Law Offices of SRIS, P.C.
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm founded in 1997 that assists businesses and individuals with cross-border brand protection and entity formation when their matters involve both the United States and Colombia. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys, led by Mr. Sris, are admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and handle all US-law aspects of a matter—including US trademark applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the formation of US business entities such as limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations. For Colombia-law aspects—such as Colombian trademark registration, local corporate compliance, or Colombian contract review—the firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. This dual-jurisdiction approach allows the firm to address the full scope of a cross-border brand or entity matter without any attorney practicing law in a jurisdiction where they are not admitted. To discuss your specific cross-border brand or entity needs, contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. Handles Cross-Border Brand and Entity Matters with Colombia
For US brand protection, the firm’s US-licensed attorneys assist clients with trademark clearance searches, preparation and filing of US trademark applications under the Lanham Act, responses to USPTO office actions, and trademark enforcement and litigation. The firm can also advise on US copyright registration and trade secret protection. Because US trademark rights are generally based on use in commerce, the firm helps Colombian businesses establish proper use in the US market to secure and maintain federal registration.
For US entity formation, the firm assists Colombian entrepreneurs and companies with selecting the appropriate entity type—such as a Delaware LLC or a Virginia corporation—and with drafting operating agreements, bylaws, and other governing documents. The firm also handles ongoing US corporate compliance, including annual reports and registered agent services. On the Colombia-law side, the firm works with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel (licensed in Colombia; not admitted in any US state bar), who advises on Colombian corporate law, trademark registration before the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC), and other Colombia-specific legal requirements. This collaboration ensures that both the US and Colombian dimensions of a matter are addressed by attorneys licensed in the respective jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a US trademark if I am a Colombian business selling to US customers?
Yes, a US trademark registration provides important legal protections for your brand in the American market. A US registration gives you nationwide priority, the right to use the ® symbol, and the ability to enforce your mark in federal court. Even if you already have a Colombian trademark, US rights are separate and generally require use of the mark in US commerce. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys can evaluate your brand’s use in the US and guide you through the application process before the USPTO. For guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a Colombian company form a US subsidiary?
Yes, a Colombian company can form a US subsidiary, typically as a corporation or LLC. The subsidiary is a separate legal entity under US state law, which can limit liability and facilitate US operations. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys assist with choosing the right state of formation (often Delaware or Virginia), preparing formation documents, and handling ongoing compliance such as annual reports and registered agent services. The Colombia-law aspects of the parent company’s authorization to establish a foreign subsidiary are addressed by the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, who is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar.
What is the process for registering a US trademark?
The US trademark registration process involves a clearance search, application filing with the USPTO, examination, publication, and, if no opposition, registration. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys conduct a comprehensive search to identify potential conflicts, prepare and file the application under the Lanham Act, and respond to any office actions issued by the examining attorney. Once the mark is published for opposition, third parties have a window to object. If no opposition is filed, the USPTO issues a registration certificate. The firm handles each step and keeps you informed throughout.
How does the firm handle US-Colombia brand protection?
The firm addresses US and Colombian brand protection through a coordinated, dual-jurisdiction approach. US-licensed attorneys handle all US trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters, while the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo (licensed in Colombia; not admitted in any US state bar), advises on Colombian trademark registration before the SIC and Colombian IP enforcement. The two sides collaborate as needed, but each attorney practices only in the jurisdiction where they are admitted. This structure allows the firm to protect a brand across both countries without any unauthorized practice of law.
What is the role of the Colombia Of Counsel?
Eric Duport Jaramillo serves as the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, providing Colombia-law advice and acting as a liaison for clients with Colombian legal needs. He is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. His role is limited to matters of Colombian law—such as Colombian trademark registration, corporate compliance, and contract review—and to coordinating with the firm’s US-licensed attorneys on cross-border matters. He does not practice US law or appear before US tribunals. This arrangement ensures that every aspect of a matter is handled by an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Is a US LLC right for my Colombian business?
A US LLC can be an effective structure for a Colombian business seeking US market presence, but the right choice depends on your goals, tax situation, and operational needs. An LLC offers limited liability and pass-through taxation, which may be advantageous for many foreign-owned businesses. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys can explain the differences between an LLC and a corporation, help you select a formation state, and prepare the necessary operating agreement. For Colombia-side considerations—such as the parent company’s authorization to form a foreign subsidiary—the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel provides guidance under Colombian law.
How do I protect my brand in both countries?
Protecting a brand in both the US and Colombia requires separate trademark registrations in each country, as trademark rights are territorial. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys handle the US registration process before the USPTO, while the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo (licensed in Colombia; not admitted in any US state bar), manages the Colombian registration before the SIC. The firm coordinates the two processes to help ensure consistent brand protection and to avoid conflicts between the jurisdictions. For a consultation on cross-border brand strategy, contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What are the costs of US trademark registration?
USPTO filing fees vary by application type and the number of classes of goods or services, and the firm’s legal fees depend on the complexity of the matter. The firm provides a fee estimate during an initial consultation after reviewing your specific brand and filing strategy. Additional costs may arise if the USPTO issues an office action or if an opposition is filed. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys can discuss the likely cost range for your situation and help you budget for the registration process.
How long does US trademark registration take?
US trademark registration timelines depend on USPTO examination queues and whether any office actions or oppositions arise. After filing, the USPTO assigns an examining attorney, who may issue an office action if there are issues with the application. If the application proceeds to publication, there is a period for third-party opposition. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys monitor the process and respond promptly to any USPTO communications. While the firm cannot guarantee a specific timeline, it can discuss typical timeframes based on current USPTO processing during a consultation.
How do I get started with cross-border brand or entity matters?
Contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, the firm’s US-licensed attorneys will discuss your goals, the US and Colombian legal landscape, and the appropriate next steps. If Colombia-law issues are involved, the firm will coordinate with its Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, who is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. The firm’s dual-jurisdiction approach allows it to address both sides of a cross-border matter efficiently and in compliance with applicable bar rules.