All businesses possess intellectual capital assets, or “intellectual property” (IP), although many do not adequately protect their IP assets from unwanted encroachment or infringement. In addition to obvious IP assets such as music recordings and inventions, IP assets include product names or logos, web designs and training materials, confidential client lists and business methods.
The Cowles Thompson Intellectual Property practice helps clients identify their IP assets and secure adequate legal protection of those assets, both in the U.S. and abroad. Additionally, our attorneys assist clients in exploiting their IP assets via assignments and license agreements.
Examples of IP matters include:
Trademarks and Service Marks
- Trademark searches and screening
- State and federal registration
- Enforcement of trademark rights (e.g., cease and desist letters, litigation, etc.)
- Securing and enforcing rights to trade dress
- Licensing and assignment of trademarks
Copyright
- Federal copyright registration
- Enforcement of copyrights (e.g., cease and desist letters, litigation, etc.)
- Developing Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) policies
- Registering copyrights in computer software
- Licensing and assignment of copyrights
Trade Secrets
- Develop guidelines/policies for trade secret protection
- Non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements
- Litigation to enforce trade secret laws
Other IP Matters
- Intellectual property assessment and audit
- International intellectual property protection
- Recordation of IP with Customs to prevent infringing imports
- Avoiding potential anti-trust and franchise issues associated with IP licensing
