Wake Up and Smell the Options! Top Ten Alternatives to Litigation

Litigation is a constant source of fear in the corporate world. It can be a no-win vacuum of corporate energy, time, money, and even secrets! CEO’s, CFO’s and In-House Counsel strive to find a way to manage the risk of litigation and the reality of litigation if they actually face a lawsuit.
How can you avoid litigation? What options do you have once you’re faced with litigation?

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Questions and Answers with Sandra J. Franklin

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CHECKLIST

CHECK ON YOUR TRADEMARKS, TRADE SECRETS, PATENTS AND COPYRIGHTS! 

CHECK ON YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES as well as YOUR EXTERNAL RELATIONS!

Trademarks

1.  Importance to company’s business objectives identified.

2.  Measures for selecting trademarks/domain names for new products, services?

3.  Measures for assuring consistent proper use – on products, services, advertising?

4.  Measures for assuring timely registration, renewal, amendment of registration to comply with changes made?

5.  Possible infringement by third parties?

6.  Licensing opportunities.

7.  Relationship to Domain Names.

Trade Secrets

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Do You Need an Intellectual Property Consultant?

You need an Intellectual Property consultant whenever you are thinking about entering the marketplace with a new idea. If you’re starting a new business, you need to consider whether the name you want to use is already being used, if an associated domain name is available, if the name is protectible as a trademark, and how you want to portray your image.

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Protect Your Intellectual Property

As seen in the SCORE column in the Record Eagle newspaper - Author: Sandra J. Franklin

What do abbreviations such as TM, SM, PAT PEND, ©, ® actually mean?  These symbols represent trademarks, patents, and copyrights that provide certain legal rights and protections to their owner. They help safeguard a company’s names, products, services, and designs. As an entrepreneur, you should determine if you need to pursue any of these options to ensure you properly protect what is referred to as the intellectual property of your small business.

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