Intellectual property
Advice in relation to all aspects of the creation, protection,
licensing and use of copyright, trade marks, patents, design
rights, image rights, trade secrets and know-how.
For many organisations, intellectual property represents one of
their most valuable assets. However unlike other, physical assets,
intellectual property is unique in its need for legal protection
and requires special handling in order to ensure effective
commercial exploitation.
Weightmans' Intellectual Property team has considerable
expertise in this key area of modern business. Our specialist
lawyers have sector experience in every aspect of IP, including
confidential information, trade secrets, copyright, design rights,
image rights, know-how, patents and trade marks (including
protection and registration), licensing, technology transfers, data
protection, e-commerce and disputes and litigation.
As a client, you can expect to receive a service that is totally
results-driven. We understand that contractual relationships work
best as partnerships, so we aim to help build on those arrangements
in order to help you achieve your business goals. At the same time,
we seek to conduct negotiations that bring long-term benefits for
all parties.
Our wealth of technical expertise and experience in the field
has been recognised by the Legal 500. John Schorah, the head of our
Corporate department, was previously MD of a leading software
publisher, which means that we understand the commercial issues
involved and the impact on the industry of new and emerging
technology.
With a full awareness of the commercial background, members of
our team also advise on the supply and procurement of IP, software
development and publishing, protection and registration, website
development and hosting, domain name disputes, seed fund investment
and data processing.
We act for a wide range of clients, from institutional investors
to biotech companies and from software developers to digital
content and service providers, telecommunication, and e-businesses.
We have advised in relation to contracts with global technology
companies such as Microsoft, Intel, Compaq, Sony, Packard Bell,
Hewlett Packard and ICL.
We are regularly involved in transactions and funding with
multi-million dollar values and international agreements with
foreign jurisdiction issues in North America, Europe, Australia,
Asia and Japan. We also advise many local authorities, PCTs, police
authorities and other public bodies in relation to the procurement
of IP and related services.