Attorney Only Section - for Non-IP Lawyers

By: Anton Hopen

We are pleased to present our "Attorney Only" section of our website to share our legal and practice strategies with our colleagues. Patent attorneys represent less than one percent of the entire legal profession and although the practice of law is competitive in general, we have traditionally worked cooperatively with other members of the patent bar.

As I have said to many clients, judges and attorneys, the practice of intellectual property is the most interesting and challenging career path possible.  We have the opportunity to work with creative and motivated individuals on a daily basis.  Our objective is to capitalize on innovation and achieve a high rate of return for already successful business endeavors.

We frequently work to license technology to other entities.  Alternatively, we seek to enforce or defend intellectual property rights where substantial revenues are at stake.  These activities call for a professional and respectful attitude towards opposing counsel.  Attorneys adverse to our clients should expect courtesy and prompt replies to communications. 

Whether you are a client, co-counsel or opposing counsel, we welcome the opportunity to ethically and competently administer justice.

Useful Forms:

1) Work for Hire Agreement - have 1099-MISC contractor's execute this prior to initiating a creative work so that the employer "legally" becomes the "author."

2) Statement of Rights in Work Product - this short agreement is useful for employment purposes in the technology industry.  It covers non-compete, IP rights and other common issues. 

3) Trademark Form - this fillable PDF forms gathers basic information that is helpful for trademark consultations.