Intellectual property disputes
Intellectual property consists of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets. In further detail: • A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a new product or a process that provides a new way of doing something. • A copyright protects original works of authorship, including writing, music or images. • A trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing goods or services. • A trade secret is any practice or process that is generally not known by “outsiders” and has commercial value/economic benefit because other people or entities don’t know about it. Whilst intellectual property disputes often occur on the global stage between multinational companies, these sorts of disputes can also occur domestically. There is great value in a well-respected brand, and this is often down to a company’s intellectual property. The law relating to intellectual property disputes is complex and there can be strict time limits within which to act. Our lawyers can help you to resolve your matter at any stage of the process. However, it is always best to speak with us as early on as possible to enable us to provide you with the best assistance, strategy and advice which will help you to achieve your objectives in a commercially sensible way.