Our attorneys can protect your intellectual property in countries around the world. From Canada to the European Union to Asia, from London to Hong Kong and beyond, our attorneys and foreign associates can file for patent, trademark, and copyright protection in every country around the world.

In today's global economy, the world is your marketplace.  The development, manufacture, and sale of a product or service often crosses international boundaries.  For example, a new product may be developed in the United States, manufactured in China, sold in the United States and Canada, and the website for the product designed in India.  Intellectual property protection is available in each of these countries to protect the rights of your company.

International patent applications are filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).  The PCT allows inventors to file for patent protection in member countries around the world by filing a single application with the U.S.P.T.O.  An International Searching Authority (ISA) selected by the inventor conducts a patentability search on the application and produces an International Search Report (ISR).  The ISR cites patents and publications that bear on the patentability of the invention.  The ISA also provides a written opinion on the patentability of the invention as claimed in the international patent application.

International trademark applications are filed under the Madrid Protocol.  The Madrid Protocol enables a trademark owner to file for international trademark protection by filing an application that designates one or more foreign countries directly with the U.S.P.T.O. If the trademark office of a designated country does not refuse protection within a specified period, then protection of the trademark
is granted the same as if the trademark had been registered by that country's trademark office. The Madrid Protocol also simplifies the subsequent management of the trademark, because it is possible to record subsequent changes or to renew the registration of the trademark through a single procedural step.

Copyrights are protected internationally under the Berne Union for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Property (Berne Convention) and the Universal Copyright Convention (UCC).  There are no formal requirements for establishing copyright protection under the Berne Convention. Under the UCC, copyright protection can be formally established by the use of a notice of copyright.  The copyright notice
should consist of the symbol (c) accompanied by the year of first publication and the name of the copyright proprietor. This notice must be placed in such a manner and location as to give reasonable notice of the claim to copyright.

If your company needs to file for international patent, trademark, or copyright protection, our intellectual property attorneys have the skill and experience to guide your company through the entire process.

Contact us today and discover how our firm can help add value to your company.