Partner Spotlight: McGinn IP Law Group
By: Christine Bean
This week, we caught up with Geoff Pechie, Patent Attorney at McGinn Intellectual Property Law Group, and longtime MightyMeals customer. Geoff gave us insight into why having a trademark is so important for a growing business, and how MightyMeals has changed the game for his weekly meal prep routine.
How did you get your start at McGinn IP Law Group?
Geoff: I’ve been a patent attorney at McGinn since 2012. Basically, what I do is find local businesses that are growing, and I reach out to make sure that they have their trademarks’ protected. It’s important to make sure that another meal prep company can’t come in and steal your logo or name, and start delivering meals on the west coast with the name MightyMeals. A trademark is the most inexpensive way to make sure that no one else in the United States can do what MightyMeals is doing.
What makes McGinn unique?
Geoff: We have over 125 years of experience in our field. We pride ourselves on being a smaller firm, having a one-on-one connection with our clients. If they have an issue, they can call each of the attorneys directly. We find our general responsiveness, and our experience, sets us apart from other firms. How did you get connected to MightyMeals?
Geoff: I, personally, have been a client of MightyMeals for about two years, and I really rely on my weekly order! One day, when I was picking up my meals, I happened to think about whether or not MightyMeals has a trademark to protect their branding. I gave MightyMeals co-founder, Dan Graziano, a call, and told him that I am a loyal customer who happens to be a patent attorney. I explained how protecting the MightyMeals logo and branding is crucial as the company continues to expand, since those two things are the most valuable assets you have. If we were alerted that another company was operating under the name MightyMeals, McGinn would send them a cease and desist letter, asking them to stop selling the product under that name. MightyMeals would have to sign the letter, and McGinn would mail it and wait for the company to either stop or respond. Now that MightyMeals owns the trademark, they are open to many more options, including the rights to the domain name, “MightyMeals.com.” The issue of MightyMeals, one word, versus Mighty Meals, two words, comes down to reasonable equivalence; you have to ask the question, “would a consumer confuse my goods with their goods?
How does MightyMeals benefit you?
Geoff: The best reflection of a company is a referral. I got my wife hooked on MightyMeals, and now my colleagues and friends from the gym are ordering it, too. Back when I was single, it was very hard to meal prep, go to law school, go to work, and eat healthy. What MightyMeals gave to me is that I could get a complete, healthy meal at a great cost, and it was really good quality. I planned my orders so that I could eat the meals throughout the week. It saves me hours per week, and the best part is that the food is exactly what I’d choose to prepare if I did my own meal prepping… except better, because I’m not a great cook! The bulk option was the biggest draw for me; I could order a few pounds of steak and chicken, and use that meat throughout the week, adding vegetables, etc. That, to me, is why MightyMeals is the best. My wife and I both love different meals, so most weeks we end up practically ordering the entire menu!What is your favorite MightyMeals dish?
Geoff: The Grassfed Beef Lasagna is definitely my favorite. It’s SO good, it’s such a treat, and very filling. It’s a guilty pleasure that I could eat every Sunday night! About Geoff
Geoff Pechie has been a registered patent attorney at McGinn IP Law Group since 2012. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2010 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. In 2017, he earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, with a focus on patent and trademark law, as a part-time evening student while working at the firm as a registered patent agent.
Geoff is a member of the Connecticut State Bar, and is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Geoff has also co-authored (with Mr. McGinn) an article entitled “Inventorship and Data Export of Inventions Invented in the United States” in “PATENT”, published monthly by the Japanese Patent Attorneys Associated (JPAA).
Connect with McGinn IP Law Group
Find out more about what McGinn can do for your growing business at www.McGinnIPLaw.com.