Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual property (IP) refers to intangible property such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, publicity/privacy rights and trade secrets that can be protected under constantly changing laws. We understand the value of intellectual property as a business asset, and we know how to protect it and make the most of it for our clients.

Our firm primarily focuses on these sub-categories:

Copyright Law protects creative works such as film, literature, technical writing, music, dramatic works, painting, photography, sculpture, choreography, architecture, sound recordings, and computer programs and databases. These rights are the foundation of many industries, including the entertainment business and digital technology industries.

Trademark Law governs the use and registration of names, slogans, symbols, logos, designs and other “designations of origin” used for products or services -- what most people refer to as “brands.” Federal registration of trademarks (used for products) and service marks (used for services) is the only way to ensure exclusive national rights ad global rights.

Domain Names that are also trademarks or service marks are protected under Trademark Law. There also are special laws that protect against “cybersquatting,” the bad faith registration of trademarks or service marks in a domain name.

Publicity Rights (a.k.a. “rights of privacy” and “name and likeness rights”) are governed by state law and grant individuals the exclusive use of their name, likeness, voice and persona (in some states) for commercial purposes. Celebrity names and likenesses can also be protected as trademarks or service marks.

Trade Secrets refer to confidential information that provides a business with a unique competitive advantage, but cannot be safeguarded with a copyright or trademark. Trade secrets are protected under federal and state laws, but the best form of protection is to restrict access to such information and have other parties sign nondisclosure agreements. The legal term Personally Identifiable Information refers to confidential information about an individual that others must not disclose without permission.

Patent Law deals with federal grants for specific kinds of inventions and discoveries. We offer counsel on patent protection and outsource the preparation and prosecution of patents to lawyers who specialize in that area of the law.

Our Intellectual Property Law practice includes:

• Registering trademarks and service marks in the U.S. and globally
• Registering copyright claims
• Title and trademark clearance reports and analysis
• Content clearance and acquisition
• Intellectual property due diligence and audits
• Deals and agreements involving any form of IP, content, format or concepts, including licenses, joint ventures, cross- and co-marketing, endorsements, licensing, sponsorships, tie-ins, advertising and marketing (all media), ownership transfers (including acquisitions and assignments), trade secrets, know-how and confidential information.
• Enforcement and litigation pertaining to any aspect of IP (except patents), including: infringement/counterfeiting/misappropriation, Trademark Office oppositions and cancellation proceedings, domain name arbitrations, false advertising disputes, disputes over ownership, breach of licenses, etc.