Moore & Van Allen (MVA) is proud to highlight Intellectual Property Associate Tyler M. Seling for his commitment to public service and pro bono work. In this spotlight, Tyler reflects on why pro bono service is meaningful to him.
Describe the public service or pro bono work you participated in.
- This year I helped several pro bono clients secure federal trademark registrations protecting their brand, including Classroom Central's KITS FOR A CAUSE mark and Beds for Kids. Inc.'s BEDS FOR KIDS logo. I also had the opportunity to counsel a 12-year old small business owner on trademark and branding matters and to lecture to an audience of local small business owners and entrepreneurs participating in The Boost Pad program on how to protect your small business and your ideas, from patents to copyrights to trademarks to trade secrets, both in collaboration with the Charlotte Initiative to Mobilize Business (CLIMB).
Why is public service or pro bono important to you?
- From a young age my parents instilled in me a belief that those who have the ability to help others, have the responsibility to help others. Throughout my life I have felt immense satisfaction being able to give back to those in need, and I continue to find joy doing one of the things I love most (practicing trademark law) in service of those who definitely are in need of it but may otherwise not have access to it.
Do you have a favorite moment, meaningful takeaway, or story from your experience you'd like to share?
- The most meaningful takeaway I have is how appreciative people are when you manage to help them navigate the difficulties of the legal world. Small business owners and non-profit organizations take immense pride in their brand, and the gratitude they exude when you help them protect that brand is profound.