CLOTH & CODE LEGAL

Trademark, copyright, and federal tax counsel for the fashion, beauty, and art.

Representing brands and artists in the US and abroad.

See The Services
Black-and-white fashion sketch on paper with a dress outline, measuring tape curved across the design, and a pen resting near the drawing.

MODERN COUNSEL FOR THE WORK YOU’VE BUILT

I work with fashion, beauty, and wellness brands, as well as textile artists, jewelry designers, and visual artists whose work crosses between galleries and garments. For over eight years, I have handled trademark and copyright law matters, including clearance, registration, portfolio maintenance, and enforcement. I am both a CPA and an attorney.

Meet Nicole

THE APPROACH

Hands pin and adjust a pattern paper showing several dress and garment sketches with labels, surrounded by sewing tools, scissors, fabric swatches, and rulers on a worktable.

I focus on what matters most for you right now and what can wait. You get clear options, practical risk guidance, and an actionable plan.

STRATEGY FIRST

Black-and-white studio scene with a dress form wearing a dark garment and a sewing table with hanging fabrics, tools, and boxes in the background.

Every detail matters: the correct owner on the application, the right goods and services, and a specimen that meets every rule. Applications, contracts, and reviews receive this careful attention, so your record stands strong when challenged.

STANDARDS ALWAYS

Black-and-white still life of skincare bottles and containers on a table, with a glass beaker holding water and a small white flower in the background.

FLAT FEES, IN WRITING

Most projects are flat-fee, quoted upfront. You will always know exactly what is included, what is not, and what decisions you will make along the way.

Services

  • You chose a name, and your first collection is nearly ready.

    I provide a clearance opinion before you commit, file your trademark application once it clears, and register copyrights for the prints, patterns, and photos you plan to sell. For brands entering the US from abroad, I provide US counsel for both filing and ongoing maintenance.

  • The registration was approved, but maintaining it is an ongoing process.

    I manage maintenance filings, audit your mark’s use, monitor fr similar applications, and record with US Customs to help stop counterfeits at the border. I also draft licensing, collaboration, and creator agreements to clarify ownership and usage rights.

  • If the USPTO refused your application, your design showed up on someone else’s listing, or you received a demand letter, I am here to help. I respond to office actions on the USPTO’s timeline, handle demand letters, takedowns, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board cases, and domain disputes, and help you decide which issues are worth pursuing. I also represent designers whose work is copied on Shein, Temu, and similar marketplaces.

  • If you received a letter from the IRS about your personal return, I can help. I handle federal tax controversy for individuals, including notices, examinations, and appeals. I am licensed as a CPA.

View All Services

  • Nicole came with a level of confidence and trust that immediately put me at ease. I trusted her every time we worked together. Both trademark processes had their challenges, but she kept me updated every step of the way and ultimately got the job done.

    —Husani Spann, Oberon Asscher®

  • Nicole is conscientious, ethical and detail oriented. She does an excellent job of understanding the needs of the client and explaining the legal landscape in a way that is actionable and understandable. She is trusted to guard the most important portion of my entrepreneurship – my intellectual property.

    —Dr. Maurice Sholas, Sholas Medical Consulting, LLC

CRAFTED WITH CARE.

PROTECTED WITH INTENTION.

Trademark, copyright, and federal tax counsel for the fashion, beauty, and art industries.

Start The Intake

Prefer to handle things yourself? Selvedge features templates and guides that I designed to help you do just that.

nicolegaither.com