Recipes can qualify for patent protection if they are new and non-obvious, but patents come with disclosure and time limits. For many food innovators, choosing between patent protection and trade-secret status is a strategic decision shaped by how long exclusivity matters and how secret the recipe can realistically remain.
Read MoreTrademark and domain name scams thrive on confusion and urgency, often leaving brand owners with little recourse after payment. A brief consultation with an experienced IP attorney can help businesses avoid these traps and protect their brands the right way.
Read MoreDigital assets don’t pass as easily as physical property, and a will alone may not control them. As more states adopt RUFADAA, users and service providers alike are being pushed toward clearer, more deliberate planning for what happens to online accounts after death.
Read MoreFashion’s fiercest battles are no longer fought on the runway alone. As brands increasingly wield trademarks, patents, trade dress, design patents, and copyright law, intellectual property has become one of the most valuable tools in protecting and dominating the modern fashion industry.
Read MoreWhile trademarks can appear on screen without permission in certain contexts, productions that respect brand purpose, avoid consumer confusion, and take steps to mitigate risk are far less likely to find themselves in costly disputes with brand owners.
Read MoreBy combining registered IP rights with proactive monitoring and targeted enforcement tools, brand owners can stop knock-offs, recover misused assets, and protect brand value before infringement becomes entrenched or costly.
Read MoreFounder disputes rarely fail because of bad intentions. Rather, they fail because tough questions were never asked at the beginning. Careful planning and well-drafted agreements addressing decision-making authority, management structure, equity ownership, tax treatment, and more can make all the difference.
Read MoreWhen a licensee exceeds the scope of an IP license, the legal consequences depend on the license structure and the terms violated. Thoughtful license drafting and strategic claim selection can significantly affect available remedies and litigation outcomes.
Read MoreEffective brand protection requires more than registration alone—it demands continuous monitoring, strategic enforcement, and the use of both traditional and modern legal tools. Combining these approaches helps safeguard trademarks, products, and goodwill in an increasingly global and digital marketplace.
Read MoreDomain names are valuable marketing assets, but disputes over ownership have become increasingly common as the Internet expands. The UDRP offers an efficient, administrative path to recover domain names that infringe trademark rights and is often an effective first step before resorting to costly and time-consuming litigation.
Read MoreTyposquatting preys on simple typing mistakes to mislead users and profit from trusted brand names. Active monitoring and decisive legal or administrative action are key to limiting its impact and protecting online brand integrity.
Read MoreAs domain registrations continue to rise, domain name infringement has become a common and serious trademark risk. Often sending a cease-and-desist letter or initiating litigation will be the best solution, depending on the specific business goals.
Read MoreDomain hijacking is costly, difficult to undo, and often preventable with basic security and monitoring practices. Companies can lower their risk by using reputable registrars, keeping contact information current, securing logins, monitoring domains for changes, and enabling protective tools such as registrar locks.
Read MoreNot all Christmas music is free to use, and public performances of copyrighted holiday songs often require a license. Knowing which songs are in the public domain helps avoid legal issues while still spreading seasonal cheer.
Read MoreIntellectual property due diligence is essential in M&A transactions to confirm ownership, assess value, and uncover risks tied to key IP assets. Conducting this analysis early helps prevent costly surprises and ensures informed deal-making.
Read MoreSuccessful international business contracts anticipate legal, logistical, and regulatory differences across borders and address them directly in the agreement. Clear provisions on governing law, risk allocation, payment, and compliance are essential to reducing uncertainty and protecting both parties.
Read MoreAn effective IP enforcement program requires clear objectives, structured processes, and ongoing adaptation to address evolving infringement tactics.
Read MoreA business can protect its brand in cyberspace by Proactive Brand Monitoring and Engagement, Registering and Securing Brand Names, and Using Platform Policies and Legal Remedies.
Read MoreA terms of use agreement serves as a contract between a website operator and a website user, and allows for protection of the website and its content, the website users, and a business’s intellectual property.
Read MoreWhen various elements used to promote a product or service are inherently distinctive, or have acquired secondary meaning, they are entitled to protection as “trade dress.” This allowed Coca-cola to release a version of its red can without any explicit mention of the brand’s name.
Read More