Every IP-based business, and especially small businesses, need to be acutely aware and vigilant of their vulnerability to piracy and counterfeiting. Small businesses may be at a particular disadvantage because they lack the resources and expertise available to larger corporations. Small businesses may not be aware of or as familiar with the process of protecting intellectual property or know the limitations and extent of the protection that a U.S. patent or trademark provides outside of the United States. Semmes' attorneys have developed an expertise in providing management guidelines, securing protections and resolving the legal issues that arise in the constantly evolving arena of intellectual property.

Trademark:

Semmes' attorneys represent clients in connection with trademark search, clearance, registerability, infringement analysis and opinions. We also have experience representing clients in trademark opposition and cancellation petitions before the TTAB, and negotiating co-existence/concurrent agreements. Our attorneys have successfully obtained many trademark registrations before USPTO.

Copyright:

We represent clients in copyright registration and infringement opinion matters; protecting copyrighted works involving websites, catalogs, newspapers, graphics, audio and visual recordings, and educational and instructional materials.

Licensing & Agreements:

We have authored hundreds of exclusive and non-exclusive licenses, distribution and dealer agreements; OEM, VAR, software maintenance and service agreements; non-competition, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements; work-made-for-hire, escrow, sole source agreements; warranties, disclosure and disclaimer statements.

Counseling:

Our attorneys counsel clients in connection with the development and adoption of trademarks, enforcement and management of trademark portfolios, the development of web site, trade secret and confidentiality policies and joint venture and marketing alliances.

In conjunction with the Firm's Intellectual Property Litigation practice we also counsel clients in defensive and enforcement strategies with respect to copyright/trademark infringements, and advise clients in antitrust and unfair competition matters relating to intellectual properties.

International Issues:

Our Intellectual Property Practice represents clients from USA, Korea, China, Britain, Canada and New Zealand in connection with trademark, copyright, parallel importation, customs and business matters; sole source manufacturing agreements; technology licensing and acquisition agreements; and joint venture agreements.