Approve the package and choose one design.
Nothing should be published until the sale package and final V1–V5 presentation are confirmed.
Open Step 6How we sell EPL.
EPL is being offered as one package: the trademark, two matching .com domains, the live website and 190 production brand files.
This page shows what has already been completed, what still needs to happen and who is responsible for each step.
See all 12 stepsWhere we are now
The factual preparation is finished. The next decision belongs to Rick.
5done
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The full process, in order.
Read the short line first. Open any step when you need the meaning, reason and instructions.
Done
Do next
Later
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01 Check the trademark facts Confirm the official name, registration number, owner and service class. Explain
What this is
The USPTO trademark record is the government’s public file for the EPL service mark. It identifies the legal name, number, owner and covered services.
Why we need it
Every listing and sale document must use the same correct legal facts. A buyer will check this record first.
How it was done
We checked the official USPTO record for Serial No. 90271503 and recorded the facts used on this site.
Result EQUITY PARTNERS LIMITED · Reg. No. 6,549,376 · owner Richard Stark · Class 036. The record also identifies the Supplemental Register, which counsel should explain to a buyer.
Open the USPTO record -
02 Find the next trademark deadline Work out when the first maintenance filing must be submitted. Explain
What this is
A Section 8 filing is a declaration showing that the registered mark is still being used. It is required to keep a U.S. registration alive.
Why we need it
If the filing is missed, the registration can be cancelled. A buyer will want to know the deadline and the filing plan.
How it was done
We used the registration date and the USPTO’s five-to-six-year rule to calculate the first filing window.
Result Filing window mapped: 2 November 2026 to 2 November 2027. The date research is done; counsel still needs to prepare and submit the filing in Step 8.
Read the USPTO guidance -
03 Count and organize the brand files Record exactly what is in the existing EPL brand folder. Explain
What this is
A file inventory is a count of every production logo, mark, pattern and export format that can be handed to the buyer.
Why we need it
The buyer needs to know that the brand package is real, organized and ready to transfer rather than a loose collection of images.
How it was done
We scanned the shared EPL brand folder, counted the files and grouped them by format.
Result 190 files · 28.2 MiB · 57 AI · 52 PDF · 32 PNG · 24 SVG · 24 JPG · 1 ASE.
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04 Test the domains and website Confirm that both .com names and the live site currently work over HTTPS. Explain
What this is
The domains are the two web addresses included in the package. HTTPS means the browser can connect to them securely.
Why we need it
A buyer should not discover a broken address, insecure connection or unexpected destination after seeing the listing.
How it was done
We tested both matching .com addresses and followed their redirects to the live website.
Result Both matching .com names currently resolve over HTTPS to the live EPL site.
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05 Prepare the buyer presentation Build the sale-site choices and confirm where the offer can be promoted. Explain
What this is
The buyer presentation is the public page that explains the sale. The sales channels are the websites and outreach tools where likely buyers can find it.
Why we need it
One clear presentation creates interest. Verified channels turn that presentation into buyer conversations.
How it was done
We built five independent EPL presentation directions and checked the core trademark, domain, digital-asset and direct-outreach channels.
Result V1–V5 are live for review. Five core sales channels are ready for Step 9.
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06 Decide exactly what the buyer receives Approve the complete sale package and choose one V1–V5 design. Explain
What this is
An asset schedule is one written list of everything included in the sale, everything excluded and any rights Rick intends to keep.
Why we need it
The listing, buyer answers and legal documents must all promise the same package. Rick is the only person who can approve that boundary.
How to do it
- Confirm the trademark, two domains, live site and 190-file brand package are included.
- Write down any excluded account, file, content item or continuing right.
- Choose one presentation from V1–V5.
- Send one written approval covering both the asset list and the selected page.
Done when Rick approves one asset schedule and one public sale page.
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07 Build the private proof folder Collect evidence that every promised asset is owned and can be transferred. Explain
What this is
A data room is a private, organized online folder for serious buyers. An NDA is a confidentiality agreement signed before a buyer receives access.
Why we need it
A buyer must verify ownership and control, but domain records, account information and use evidence should not be placed in a public listing.
How to do it
- Create folders for trademark, domains, website, brand files and content rights.
- Add control records, use evidence and handover notes. Do not place passwords in the index.
- Match every folder to the asset schedule from Step 6.
- Give counsel review access before a buyer sees it.
Done when Rick and counsel can locate proof for every included asset in one indexed folder.
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08 Get the lawyer’s trademark and document plan Have specialist counsel confirm the filing, transfer and sale-document requirements. Explain
What this is
IP counsel is a lawyer who works with intellectual property such as trademarks. An assignment is the legal document that transfers the trademark to the buyer.
Why we need it
Counsel must decide what use evidence supports the Section 8 filing and how the trademark, associated goodwill and other assets should transfer.
How to do it
- Send counsel the approved asset schedule and private evidence folder.
- Ask counsel to confirm the Section 8 filing evidence and submission plan.
- Ask for the NDA, LOI, purchase agreement, assignment and closing checklist.
- Follow counsel’s instructions for signatures and USPTO filing.
Done when Counsel provides a written maintenance, document and transfer checklist.
Read the USPTO assignment guide -
09 Publish the sale and start outreach Use one approved story across the verified listing and direct-contact channels. Explain
What this is
A listing makes the opportunity discoverable. Direct outreach means contacting organizations that may have a practical use for the EPL name instead of waiting for them to find it.
Why we need it
Listings create reach, while a named outreach list creates relevant conversations. Both should point to the same approved sale page.
How to do it
Use the same facts and page link everywhere, then track each channel, contact, reply and next action in one sheet.
Done when All approved listings are live and every priority target has an owner and next action.
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10 Contact and screen possible buyers Find relevant organizations and confirm who is serious before sharing private proof. Explain
What this is
Buyer screening means confirming the person’s identity, organization, intended use, timing and ability to complete the purchase.
Why we need it
It protects the private data room and prevents time being spent on anonymous or unprepared inquiries.
How to do it
- Build a list of independent sponsors, boutique investment firms, family offices, M&A advisers and buy-and-build operators.
- Send a short note explaining why EPL may fit each organization.
- Confirm identity, intended use, process, timing and ability to complete.
- Have the buyer sign the NDA before opening the data room.
Done when Each active buyer file explains why the buyer qualified and what happens next.
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11 Agree the deal and complete the buyer’s checks Sign the initial deal outline, answer evidence questions and finish the contracts. Explain
What this is
An LOI, or letter of intent, is a short written outline of the proposed deal. Due diligence is the buyer’s process for checking ownership, control and the contents of the package.
Why we need it
The LOI aligns the parties before long contracts are prepared. Due diligence gives the buyer enough evidence to sign and close.
How to do it
- Use the approved asset schedule to define what the LOI covers.
- Agree the timetable, checks, conditions and any transition help.
- Answer the buyer’s data-room questions in one tracked list.
- Have counsel finalize the purchase agreement, trademark assignment and escrow instructions.
Done when The checks are resolved and every closing document is ready to sign.
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12 Receive payment and transfer the assets Use escrow, deliver the package and record the new trademark owner. Explain
What this is
Escrow is an independent service that holds the buyer’s money while the assets are transferred. Trademark recordal updates the USPTO ownership record after the assignment is signed.
Why we need it
Escrow keeps payment and delivery synchronized. Recordal gives the buyer a public ownership trail for the trademark.
How to do it
- The buyer funds the agreed escrow.
- The parties sign and transfer the domains, website and brand files with written receipts.
- Counsel submits the trademark assignment through the USPTO process.
- The buyer accepts the assets, escrow is released and the full closing file is archived.
Done when The buyer accepts the assets, funds are released and the ownership recordal has been submitted.
Only Step 6 needs attention now.
Steps 7–12 wait until Rick approves the package and one design. The work then moves forward in order; it does not need to happen all at once.
Return to Step 6