Other than patent applications (which we refer to several independent patent attorneys depending on the type of patent), our attorneys are actively involved in intellectual property law, including trademarks, domain names, trade dress, copyright, trade secrets, and related areas such as non-disclosure and non-compete agreements. When it comes to intellectual property rights, accurate and timely legal advice not only can secure and protect one’s legal rights, but also can prevent needless and costly disputes. A simple example can illustrate: An accounting firm pays an internet company a tidy sum to design the firm’s web site according to the firm’s specifications, register the firm’s domain name, and host the site. Everything goes according to plan, and the accounting firm is satisfied until one year later, when the internet company demands thousands of dollars more for “next year’s license fee.”

The accounting firm threatens to sue, but is in for a rude awakening: Because the firm failed to adequately protect its intellectual property rights, it does not own the rights to its own web site. Our attorneys can prevent this type of situation from arising, and can explain what measures should be taken (and need not be taken) to protect one’s intellectual property.

© 2007, 2008 Conkle, Ellis, Fergus & MacDowell LLP