Copyright, Trademark, Software, Confidential Information; Methods to Protect Intellectual Property
Serving Maryland and Washington, D.C., Businesses Since 1985
Rules and regulations surrounding intellectual property are continually evolving. In today's competitive world, it has become particularly important to safeguard the ideas that set you and your business apart from the crowd.
Attorney Barbara I. Berschler provides high-quality, experienced intellectual property representation to clients throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. She is committed to resolving your legal concerns and helping your business succeed.
Staying Up to Date on Intellectual Property Advancements
Ms. Berschler concentrates on keeping current on intellectual property matters. She holds an advanced Master of Laws degree with a focus on intellectual property, and is highly experienced in this rapidly changing area of law. To schedule an appointment to discuss how she can help you preserve your valuable assets, contact her at 301-761-4097.
For more information regarding intellectual property questions and answers, view Ms. Berschler's FAQ page or articles section.
Taking Steps to Protect Your Intellectual Property
It is important to have agreements in place with your employees, independent contractors and customers to ensure that others do not use your special ideas and materials without permission. The ultimate success of a business can frequently be tied to the steps that it takes to protect its intellectual property, including:
- Copyright Registration with US Copyright Office
- Domain Name Monitoring
- Trademarks / Service Marks Registration with USPTO
- Establish Trade Secret Best Practices
- Computer Software
- Non-disclosure Agreements where Appropriate
- Work Made for Hire Agreements to Protect Copyright Ownership
In today's economy, the scope of the software being used by businesses will include content that is protected by the laws of copyright, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets, Additionally, with the explosion in availability and popularity of open source software, a developer who incorporates such software into her programs must be clear about the restrictions that may be imposed by the licensor on the use of this free asset. Ms. Berschler helps the technology company develop best practices as they write code to address the mine field of intellectual property issues.
Domain Names and Website Development
When considering a domain name for your company's website as well as the construction of that website, it is critical to be sure that you are not encroaching upon someone else's intellectual property. Also, as the customer, you get a website built to accomplish your objectives. Attorney Berschler can assist you with ensuring you do not choose a name or incorporate material belonging to others on your website that may bring about future infringement allegation headaches.
Confidential Information
Confidential information—often referred to as trade secrets or proprietary information—should be protected. By shielding the knowledge that makes your business unique, you continue to carve out your niche in the competitive world of commerce. Backed by years of experience, Ms. Berschler will work with you to identify your confidential information and put in place measures to guard it. Contact her to discuss how she can assist you.
Attorney Barbara Berschler represents clients in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, including Rockville, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Baltimore, Columbia, Frederick, Upper Marlboro, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Arlington County and Loudoun County, as well as clients throughout the United States.
