We pride ourselves on our ability to craft value-enhancing IP strategies. An effective IP strategy is typically aligned with company goals and integrates the unique advantages of various non-Trade Secret IP rights, such as (following are some general points and are not a replacement for IP strategy/discussions with your attorney):
Patent Protection
To the extent that your technology or product involves technological novelty, we recommend considering the filing of patent application(s) to protect its functional and technical aspects. Filing patent applications can help safeguard against others making, using, or selling your invention without permission and strengthen your overall IP protection strategy. Talk to us you would like to explore this option further. Patents can be filed for any novel and non-obvious invention, whether a device, method, or process, to prevent unauthorized use. While patents typically involve more time and cost compared to other forms of IP protection, they provide broader legal enforcement options and significantly enhance your product’s value, your company’s competitive edge, long-term market position and valuation.
Design Protection
Design patents protect the aesthetics of an innovation. Many products sell or are recognized by their visual aesthetics. Designs can be filed for any device, user interface and/or GUI components to prevent others from copying same. Designs are typically cheaper than patents, are granted faster and are easier to enforce and in that sense substantially add depth to your IP portfolio. While designs are often protected when the product reaches a “design freeze” stage, another point of time to think about filing for design protection is before the publication of a PCT application that shows such design. Talk to us about obtaining useful design protection for your innovation.
Trademark Protection
Trademarks are used to protect a brand’s unique identity. Filing trademark applications early can help prevent others from using a similar name, logo, or slogan that could cause confusion and dilute your brand’s value. Perhaps more important, if you plan on using a name, logo or slogan, you should conduct a trademark search beforehand, to prevent unpleasant surprises down the road, after you have spent a lot of money and other resources on tying your brand to a problematic trademark. Trademarks can be filed for any distinctive word (plain or stylized), symbol, or combination thereof to ensure exclusive rights to the mark in connection with specific goods or services. Trademark filings are generally more affordable and faster than patents and they provide strong legal protection for your brand, and, by extension, your product or service, helping you maintain a distinct market presence and contributing to long-term brand or product recognition and value.
IP management
IP is a valuable & strategic asset for your company. As such, IP should be tied into many company functions. However, IP is often neither managed nor used properly and valuable opportunities may be missed. We recommend that you have an IP management function to both increase the value of your IP and to make sure it is used advantageously. We are happy to advise on all aspects of creating, maintaining, obtaining and using IP.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this webpage does not constitute legal advice and is intended for general informational purposes only. Information on this webpage may not reflect the most up-to-date legal developments or other information. The webpage may contain links to other third-party websites for convenience purposes only. Ehrlich Group assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this page.