day vibes
❌ cookie cutter ideas
❌ trying to do what everyone else is doing

Here’s what you WILL find:

✅ trailblazing ideas
✅ meaningful collaboration 
✅ brand elevation
✅ prepping thought leaders to step onto the stage and share real stories/value/inspiration

Last year’s event was such a bold move and overwhelming success.

We can’t WAIT for you to experience 2.0

The Daily Drip 
Romi Wallach 
Nicole Mastrangelo Vildosola 
Jessica Caresse White 
Wendi Blum 
Alexa Rosario 
Tiffani Dhooge 🌻 
Elizabeth Jude 
Alan Samuel Cohen

With Dopazo & Associates Insurance, it’s not just about business. It’s about family.

That’s one of the biggest takeaways I got from working with them.

Alexander Dopazo didn’t just want individual shots of everyone. He wanted shots that show the family legacy of this business, and the relationships that make it tick.

Thankful for you, brother!

What a pleasure to work with the amazing team at Evensky & Katz / Foldes Wealth Management!

They are up to some industry-leading things, and it is a privilege to be involved with their brand-building efforts to support those initiatives.

One of the most impressive parts of the team, mentioned by every single person we interviewed? The company culture. They even made us feel so welcome that we felt like we were part of the team for the day. Truly not something to be taken for granted!

Thank you Michelle Panzera and team! 

P.S. Need help with accelerating your brand? Shoot me a DM!

This is a very special shoutout today. My good friend Matthew Waggoner, an extremely experienced Physical Therapist, is launching his own business, Reinvention One. 

His goal is to help Athletes and Executives go from pain to performance. Instead of just working with clients until the pain is gone, Matthew provides a full transformational approach, helping people to achieve their highest performance possible, whether on the field or in the boardroom. 

I have PERSONAL experience with his expertise. I was experiencing pain in my shoulder during bench pressing earlier this year. Matt diagnosed the problem and worked with me on developing a personalized workout plan that strengthened muscle groups I didn't even know to target. Within 2 weeks, the pain was completely gone!

I'm going to do another post later on because I was much more involved with this launch than just the photography. But this post is just to let you know that he is open for business and already helping folks hit their peak performance!

DM me and I'll connect you with him!

Thankful for SO many things today, but right now I’m thankful for my second Bronco of the year…..though this one is a bit smaller 😁

I'm always SO honored that people don't just come to me for headshots. They come as part of a big step in their journey. And they see this as something helping them get to the destination. Which is exactly how I want to help people. Couldn't be more grateful!

Financial Services Professional| Client Experience & Risk Management | Driving Growth Through Data-Informed Financial Solutions

View Francene Ferreira Duffus, CRPC™’s profile

As I continue to reintroduce myself and strengthen my brand as a financial professional, being intentional about my growth and the networks I build has become a priority. Working with Daniel Wakefield was a major step in that journey.

Daniel Wakefield  is not just a photographer, he is a First Impression Architect who truly understands how a professional image influences opportunity. He took the time to learn who I am, what I’m building, and how I want to show up in my industry. His ability to capture confidence, clarity, and authenticity in a single shot is unmatched.

The entire experience felt aligned with my personal and professional evolution. If you’re elevating your brand, expanding your network, or stepping into new doors, Daniel Wakefield is the person who helps your image reflect your potential. His work is transformative and undeniably top-tier.

I’ve never done this before.

I’ve been intentional about not building a business on a foundation of cheapness, discounts, etc. I seek to give my clients my all, and bring the value to make every penny worth it.

So this is more of a way to say “thank you” to my clients and community.

Anyone who books an Express Session for November 28th can bring a friend/colleague/spouse/business partner and gift them a headshot…..FOR FREE.

ALSO, we got a little funny with this one……just wait until halfway through to see my “home shopping network” presentation 🤣

Tag a friend in the comments!

A client of mine just sent me this DM:

"Reading your book, used some of the ideas, came up with my most recent LinkedIn post on thankfulness for my 'on mission' family. It has seriously taken off, not sure exactly why. It's not terribly different than a lot of other posts I've written, but I've gone from 100-500 "impressions" and single digit interactions to well over 5000 impressions, 100 profile views, 20 new followers, and a slew of PM's and new connections. 

Trying to figure out if it's the elbow in the curve of steady posting and working the LinkedIn Platform, or if it is something specific about the post that got things going. Would like to duplicate the success and build, appreciate any perspectives that you have. I imagine the primary factor is a really nice head shot ;)"

Here's the essence of my response:

1) Having a more pro headshot definitely makes your profile more noticeable and helps you look more like an expert in your industry and less like a high school yearbook.

2) His recent post that blew up is more relatable to a broader audience of people. He's an incredible doctor, but the majority of his previous posts were so industry focused that it probably didn't connect well with his audience. 

3) This post has a great "hook" to draw people in and encourage them to click the "see more" button in the caption.

4) The "meat" of the post is a great behind the scenes look at his family life, his unique take on "work-life balance", and how the whole family participates in the "mission." Really cool stuff.

5) He ended the post with a great call to action by asking people to share their experience with this topic, and it resulted in a bunch of engagement.

This is what I LOVE to see from readers of my book. It's not just a bunch of theory. It's a practical guide for people/business owners trying to build an impactful brand.

Learn the principles. And then go and DO.

P.S. If you had a post "blow up" in the last year, what do you think caused it?

Did you hear about the Black Friday SPECIAL?

Only THREE spots left for this Friday’s Express Session Day, and there are two important things to know about it:

1️⃣ The special is that if you book an Express Session for this Friday, you can bring a friend and gift them a headshot FOR FREE!

2️⃣ This Friday is the LAST Express Day of the year!

Who’s in?

Amazing time at IVOLVE + THRIVE get together last night! 

Got to reconnect with Jenny Armenteros….did you know she offers VIRTUAL notary services??? I didn’t even know that was a thing. She helps law firms and other professionals by providing a quality service that’s more efficient with their time. Really cool stuff!

Thanks again to John Zentgraf, Josh Blum, and Dr. Andre Caruso for building such a wonderful community!

Every single time I work with this guy, I leave energized. Hayden Casson and I have been friends since our first session together back in 2021. And a lot has changed since then.

When I found out he was getting into speaking, I was intrigued.

When I found out he was doing it to help shed light on mental health challenges and to help save lives, I was inspired.

He’s already out there doing keynotes. So we spent the morning helping him get a portfolio that shows him to be the expert (and more importantly, the helper) that he already is.

I cannot wait to share what we created together!

Storylock Legal

At Storylock Legal, we help entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives start smart with intellectual property protection. We offer comprehensive legal guidance, including trademark and copyright registration as well as contract drafting and negotiation.

For a free 30-minute consultation or for questions, feel free to contact me. 

You can reach me at: lauren@lstorylocklegal.com or you can book your consult on the link at the top of my profile.

Founder | Trademark & Copyright Attorney | Intellectual Property Protection

Dreamers & Doers®

Dreamers & Doers is a curated community and PR Hype Machine™ amplifying extraordinary women entrepreneurs and leaders.

Executive Member

Entreprenista

I am a proud member of The Entreprenista League, a private community created to help founders make meaningful connections that lead to real business results.

Member of the Entreprenista League

Happily Ever Elephants

Founder, Happily Ever Elephants

Beth Am Day School

School Library Media Specialist

Florida Third District Court of Appeal

Research Assistant/Law Clerk for Judge Kevin Emas

Research Assistant

Lott & Friedland, P.A.

Intellectual property attorney with an emphasis on all aspects of trademark law, including clearance, prosecution, and infringement matters.

Attorney

Imagine this: You are a strong, dynamic female founder who has created your dream
company and business is flourishing – until the day you get hit with a cease-and-desist letter
because you unknowingly infringed on someone else’s trademark. Ouch! 
It’s an expensive, painful mistake that can easily be avoided.

I'm Lauren, a trademark and copyright attorney. I’m passionate about helping innovators and
entrepreneurs (like our female founder above) protect their brands and businesses. I offer
comprehensive intellectual property guidance, including trademark clearance and registration,
copyright protection, contract drafting, and negotiation.

Those who can benefit most from my legal services include:

✔ START-UP BUSINESS OWNERS who want to ensure they are entering the marketplace with a
legally cleared and protectable trademark.

✔ ESTABLISHED BUSINESS OWNERS who want to protect their cherished brand and brand stories
through trademark and copyright registrations.

✔ FEMALE FOUNDERS with dynamic podcasts who want to safeguard their podcast names and
content.

✔ COURSE CREATORS whose blood, sweat, and tears went into creating their courses and need to
be protected from copycats.

✔ INFLUENCERS, AUTHORS, BLOGGERS, MUSICIANS, ARTISTS, AND OTHER CREATIVES who need to be sure their hard work and intellectual property is secured.

Working with a lawyer does NOT have to be intimidating, so choose wisely!
I pride myself on the strong relationships I build with my clients and am committed to providing
honest, ethical, transparent, and cost-effective guidance at all times.

I’m excited to jump on board and help you achieve your goals.

For a free 30-minute consultation or for questions, feel free to contact me. 

You can reach me at: lauren@storylocklegal.com or you can book your consult on the link at the top of my profile.

Specialties: Trademark Law | Copyright Infringement | Intellectual Property Protection | Contract
Drafting & Negotiation | Website Terms of Use & Privacy Policies | Children’s Book Reviewer &
Blogger | Female Founder | Entrepreneur | Mom Boss | Boy Mom | Multi-tasker | Creative Writer |
Avid Reader |

Lauren Bercuson

One of the most painful conversations I have with founders:

"I've been using this name for three years. I have customers who know and trust my brand. And NOW someone's telling me I can't use it?"

Yes. And I'm so sorry.

This happens more than you'd think. You launch. You grow. Everything seems fine.

Then one of three things happens:

Scenario 1: You finally try to register your trademark.

You've been operating successfully for 2-3 years. You're ready to "make it official."

You file the application. And the USPTO examiner finds a confusingly similar mark that's already registered.

Application denied.

Now you're stuck operating under a name you don't own and can't protect.

Scenario 2: Someone else files for YOUR mark.

You've been using it. You have common law rights in your geographic area.

But someone else—maybe in a different state—files a federal application for the same or similar mark.

They get the registration. You don't. Now THEY have superior rights in most of the country, even though you were using it first in your area.

Scenario 3: The cease and desist letter arrives.

Someone's been watching. They have a registered mark. They've decided you're infringing.

Now you're facing:

Potential legal action
A costly rebrand
Loss of all the brand equity you've built

All three scenarios are devastating. All three are preventable.
I know founders skip trademark registration because:

- It feels expensive when you're starting out
- It feels like something you can "do later"
- You're not sure your business will succeed yet
- You found the domain and Googled your name and nothing came up

I get all of that. I really do.

But waiting to protect your trademark is one of the riskiest bets you can make in business.

Because the longer you operate without protection:

- The more you invest in a brand you might not be able to keep
- The harder it is emotionally to rebrand if you have to
- The more you have to lose

I've seen founders in tears over this. Successful businesses forced to completely rebrand because they waited too long.

If you're operating under a business name you haven't cleared and registered, we need to talk.

Even if you've been using it for years. Even if you have customers. Even if it feels "too late."

It's not too late to protect what you've built—but the longer you wait, the more complicated it gets.

Book a time for us to connect: https://lnkd.in/ecpjNS-m

Let's assess where you are and create a plan that protects what you've already built.

#StorylockLegal #TrademarkLawyer #SecureYourStory

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I’m Lauren, the trademark attorney behind Storylock Legal, and I help visionary founders secure their brands and lock in their legacies with strategic trademark and IP protection. Let’s write the next chapter of your brand’s success together!

Award Winning Trademark & Copyright Attorney | Contracts | Legal & Creative | Ensuring You Secure Your Business with Trademark & Intellectual Property Protection

Taking a moment before the holiday to say thank you.

To every founder who's trusted me with their brand story this year—you've made this work meaningful in ways I didn't expect.

To everyone building something from scratch, pouring your heart into your vision, and doing the brave thing of putting your ideas out into the world—I see you, and I'm rooting for you.

Wishing you and yours a beautiful Thanksgiving. 🧡

#StorylockLegal #TrademarkLawyer #SecureYourStory

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I’m Lauren, the trademark attorney behind Storylock Legal, and I help visionary founders secure their brands and lock in their legacies with strategic trademark and IP protection. Let’s write the next chapter of your brand’s success together!

Picture this:

Your business is absolutely killing it. Sales are up. Your calendar is booked solid. You're finally gaining real traction in your market.

Then your phone buzzes with an email. From a lawyer.

"Your trademark infringes on my client's rights. Cease and desist immediately or we'll see you in court."

Your stomach drops.

All that momentum. All that investment. Everything you've built. Suddenly at risk.

This is the nightmare scenario I help founders avoid. But it's also the reality I help them navigate when it happens.

Most people don't realize that getting a cease and desist letter doesn't automatically mean you're in the wrong.

The first question I always ask: Were you using the mark first?

Trademark law is built on the principle of "first use." If you were genuinely using your mark in commerce before they were, you may have a strong defense. Even without a registration.

If you weren't the first user, we dig deeper into something called "likelihood of confusion factors"—a set of legal criteria that determines whether consumers would actually confuse the two brands.

And this is where it gets interesting:

Sometimes we can negotiate a consent agreement. Maybe you operate in Florida and they operate in California. Maybe your products don't actually overlap. There might be room for both brands to coexist.

Sometimes we can modify your use slightly—maybe you drop one product category that conflicts, but keep everything else.

And sometimes? You have a stronger position than the letter makes it seem. Their attorney is doing their job by being aggressive. Your attorney (hi, that's me) does their job by analyzing the actual merits of their claim.

The absolute best way to handle a cease and desist letter is to never receive one in the first place.

That means:
→ Conducting a comprehensive trademark search before you launch
→ Registering your mark to establish your rights
→ Building your brand on a foundation you actually own

I know it feels like "something you'll do later" when you're just starting out.
But I've sat across from too many founders who waited. Who thought they were too small to worry about it. Who are now facing rebranding costs that could have funded their next three product launches.

Don't let that be you.

If you're using a brand name that you haven't cleared and protected, let's fix that. Even if you've been operating for months or years, it's not too late. We'll look at your specific situation and create a plan that actually makes sense for where you are right now.

Let's make sure you're building something that lasts.

Book a free consultation: https://lnkd.in/ecpjNS-m

#StorylockLegal #TrademarkLawyer #SecureYourStory

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I’m Lauren, the trademark attorney behind Storylock Legal, and I help visionary founders secure their brands and lock in their legacies with strategic trademark and IP protection. Let’s write the next chapter of your brand’s success together!

"I want to trademark my logo!" 

I hear this at least three times a week, and I get it. Your logo is beautiful. You spent hours (maybe weeks) perfecting it. It's the visual face of your brand. 

But here's what most founders don't realize: protecting your logo first might not be your smartest move. Here's why →When you trademark a wordmark (the actual words of your brand name, with no design elements), you're protecting that name in ANY visual variation. 

That means:
- Different fonts
- Different colors
- With or without design elements
- However you choose to style it in the future

You get maximum protection with maximum flexibility. 

But when you trademark a logo, you're only protecting that specific design. Change the font? Technically, that's a different mark. Rebrand in two years? You'll need a new trademark. 

For founders just starting out—especially if budget is a factor—your wordmark gives you the most bang for your buck. It's the foundation. The solid ground you're building on. 

You can always add your logo trademark later as you grow your IP portfolio. I help clients do this all the time. But starting with your wordmark? That's strategic protection that grows with you. 

The bottom line: Protect the NAME first. The pretty design can come later. 

Ready to protect your brand the smart way? Let's chat about what makes sense for YOUR business and where you are right now. Book a free consultation at https://lnkd.in/ecpjNS-m

#StorylockLegal #TrademarkLawyer #SecureYourStory

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I’m Lauren, the trademark attorney behind Storylock Legal, and I help visionary founders secure their brands and lock in their legacies with strategic trademark and IP protection. Let’s write the next chapter of your brand’s success together!

"Do I actually need a trademark, or is that just a nice-to-have?"

I get asked this question at least once a week.

And I get why people ask. When you're bootstrapping a business, every dollar matters. Trademarks feel expensive. And honestly, they feel optional.

What I tell every founder who asks me this question:

If you're serious about your business, it's not optional. It's essential.

Why:

1. Your brand IS your business.

Your reputation. Your customer relationships. The trust you've built. All of it lives in your brand name. Without trademark protection, you don't actually OWN that. You're just... using it. And hoping no one takes it from you.

2. Trademark registration gives you legal superpowers.

With a registered trademark, you get:
→ Legal presumption that you OWN the mark
→ Public notice that deters copycats
→ The ability to enforce your rights nationwide
→ A stronger position in any dispute

Without it? You're fighting uphill in every situation.

3. Your trademark becomes a valuable asset.

As your business grows, your brand grows in value. A strong trademark can be licensed. It can be expanded into new product categories. It appreciates over time.

I've seen trademarks become worth more than any physical asset a business owns.

4. Trademarks last forever.

Unlike patents (which expire) or copyrights (which have limitations), trademarks can last indefinitely as long as you're using them and maintaining the registration.

You protect it once. It protects you for the life of your business.

5. It's your foundation for growth.

Want to expand into new products? Launch in new markets? Eventually sell your business?

A registered trademark makes all of that possible. It's the legal foundation for everything else is built on.

When someone asks me "Do I NEED a trademark?"—my answer:
If you're building something you plan to grow, scale, and protect—yes. You absolutely need a trademark.

What you don't need: confusion, overwhelm, or a process that feels intimidating.

That's where I come in.

I make trademark protection straightforward, transparent, and honestly kind of easy. You tell me about your business. I tell you exactly what you need and why. No legal jargon. No surprises. Just clear guidance and a plan that makes sense.

Book a free consultation: https://lnkd.in/ecpjNS-m

They're free, genuinely helpful, and zero pressure.

We'll talk about:
→ Whether you actually need a trademark (spoiler: probably yes)
→ What the process looks like
→ What it costs (I believe in transparent pricing)
→ When it makes sense to move forward

Comment NEED below and I'll send you the link. Let's protect what you're building.

#StorylockLegal #TrademarkLawyer #SecureYourStory

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I’m Lauren, the trademark attorney behind Storylock Legal, and I help visionary founders secure their brands and lock in their legacies with strategic trademark and IP protection. Let’s write the next chapter of your brand’s success together!

You did a Google search. The domain was available. You were good to go, right?

Wrong.

What happens next:

You spend $5,000 on branding. Another $3,000 on a website. You launch your marketing campaigns. You start building momentum.

Six months later, a cease and desist letter arrives.

Someone else owns the trademark. You had no idea. Now you're facing a complete rebrand or a legal battle you can't afford.

This exact scenario plays out more often than you think.

Founders don't realize: A Google search is not a trademark search.

When I conduct a comprehensive trademark search, I'm looking at:
→ Every federal trademark application and registration in the USPTO database
→ State-level registrations in all 50 states
→ Common law uses (marks that exist but aren't registered yet)
→ Business directories and domain databases
→ Variations and permutations of your proposed name

I'm not just checking if your exact name is taken. I'm checking if anything SIMILAR is already out there that could block your registration or create infringement risk.

The USPTO will reject your application if there's a confusingly similar mark already registered—even if it's not identical.

And that cease and desist letter? It can come from someone using a similar mark even if they never filed a federal registration.

The cost of my Trust Your Trademark pacakge, including the full comprehensive trademark search AND prepping and filing the application: $2,500.

The cost of rebranding after you've invested in a name you can't protect: $15,000-50,000+ (and that's just the financial cost, not the damage to the momentum you've built).

I know it feels like an expense you can skip when you're just starting out.
But it's actually the cheapest insurance policy you'll ever buy for your brand.
Before you print those business cards. Before you order that inventory. Before you invest another dollar in a brand name—let's make sure you can actually own it.

Book a free consultation: https://lnkd.in/ecpjNS-m

We'll talk through your name, where you are in your business, and what makes sense for you.

Let's build your brand on solid ground from day one.

#StorylockLegal #TrademarkLawyer #SecureYourStory

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I’m Lauren, the trademark attorney behind Storylock Legal, and I help visionary founders secure their brands and lock in their legacies with strategic trademark and IP protection. Let’s write the next chapter of your brand’s success together!

"Can I trademark that?"

This might be the second most common question I get (right after "Do I actually need a trademark?").

And the answer is usually: Yes! Probably more than you think.

Most founders know you can trademark:

Business names
Logos
Slogans

But did you know you can also trademark:

Sounds: The NBC chimes. The MGM lion roar. Intel's five-note bong. If you have a distinctive audio signature associated with your brand, it can be protected.

Colors: Tiffany Blue. UPS Brown. T-Mobile Magenta. A single color can become a protectable trademark if consumers associate it exclusively with your brand.

Product Design: The shape of a Coca-Cola bottle. The red sole of a Christian Louboutin shoe. If your product's appearance is distinctive enough, it can function as a trademark.

Scents (yes, really): This one's rare, but possible. A company once trademarked a plumeria blossom scent for sewing thread. If a smell distinctively identifies your brand, it can potentially be protected.

Packaging: Think about instantly recognizable packaging—like Toblerone's triangular box or Method's unique soap bottle shapes.

The key requirement for ALL of these: The element must function as a source identifier. Consumers must recognize it and associate it with YOUR brand specifically.

You can't trademark:
- Generic terms (like "Cookie Store" for a cookie store)
- Purely functional features (you can't monopolize something that serves a utilitarian purpose)
- Government insignia or flags
- Scandalous or immoral content
- Anything that's merely ornamental or decorative

Most founders should start with the basics: your wordmark (business name) first, then your logo, then your tagline if you have one that's central to your brand.

Once those are protected, we can get creative with the rest—your signature color, your unique packaging, your audio branding.

But you have to build the foundation first.

If you're not sure what elements of your brand are protectable or where to start, that's exactly what my free consultations are for. 

Book a time here: https://lnkd.in/ecpjNS-m

Let's figure out what parts of your brand story deserve legal protection.

#StorylockLegal #TrademarkLawyer #SecureYourStory

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I’m Lauren, the trademark attorney behind Storylock Legal, and I help visionary founders secure their brands and lock in their legacies with strategic trademark and IP protection. Let’s write the next chapter of your brand’s success together!

You don't need to have everything figured out to protect your trademark.

You don't need to be "big enough yet."
You don't need to hit a certain revenue number.
You don't need to have your entire business plan mapped out for the next five years.

You just need to be using your brand name in commerce (or planning to very soon).

That's it. That's the requirement.

Some of the best trademark strategies I've seen came from founders who protected their brand EARLY—before they had it all figured out.

Because when you lock in your foundation early, you have the freedom to build on it without constantly worrying whether someone's going to challenge your right to use your own name.

Food for thought as you plan for 2026.

If you want to start the new year with your brand properly protected, book a free consultation here: https://lnkd.in/ecpjNS-m

#StorylockLegal #TrademarkLawyer #SecureYourStory

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I’m Lauren, the trademark attorney behind Storylock Legal, and I help visionary founders secure their brands and lock in their legacies with strategic trademark and IP protection. Let’s write the next chapter of your brand’s success together!

I’ve got my NEST holiday candle burning so my house smells like a Christmas tree… which can only mean one thing:

 We’ve officially entered end-of-year mode!!

And I know you’re all asking yourselves this one VERY important December question:

Do I actually own my brand going into the new year? 😉 

Starting the new year knowing your name, your work, your story — all of it — is legally yours?

That’s the win you want heading into 2026.

If you want to walk into 2026 knowing your brand is truly yours, I’d be honored to guide you through it! Let's talk!!

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Hi! I’m Lauren, the trademark attorney behind Storylock Legal, and I help visionary founders secure their brands and lock in their legacies with strategic trademark and IP protection. Let’s write the next chapter of your brand’s success together!

Myth I hear constantly:

"I secured the .com, so I'm good!"

Not quite.

The domain gets people to your website.
The trademark protects your legal right to use that name.
You need both.

Owning [yourbusinessname].com does NOT:
→ Give you legal protection
→ Stop others from using your brand name
→ Defend you against cease and desist letters
→ Prevent someone from registering YOUR name as their trademark

I've watched founders build entire businesses around domains they secured... only to discover someone else owns the trademark.
Now they're facing a rebrand they can't afford.

The smart order:
1. Choose your name
2. Do a comprehensive trademark search
3. Secure the domain
4. File for trademark protection
5. Build with confidence

Not the other way around.

Poll for you: How many of you secured your domain BEFORE checking trademark availability? 

Be honest—no judgment! I just think this would be eye-opening for founders reading this.

#StorylockLegal #TrademarkLawyer #SecureYourStory

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I’m Lauren, the trademark attorney behind Storylock Legal, and I help visionary founders secure their brands and lock in their legacies with strategic trademark and IP protection. Let’s write the next chapter of your brand’s success together!

taplio

The Battle

Daniel Wakefield

Lauren Bercuson

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taplio

The Battle

Daniel Wakefield

Lauren Bercuson

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Daniel Wakefield's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreLauren Bercuson's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreDaniel Wakefield's LinkedIn Performance