Intellectual property is an asset created by nearly everyone throughout their lives. Recognizing this, the Intellectual Property Group at Crain Caton & James collaborates with our colleagues in the Family Law Group, Estate, Trust and Wealth Planning Group, and Probate, Trust and Guardianship Group to ensure the protection and proper handling of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
Individuals may own patents for their own inventions, while sole proprietorships often create distinctive terms or logos—trademarks—owned by the business owner(s), along with confidential information that is essential to the operation of the business. Every individual also generates artistic works—whether photographs, documents, or sound recordings. These intellectual properties can become part of a marital estate, an individual’s living estate, or the estate of a decedent, raising important questions about ownership and rights.
When such issues arise, the Intellectual Property Practice Group works closely with our other practice groups to clarify ownership and resolve any disputes or uncertainties. Through our collaborative approach, we ensure that intellectual property is appropriately protected and managed within the context of the broader estate or business planning framework.
Areas of Focus
- AI Protection
- Appeal of Judgments Regarding Intellectual Property
- Copyright Litigation
- Cybersquatting Litigation
- False Advertising Litigation
- Foreign Patent Prosecution
- Foreign Trademark Prosecution
- Intellectual Property Assets in Family Hands
- Intellectual Property in Corporate Agreements
- Intellectual Property in Mergers & Acquisitions
- Intellectual Property Ownership from Employees & Independent Contractors
- Litigation With Intellectual Property
- Patent Administrative Challenges
- Patent Litigation
- State Trademark Prosecution
- Trade Secret Litigation
- Trade Secret Protection
- Trademark Administrative Challenges
- Trademark Litigation
- U.S. Copyright Protection
- U.S. Patent Prosecution
- U.S. Trademark Prosecution
