With the U.S. cannabis industry inching closer to federal legalization each year, more companies than ever are entering the fold. Considering the steady influx of new businesses in this increasingly saturated market, how can new and established cannabis brands ensure that their name and intellectual property are protected from competitors and copycats? In this episode, we speak to cannabis lawyer and advocate Jessica Gonzalez about the measures small businesses can take to safeguard their brands even when the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is not engaging with plant-touching entities. Additionally, Jessica will also discuss the state of New Jersey’s adult-use rollout and how industry stakeholders can make the local market more equitable and accessible for business owners and consumers.