Who owns backpack boyz

Action now: search the USPTO TESS database and WIPO Global Brand Database for the exact public name as it appears on products and profiles; record registration number, owner name, filing and registration dates, and current status. Check EUIPO for European filings and the national business registry where the seller lists a postal address (e.g., Companies House UK or the relevant U.S. Secretary of State registry).

Domain and commerce checks: run a WHOIS lookup at whois.icann.org to capture registrant, registrar and creation date; inspect the site’s footer and legal pages for a corporate entity, business address and VAT/Tax ID; examine checkout pages and merchant metadata (Shopify, Stripe, PayPal) for the legal business name used for transactions.

Social signals: compare the name found in trademark/corporate records with the legal name on verified social accounts (check blue checkmarks and the account’s linked website). Use reverse-image search on logos and product photos to trace distributor listings and reseller inventories that may reference a manufacturer or holding company.

Product-level evidence: scan product UPC/EAN via GS1 or marketplace listings to find the party that registered the barcode. If physical goods are available, check sewn/printed labels for a manufacturer’s address and import paperwork (customs declarations) that list the importer of record.

If proof is needed for legal or commercial use, obtain certified copies: request certified trademark status documents from the USPTO TSDR (fees apply) and certified articles of incorporation or LLC records from the relevant state/registrar. For transfer or purchase, require a signed assignment deed recorded with the trademark office and use an escrow service for funds.

When to engage counsel: retain an intellectual property attorney to run a clearance search (comprehensive trademark and business title search), draft an assignment or licensing agreement, or prepare a cease-and-desist/DMCA notice if you suspect infringement. Typical one-off costs: basic public searches are free; certified records and official copies vary by jurisdiction ($10–$200); attorney reviews start at several hundred dollars.

Legal Control and Registration of the BP Collective

Begin verification at federal trademark records and the relevant state company registry to identify the registered entity that controls the brand; then follow this checklist precisely.

Trademark records (USPTO)
- Search TESS for exact and stylized marks, note serial and registration numbers, goods/services classes, filing and registration dates.
- Open the TSDR record for any candidate entry and download certificates, office actions and assignment history.
- If the mark is assigned, record the assignor/assignee names, dates and recorded assignment documents.
State business registry
- Query the Secretary of State for similarly named LLCs/corporations; download Articles of Organization/Incorporation and current status.
- Record the registered agent, formation date and filing number; obtain certified copies if planning a transaction.
Domain and registration records
- Check domain registration details via ICANN/registrar lookup; capture registrant name, registrar, registration and expiration dates.
- Use historical domain reports to detect past transfers or privacy masking. Capture DNS and SSL certificate metadata for cross-checking.
Social accounts and platform verification
- Confirm platform verification badges, linked official web pages and consistent admin contact info across Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube.
- Request proof of account administration through platform business manager screenshots or verification emails from platform support.
Content and rights metadata
- For musical or audiovisual material, query PRO databases (ASCAP, BMI), SoundExchange, and streaming metadata for registered creators/rights holders.
- Check YouTube Content ID claimants and distribution metadata in major DSPs for publisher/payer names.
Merchandise and commerce evidence
- Inspect seller storefronts (Shopify, Etsy), payment processor receipts, and sample invoices to link sales to the claimed entity.
- Request trade-marked product certificates or licensing agreements if goods are offered by third parties.
Document requests to confirm control
- Request certified copies: trademark registration, certificate of formation, operating agreement, assignment/transfer records and a notarized declaration of control.
- For transfers, require a signed IP assignment agreement, corporate resolution approving the transfer, and escrow instructions for funds.
Dispute and enforcement options
- If conflicting claims appear, consider TTAB opposition/cancellation, domain dispute via UDRP, or DMCA counter-notice where applicable.
- Engage licensed IP counsel to draft cease-and-desist letters, negotiate assignments, or prepare litigation filings where necessary.
Practical verification email (template)
- Subject: Request for documentation confirming brand control
- Body: Please provide certified copies of the federal trademark registration (or serial number), the entity’s certificate of formation, and a notarized statement confirming the entity’s authority to license or sell products under the mark. Provide contact and payment details for licensing discussions.
- Attach a 7–10 day deadline for response and specify acceptable file formats (PDF, certified copies) and a secure upload method.

Retain an IP attorney for any purchase, license or enforcement action; require escrow for transfers of marks and demand full chain-of-title documentation before releasing funds.

Locate official registries: searching company filings and trademark databases for the brand

Search the USPTO TESS using the exact quoted name and close variants (add “LLC”, “Inc”, “Co”, hyphenation and common misspellings); record serial and registration numbers, then open the USPTO TSDR page to retrieve filing dates, current status, specimen PDFs and attorney correspondence.

Target public registries and how to query them

US corporate records: query each relevant State Secretary of State portal with the exact name and entity-type variations; check entity number, formation date, registered agent name and street address, and current status (active/dissolved). For national-level companies use EDGAR (SEC) to search for filings by exact corporate name or CIK number. UK: Companies House search by name and officer names. Global: OpenCorporates for aggregated corporate identifiers and cross-jurisdiction links.

Trademark sources: USPTO TESS/TSDR, EUIPO eSearch plus TMview, WIPO Global Brand Database (Madrid and national records). Use exact-match and wildcard queries, then filter by Nice classes. For goods like luggage, prioritize Class 18; for apparel Class 25; for retail services Class 35. Cross-check application/registration numbers and any listed owner entity or natural person.

Interpreting filings and follow-up actions

From corporate filings extract registered agent and physical address; compare that against trademark owner address and domain WHOIS to confirm linkage. From trademark records capture filing/registration date, priority claims, and assignment history (USPTO Assignment Search – Reel/Frame). Download certified copies or assignment documents when available; many registries charge a small fee for certified PDFs.

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If searches return no direct matches, run variant queries: abbreviated forms, alternative spellings, phonetic approximations, and trade name (DBA) searches in state portals. Set alerts on USPTO TESS, EUIPO or third-party services to monitor new filings using the exact quoted phrase. Use the registered Nice classes to narrow false positives and refer to related resources such as the best luggage packing techniques page when classifying product categories.

Keep a short dossier: registry name, direct URL to record, registration/serial number, entity number, filing dates, owner name as listed, and copies of specimens or incorporation documents. That dossier is the evidence set for legal, marketplace or due-diligence decisions.

Identify founders and current shareholders using state business records and public filings

Obtain the entity’s formation document (Articles of Incorporation or Organization) from the Secretary of State registry and inspect the “Incorporator” or “Organizer” and the initial directors/officers fields; these names usually establish the founding team and are present on the PDF filed at the state office.

Pull all subsequent annual reports, Statements of Information, amendments and officer lists from the state archive to map personnel changes over time; search by exact legal name, assumed name (DBA), or entity number and download filings that record changes in directors, managers, corporate officers and listed addresses.

For public issuers, retrieve SEC filings on EDGAR: Form 10-K and Form 10-Q contain officer and director lists, proxy statements (DEF 14A) include tables of principal stockholders, Schedule 13D/G identifies investors with >5% stakes, and Forms 3/4/5 report insider holdings and transactions; search by company name or CIK and save the specific exhibits and beneficial-holder tables.

For privately held entities, check Form D filings (SEC) and state blue-sky or securities regulator filings for investor names and placement agents; search county clerk and UCC filings for related transfers or secured-party names that reveal investor or lender identities.

When filings list corporate nominees or nominee LLCs, follow the chain by pulling amendment filings, registered-agent records, previously filed annual reports and any recorded assignment documents; cross-reference named entities against corporate registries in common incorporation states (Delaware Division of Corporations, California SOS, Florida Sunbiz, Texas SOS, New York DOS) to uncover parent entities or management companies.

Obtain certified copies or certified status reports from the relevant state office when you need evidentiary proof; fees vary (typically $10–$100), expedited services are often available, and certified records will show filing timestamps and official signatures useful for legal or due-diligence purposes.

Corroborate registry data with investor and deal databases (Crunchbase, PitchBook), press releases, LinkedIn profiles and court dockets; match full legal names, addresses and dates across sources to distinguish founders from later investors and to identify ultimate beneficial holders versus nominee entries.

Verify digital ownership: domain registration data, social accounts, and platform verification badges

Validate domain registration via RDAP and registrar lookup: confirm registrant organization, creation and expiry dates, registrar name, domain status, and authoritative name servers.

Run command-line and web checks: `whois example.com` (or use RDAP at https://rdap.org and ICANN Lookup https://lookup.icann.org), `dig +short NS example.com`, `dig +short TXT example.com`, `dig SOA example.com`. Compare the registrant email or organization with public company records and the site’s contact page.

If registration uses privacy/proxy services, retrieve historical records and patterns: use DomainTools (historical WHOIS), SecurityTrails, and crt.sh to find past registrant entries and issued certificates. Correlate archive.org snapshots with historical contact details or branded content dated near registration timestamps.

Inspect TLS certificates and certificate-transparency logs: `openssl s_client -connect example.com:443 -servername example.com 2>/dev/null | openssl x509 -noout -subject -issuer -dates` and search crt.sh for the domain and subdomains to locate organization names, related domains, and issuance history.

Confirm intellectual property claims: trademark status, copyright notices, and registered designs

Obtain official registration documents and serial/registration numbers for each asserted trademark, copyright and registered design, and use those records as primary evidence rather than website banners or social media claims.

Trademarks – exact steps and data points

Search multiple trademark registries: USPTO TESS and TSDR (get registration/serial number, current status, specimen images, maintenance history), EUIPO eSearch plus and TMview, WIPO Global Brand Database and Madrid Monitor, UK IPO search, and relevant national offices for target markets.
Search by mark text and by device (upload or visually match logo). Query the Nice classes most relevant to the product categories (example: Class 18 for bags/leather travel goods; Class 25 for apparel). Note class numbers in each record.
Capture these fields: application date, filing basis (use/intent-to-use/priority), registration date, serial/registration numbers, renewal/maintenance deadlines, owner name as recorded, correspondence address, attorney/agent, and any recorded assignments or licenses.
Check prosecution history and legal events in TSDR or EUIPO file wrapper: office actions, refusals, oppositions, cancellations, and consent agreements. Save PDFs/screenshots with timestamps of key documents (registration certificate, specimen, office action responses).
Verify chain of title: consult USPTO Assignments on the Web (AOTW) and national assignment registries; download assignment instruments and check recording dates versus registration dates.
Search dispute sources: TTAB cases via TTABVUE, PACER for federal infringement suits, EUIPO Boards of Appeal decisions, and WIPO UDRP/UDRP decisions for domain disputes.

Copyrights and registered designs – verification checklist

Copyright: search the US Copyright Public Catalog for registrations (record shows registration number, claimant, title, deposit material, registration date). For non‑US works, query national copyright offices or centralized registries where available and request certificate scans.
Validate notices: confirm that a visible notice follows the format © YEAR NAME or For sound recordings: ℗ YEAR NAME, then match the notice name to the registered claimant. A notice alone is not equivalent to registration; prefer registration records when enforcement or licensing is a concern.
Design registrations vs. design patents: for ornamental designs, query WIPO Global Design Database (Hague), EUIPO Registered Community Designs, UK Registered Designs, USPTO design patent search (Patents/Public Search or Espacenet). Extract registration/filing numbers, dated drawings/photos, priority claims and listed owners.
Compare protected drawings/images to actual product photos and marketing materials. Note claim scope – are drawings highly detailed (narrow protection) or broad (wider protection)? Save the depiction pages and note publication dates.
Check maintenance and expiration: design registrations and design patents have finite terms and renewal rules. Record expiry/renewal dates and any renewal fees paid (visible in registry records).
Confirm transfer or license records for registered works: many IP offices record assignments or licenses–download recorded instruments or request certified copies from the registry if needed for proof.

Practical output: compile a dossier that includes (A) scanned registration certificates and assignment instruments, (B) registry links and snapshots of status pages (with serial/registration numbers visible), (C) specimens/drawings side‑by‑side with product images, (D) a timeline of filing/registration/renewal/assignment events. Set calendar reminders for renewal windows and opposition/cancellation deadlines and consider subscribing to official watch services for the registries involved.

Contact owners and representatives: required documents, outreach templates, and negotiation points for licensing or purchase

Send a tracked email with a signed Letter of Intent (LOI) and proof of funds (POF); request a 48‑hour window for scheduling a 20‑minute call and provide a secure data room link template.

Required documents to request up front: audited or reviewed financial statements (last 3 fiscal years), current year-to-date P&L, balance sheet, corporate formation and share registers, shareholder agreements, cap table, tax returns (last 3 years), copy of trademark registrations and filing receipts, copyright or design registrations, domain transfer authorization, platform account ownership proofs (admin screenshots + audit trail), customer list with consent status, supplier contracts, outstanding licenses and permits, payroll records, employee contracts and NDAs, litigation history and insurance certificates, inventory reports (if applicable), recent hosting and CDN invoices, source code access list and escrow arrangement (if software), list of pending claims or takedowns, and proof of bank account ownership for funds transfer.

Documents for execution at LOI stage: mutual NDA (narrow scope), non-binding LOI with basic economic terms, confidentiality/data room access agreement, and proof of authorized signatory (POA) for any representative. Documents to expect at transaction stage: Asset Purchase Agreement or Share Purchase Agreement, IP Assignment(s), Escrow Agreement, Transitional Services Agreement (if seller support will continue), Escrow instructions for domain/handle transfer, UCC search results and payoff statements, and wire instructions validated by bank letter.

Document	Purpose	Signer
LOI	Defines headline price, structure (asset vs. equity), exclusivity period, and timeline	Buyer & Seller (non-binding clauses flagged)
NDA	Limits use of shared data and data room access	Both parties
Financial statements & tax returns	Validate revenue, margin, SDE and tax position	Seller or accounting firm
IP Assignment / Trademark transfer	Conveys registrable rights and recordation	Seller; recorded with trademark office
Escrow Agreement	Secures funds and triggers for transfer	Buyer, Seller, Escrow agent
Transitional Services Agreement	Defines post-closing support, duration, SLAs	Buyer & Seller

Initial outreach email (template): Subject: Offer inquiry + LOI enclosed. Body: “I represent [Buyer Entity]. Attached: executed LOI (basic economic terms), proof of funds. Requested items: confirmation of authorized signer, acceptance of 48‑hour call window, and link for secure data upload. Proposed call agenda: 1) confirm assets in scope; 2) timeline for diligence; 3) transfer mechanics for domain/accounts; 4) basic transition support; 5) next steps. Proposed timing: 20-minute call within 48 hours. Contact: [phone] / [email].”

Follow-up email (48 hrs if no reply): Subject: Follow-up on LOI submission. Body: “Re-sending LOI and proof of funds. If you prefer an intermediary, please provide agent contact and POA. If unavailable, propose three windows for a short call this week.” Keep to two sentences plus contact details.

Representative/agent verification message (template): “Please confirm you represent the seller and provide a POA, corporate minutes or signed engagement letter, and a notarized ID for the principal. We will not proceed without documentation confirming authority to bind the entity.” Attach sample POA format.

Phone script (20 minutes): 1) Introductions and confirmation of authority (2 min); 2) Assets included/excluded and transferables (4 min); 3) Financial summary validation items and data room timeline (5 min); 4) IP transfer logistics: registry recordation fees, assignment form, and expected timeframes (4 min); 5) Deal economics and next steps (5 min). End with explicit deadline for data delivery.

Key negotiation points and suggested ranges/terms: Purchase structure – asset sale preferred for buyer tax-sheltering; equity sale if seller needs continuity or tax optimization. Valuation approaches – SDE multiple for small brands (commonly 2–4x SDE); revenue multiple for high-growth or platform-dependent assets (commonly 0.5–2x revenue depending on margin). Upfront vs. holdback – typical cash upfront 60–80% for low-risk deals; seller note 10–30% amortized 1–3 years with market interest; escrow/holdback 10–20% for reps & warranties retained 12–24 months. Earnouts – tie to net revenue or gross margin milestones with capped term 12–36 months; limit measurement disputes by defining accounting rules and excluded items.

Specific contract items to insist on: full assignment of registered marks and recordation proof, express transfer of domain and social accounts with required credentials and change control process, seller warranty schedule with materiality cap (commonly purchase price cap), limited indemnity baskets and deductibles, survival periods aligned to risk (12 months for general reps, 24–36 months for IP), escrow release waterfall tied to claims and milestones, and non-compete/non-solicit limited by geography and duration (1–3 years typical).

Payment mechanics and risk mitigation: use an independent escrow agent for closing funds, require bank‑backed proof of funds before exclusivity, split payments by tranche linked to confirmed transfers, require escrowed funds to cover tax exposures and undisclosed liabilities, obtain updated UCC searches and payoff letters pre-closing, and record IP assignments immediately after funds release.

Due diligence timeline suggestion: 0–5 days – NDA & LOI executed; 5–20 days – data room delivery and initial review; 20–45 days – in‑depth legal, financial and IP review; 45–60 days – negotiate SPA/APA, escrow terms, and closing checklist; 60–90 days – closing and transfer. Shorter timelines possible with full seller cooperation and clean title to assets.

Red flags to stop negotiation: inability to produce financials or tax returns for three years, domain registration or trademark not controlled by seller (registrant differs without transfer authorization), counterfeit or DMCA claims, major chargebacks or customer complaint spikes, lack of verified admin access to key platforms, undisclosed litigation, and seller refusal to permit basic escrow or POA validation.

Attach checklist and sample LOI/POA templates to data room. For related reading: which is better muscle milk or whey protein