Blog
How to Issue a Cease and Desist Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide (Sample Template Included!)
In the fast-paced world of business, intellectual property (IP) infringement, defamation, and contract breaches are common occurrences. One of the most effective tools to address such issues before escalating into full-blown litigation is the cease and desist letter. Whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, or legal professional, understanding how to draft and issue a…
What to Do If You Are Accused of Violating a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
In today’s fast-paced business world, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are common tools used to protect confidential information. Whether you are an entrepreneur, employee, contractor, or business partner, you may be required to sign an NDA to access trade secrets, client lists, proprietary processes, or other sensitive data. However, what happens if you are accused of violating…
How to Identify Your Trade Secrets: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses
In today’s competitive business environment, protecting confidential business information is essential. One of the most valuable yet often overlooked forms of intellectual property is the trade secret. Unlike patents, copyrights, or trademarks, trade secrets do not require formal registration, yet they offer immense competitive advantages if properly protected. Many businesses fail to recognize what qualifies…
When a Non-Disclosure Agreement Won’t Protect Your Trade Secret: Understanding the Limits and Risks
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are widely used to safeguard confidential business information, particularly trade secrets. Companies routinely require employees, partners, and vendors to sign NDAs to prevent unauthorized disclosure. However, NDAs are not absolute shields against trade secret misappropriation. Certain circumstances can render them ineffective, exposing businesses to substantial risks. This article explores when an NDA…
The Hidden Complexity of Patent Searches: Why Professional Help is Essential
In an era where innovation is the backbone of business success, securing intellectual property rights is critical. Among these rights, patents stand out as the most sought-after, offering inventors exclusive control over their creations for a set period. However, before obtaining a patent, an inventor must conduct a patent search to ensure that their invention…
How Inventors Can Safely Disclose Their Invention While Preparing to File a Patent Application
Innovation drives progress, but protecting intellectual property is crucial to ensuring an inventor reaps the benefits of their creation. One of the most significant risks inventors face is premature disclosure, which can jeopardize their ability to secure patent protection. This blog explores the best practices for disclosing an invention while preparing to file a patent…
The Rights of University Employees Over Their Inventions
The intersection of academic research and intellectual property (IP) rights has long been a subject of legal and ethical debate. Universities are hubs of innovation, producing groundbreaking inventions in fields such as medicine, technology, engineering, and artificial intelligence. However, determining who owns these inventions—the university or the researcher—is often a complex legal issue. This article…
How Employers Can Have Limited Rights to an Employee’s Invention: Understanding “Shop Rights” and Other Legal Concepts
In today’s fast-paced business world, innovation is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Employees across various industries develop new inventions, ideas, and processes that may significantly contribute to their employer’s success. However, a fundamental question arises: Who owns the rights to these inventions—the employer or the employee? While employers may seek control over inventions developed…
Understanding Employee Agreements That Assign Invention Rights to Employers
In today’s knowledge-driven economy, intellectual property (IP) is a significant asset for businesses. Many companies require employees to sign agreements that assign invention rights to the employer, ensuring that innovations created during employment remain the property of the organization. While these agreements are commonplace, employees must understand their rights and obligations before signing such contracts….
The Art and Legality of Reverse Engineering: A Guide to Innovating Without Infringement
In the fast-paced world of innovation, businesses and engineers often find themselves wanting to understand, replicate, or improve upon existing products. Reverse engineering—a process that involves deconstructing a product or system to analyze its components and functionality—plays a crucial role in innovation, product development, and competition. However, while reverse engineering is an essential tool for…