Intellectual Property Law &
Fractional General Counsel

Connecting with legal counsel may feel like a significant step, but delaying intellectual property protection can allow avoidable issues to become far more costly and complex. Brands, creative assets, and proprietary ideas are often central to a company’s value, and protecting them requires more than a reactive approach. As your business evolves, your intellectual property strategy should evolve with it, helping you safeguard what differentiates you in the market and positioning those assets to support growth.

Trademark protection, copyright strategy, and the careful management of ownership and usage rights are not simply technical legal matters. They are essential components of building, preserving, and leveraging enterprise value. Thoughtful IP counsel provides more than protection alone; it brings clarity to decision-making, reinforces competitive advantage, and helps ensure your business is operating from a position of strength. My role is to provide guidance that is both strategic and accessible, helping clients navigate intellectual property issues in a way that is practical, effective, and aligned with their long-term objectives.

Who is Black Dog Law?

Kate Sullivan, JD

Black Dog Law Founder & Entrepreneur

Kate Sullivan is a dynamic professional who seamlessly blends her diverse educational background and extensive legal expertise to make her mark in the worlds of business, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property law. Armed with a degree in Animal Science and Business from Oklahoma State University and a legal degree from the University of Tulsa, Kate's journey reflects her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and helping others.

As a licensed attorney in Oklahoma and a U.S. registered patent practitioner, Kate's career path has been defined by her specialization in both United States and International Intellectual Property Law. Her passion for assisting others in building and nurturing their ventures is the driving force behind her work, embodying a genuine dedication to problem-solving and innovation. She has a deep-rooted love for helping business owners and entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality, providing them with the legal support they need to succeed.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kate is a dedicated community member who has served on the Board of Directors for the South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce and Tulsa-based non-profit, Modus. She understands the importance of giving back and actively contributes to the betterment of her local community. She also hosts quarterly pro-bono office hours for entrepreneurs that need help with legal strategies for their business.

Kate proudly leads Black Dog Law, setting a remarkable example of empowerment and leadership in the legal field. Her unique blend of qualifications, interests, and unwavering commitment to her clients, coupled with her love for helping business owners and entrepreneurs build their dreams, truly distinguishes her as an exceptional IP practitioner. Kate is a force to be reckoned with in today's ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property law, and she stands ready to help you bring your vision to life.

So why the name Black Dog Law?

First of all, 'Kate Sullivan, Attorney at Law' sounded fairly generic.

Second and more importantly, I have rescued dogs for years and over time learned that black dogs and cats are less likely to be rescued than other colors of pets. Black Dog Law seeks to raise more awareness to this fact and hopes to remove the stigma surrounding black dogs and cats.

Areas of Practice

Patent Prosecutions

Filing patent applications and correspondence with the Patent office with the goal of achieving an issued patent. There are different types of patent applications as well and seeking advice from a registered patent attorney before beginning the process can help save time and valuable resources.

Trademarks

Names, logos, and brands can make your business stand out from the rest. Protecting these assets and ensuring that they are not being used for any purpose by other parties make a huge impact on the success of your business.

Copyrights

Copyrights are a type of IP protection that apply to creative works such as music, lyrics, artwork, written works, photographs, etc. A copyright registration can protect your work from unauthorized use by another.

Contract Drafting

Business relationships can be a huge help for all parties involved. But sometimes, these relationships don't always go as planned. A written understanding of the business relationship protects both parties involved and can be critical to protectig your IP, your business, and your peace of mind.

Infringement Opinions

"Cease-and-Desist" Letters, Notices, and Demand Letters are typically what are sent out if someone believes another to be infringing upon another's intellectual property. Having an attorney review the facts and claims can help you determine what action needs to be taken, put your mind at ease, or protect your assets.

Outside Counsel

Businesses face potential legal issues almost every day. Having an attorney you can call on when you need them can be incredibly helpful for navigating situations that could morph into disaster.

Speaking Engagements & Workshops

A focus of Black Dog Law is educating people on the various types of intellectual property protections and what they can mean for your business.

Startup Guidance & Consulting

Starting and building a business has many stages. Different type of contracts and agreements are needed along the way and can ensure that founders and investors are protected every step of the way.

Let's Work Together

If you have an idea or legal question for your business, get in contact with Black Dog Law today! When it comes to quality legal services, we are the first you should call. We look forward to hearing from you.

Black Dog Law PLLC

Affiliation: United States Patent and Trademark Office

12 N Cheyenne Ave #147
Tulsa OK 74103
Phone: 918-231-2546

Intellectual Property Law &Fractional General Counsel