Class Is in Session: IP Summer School Launches New Series
May 6, 2026
Ward and Smith is pleased to introduce IP Summer School, a free four-part intellectual property law webinar series running May through August, 2026. Each…
News + Insights
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Angela Doughty Reappointed as Chair of Trademark Law Specialty Committee
April 23, 2026
Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that Attorney Angela Doughty has been reappointed as Chair of the Trademark Law Specialty Committee of the…
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25 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized as 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
February 18, 2026
Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that 25 of its attorneys were recognized in the 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars…
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Ward and Smith Presenters at NCBA’s 2026 Business Law & Corporate Counsel Joint Program
February 10, 2026
Ward and Smith is pleased to have multiple representatives contributing to the North Carolina Bar Association’s 2026 Business Law and Corporate Counsel Sections Joint…
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Ward and Smith and Four Attorneys Recognized in World Trademark Review’s 2026 Edition of WTR1000
February 5, 2026
Ward and Smith, P.A., and four of its intellectual property attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of World Trademark Review’s WTR1000: The…
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Ward and Smith Attorneys Return as Speakers for Second Session of Advanced Family Law CLE
January 15, 2026
Ward and Smith attorneys Bill Durr and Erica Rogers will be featured speakers at the second session of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Family Law Intensive Program, Human…
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38 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized as 2026 Business North Carolina Legal Elites
January 9, 2026
Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that 38 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Legal Elite by Business North…
article
Funny Brand Extensions and Trademark Translations
January 6, 2026
Marketing and advertising professionals are some of my favorite people to work with. They are often creative, innovative, witty, fun, right-brained thinkers. But, as…
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Erica Rogers Appointed to INTA’s Right of Publicity Committee for 2026–2027
December 10, 2025
Ward and Smith is proud to announce that Intellectual Property Attorney Erica Rogers has been appointed to the International Trademark Association (INTA) Right of…
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AI and Privacy Attorney Angela Doughty Earns Prestigious “Fellow of Information Privacy” Designation
November 10, 2025
Ward and Smith is proud to announce that Angela Doughty, CIPP/US, AIGP, has earned the Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP) designation from the International…
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Ward and Smith Ranked by Best Law Firms® in 2026
November 6, 2025
Ward and Smith, P.A., has been recognized in the 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms®. The firm was ranked by Best Law Firms in 30 practice…
article
Trick or Treat Contracts: Avoiding AI Vendor Horror Stories
October 29, 2025
Ed. Note: This is the fifth article in our series, “Conjuring Competitive Advantage: An AI Spellbook for Leaders,” focused on unlocking AI for business with…
article
The Ethics Cauldron: Brewing Responsible AI Without Getting Burned
October 22, 2025
Ed. Note: This is the fourth article in our series, “Conjuring Competitive Advantage: An AI Spellbook for Leaders,” focused on unlocking AI for business with…
article
The Voice Behind the Brand: Who Owns What You Hear?
September 23, 2025
One of the best ways to pass the time driving to the mountains or beaches is a good podcast. Podcasting has created commercial and…
article
Crossing the Bridge: Copyright Trolls
September 12, 2025
In today’s digital landscape, businesses of all sizes face an increasingly common threat: demand letters from firms specializing in mass copyright enforcement. Companies have…
article
What to Do When Someone Steals Your Trade Secrets: A North Carolina Business Owner’s Action Plan
August 26, 2025
Your worst nightmare has become a reality: A former employee has taken your confidential information to a competitor. Maybe you’ve noticed unusual patterns in…
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68 Ward and Smith Attorneys Honored by Best Lawyers® for 2026
August 21, 2025
Ward and Smith is proud to share that 68 attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America®. Of those honored, 55 were named to…
article
Why Your Employees Are Your Biggest Trade Secret Risk (And What NC Business Owners Can Do About It)
August 19, 2025
In today’s digital workplace, protecting your company’s trade secrets has never been more challenging. While external cyber threats make headlines, the reality is that…
article
Your Most Valuable Business Asset Might Not Be What You Think: Trade Secrets for NC Business Owners
August 12, 2025
In today’s digital age, your company’s most valuable assets might not be the equipment on your factory floor or the inventory in your warehouse…
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Taking the Chair: Erica Rogers Talks Leadership, Community, and the Future of IP Law in North Carolina
July 16, 2025
Ask Erica Rogers what excites her most about intellectual property law, and she’ll talk about creativity, about community, and about building something bigger than…
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Media Mention: Ward and Smith Attorneys Featured in The Licensing Journal
July 10, 2025
Ward and Smith attorneys Gavin Parsons, Mayukh Sircar, CIPP/US, and Devon Williams are featured in the June 2025 issue of The Licensing Journal for their…
article
Promise, Peril And The Path Forward: Legal Industry AI
July 1, 2025
As an intellectual property and privacy attorney who has spent almost two decades at the intersection of law and technology, I have seen firsthand…
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Four Ward and Smith Attorneys Named 2025 IP Stars by Managing IP
June 9, 2025
Ward and Smith is proud to announce that four of our attorneys have been named 2025 IP Stars by Managing IP, a prestigious recognition…
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Ward and Smith and Attorneys Shine in 2025 Chambers USA Rankings
June 5, 2025
Ward and Smith has once again been recognized as one of North Carolina’s leading law firms in the 2025 edition of Chambers USA. The…
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Media Mention: Erica Rogers Sheds Light on Legal Challenges in the Creator Economy
May 28, 2025
What happens when influencers become entrepreneurs and suddenly find themselves navigating intellectual property law? That’s the question intellectual property attorney Erica Rogers helped tackle…
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Preventing Trade Secret Theft: Proactive Strategies for In-House Counsel
May 6, 2025
Ed. Note: This is the last in a series of articles taken from Gavin Parsons’ CLE presentation for the North Carolina Bar Association’s Antitrust…
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Maximizing Recovery in Trade Secret Cases: A Guide to Damages and Remedies
April 29, 2025
Ed. Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles taken from Gavin Parsons’ CLE presentation for the North Carolina Bar Association’s Antitrust…
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Litigating Trade Secret Cases: A Strategic Guide for In-House Counsel
April 22, 2025
Ed. Note: This is the third in a series of articles taken from Gavin Parsons’ CLE presentation for the North Carolina Bar Association’s Antitrust…
article
2025 USPTO Fee Changes Disproportionately Impact Hemp Businesses
April 17, 2025
Effective January 18, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) enacted a new trademark fee structure that affects fast-paced industries more than…
article
Understanding Trade Secret Misappropriation: A Guide for In-House Counsel
April 15, 2025
Ed. Note: This is the second in a series of articles taken from Gavin Parsons’ CLE presentation for the North Carolina Bar Association’s Antitrust…
article
Trade Secret Protection in 2025: What In-House Counsel Need to Know
April 8, 2025
Ed. Note: This is the first in a series of articles taken from Gavin Parsons’ CLE presentation for the North Carolina Bar Association’s Antitrust…
article
First-to-File: A Game-Changer in US Patent Law
March 25, 2025
The shift in patent law from First-to-Invent to First-to-File came about over a decade ago, but still leaves many inventors scratching their heads. Is…
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Attorney Erica Rogers to Lead Career Advocacy Discussion at INTA 2025 Annual Meeting
March 19, 2025
Attorney Erica Rogers, a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Trademark Law, will serve as a Table Host at the International Trademark…
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Erica Rogers to Moderate Influencer Marketing Panel at I ♥ Trademarks Conference 2025
March 3, 2025
Intellectual property attorney Erica Rogers will moderate a high-profile panel at the I ♥ Trademarks Conference, hosted by Alt Legal, on Tuesday, March 18,…
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25 Ward and Smith Attorneys Shine in 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
February 18, 2025
Ward and Smith is thrilled to announce that 25 of its attorneys have earned spots on the prestigious North Carolina Super Lawyers and North…
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Gavin Parsons to Participate in Panel at the Fundamentals of Intellectual Property CLE
February 10, 2025
Litigation attorney Gavin Parsons will share his knowledge at the North Carolina Bar Association’s (NCBA) “Fundamentals of Intellectual Property” program on Tuesday, February 25.…
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Ward and Smith Attorneys Earn Top Honors in 2025 World Trademark Review 1000
February 5, 2025
Ward and Smith and four of its attorneys have once again earned national recognition for excellence in intellectual property law, earning spots in the 2025…
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Ward and Smith Attorneys Honored as 2025 Business North Carolina Legal Elites
January 6, 2025
Ward and Smith is proud to announce that 38 of its attorneys have been named to Business North Carolina’s 2025 Legal Elite, a testament to…
article
A Year in Review: Ward and Smith’s Most Read Legal Insights in 2024
December 23, 2024
As we prepare to close out 2024, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the articles that captured the attention of our readers this…
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Ward and Smith’s Year in Review: Celebrating Excellence, Resilience, and Growth in 2024
December 20, 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year defined by Hurricane Helene, many new faces, and industry recognition for our attorneys.…
article
What’s in a Name Anyway? Trademark Basics for Community Associations
December 6, 2024
This article explores the essentials of trademark rights, their relevance for community associations, and the balance between protecting these trademarks versus respecting the free…
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Ward and Smith Ranked by Best Law Firms® in 2025
November 11, 2024
Ward and Smith has been honored in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms®. The firm has made its mark in the legal field by being ranked…
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Ward and Smith Attorneys to Host the INTA Roundtable on AI and Fair Use
October 17, 2024
Ward and Smith is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the INTA Roundtable on “Enforcement: AI and Fair Use” at our Raleigh…
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Ward and Smith Welcomes New Additions Across Key Practice Areas
October 7, 2024
Ward and Smith is excited to announce new talented additions to our team. These promising individuals bring fresh perspectives and skills to enhance our…
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Erica Rogers Named Vice-Chair of NCBA Intellectual Property Law Section
August 28, 2024
Erica Rogers has been appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Intellectual Property Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA). She previously held…
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67 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in America for 2025
August 15, 2024
Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that 67 attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers®. Fifty-four attorneys were chosen for inclusion in…
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Our July Focus: Legal Rights, Responsibilies, and Regulations
July 26, 2024
The July theme of Legal Rights, Responsibilities, and Regulations promotes awareness of legal rights, ethical responsibilities, and the regulations that govern our businesses. Defamation…
article
Artificial Intelligence and the Patent Application Process: A Synopsis of the Potential Benefits and Risks
July 12, 2024
The use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools in the patent application process gives rise to a vast array of risks and opportunities for…
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4 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized as 2024 IP Stars by Managing IP
June 19, 2024
Ward and Smith is proud to announce that several of our attorneys have been named 2024 IP Stars by Managing IP! This prestigious recognition covers…
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Ward and Smith and Attorneys Shine in 2024 Chambers USA Rankings
June 6, 2024
Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that several of its practice areas and attorneys have been recognized in the 2024 Chambers USA Rankings.…
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Attorney Erica Rogers to Moderate Panel at INTA 2024 Annual Meeting
May 15, 2024
Erica Rogers, an attorney certified as a Specialist in Trademark Law by the North Carolina State Bar Board, will moderate a panel at the…
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Media Mention: Article by Olivia Lewis and Erica Rogers Featured in The Licensing Journal
March 27, 2024
Attorneys Olivia Lewis and Erica Rogers explore the inadvertent creation of a franchise in their article featured in The Licensing Journal, a premier resource for comprehensive…
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Art DeBaugh to Participate in Ethics Panel at the 2024 Intellectual Property Law Section Program
March 19, 2024
Attorney Art DeBaugh will be a key participant in the upcoming Pro Bono Ethics Panel at the 2024 NCBA Intellectual Property Law Section Program. …
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Ward and Smith and Attorneys Recognized in WTR 1000 2024
March 1, 2024
Ward and Smith and four of its attorneys have been recognized by World Trademark Review 1000 (WTR 1000)—the world’s leading guide to trademark professionals and…
article
The #AD Vantage Point: Navigating the FTC Endorsement Guides, Part III
January 24, 2024
As a reminder, the FTC Endorsement Guides describe how the FTC evaluates whether certain advertisements are false and misleading under Section 5 of the…
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21 Ward and Smith Attorneys Honored by North Carolina Super Lawyers in 2024
January 16, 2024
North Carolina boasts an impressive array of legal talent, and this year, we’re thrilled to announce that 21 of our attorneys have been recognized…
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36 Ward and Smith Attorneys Honored in Business North Carolina’s 2024 Legal Elite
January 4, 2024
Ward and Smith proudly announced that 36 attorneys have been honored in Business North Carolina’s 2024 Legal Elite. Five legal luminaries stand out as shining…
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Top 10 Articles for Businesses in 2023
December 28, 2023
As we eagerly anticipate the New Year, it’s time to reflect on the most impactful articles that captured the attention of businesses in 2023.…
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Ward and Smith: Our Highlights of 2023
December 27, 2023
As we reflect on the past year, it’s evident that 2023 has been remarkable for Ward and Smith. We’ve welcomed new team members, launched…
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Top 10 Most Popular Articles of 2023
December 20, 2023
As we approach the New Year, it’s time to reflect on the articles that have most resonated with readers throughout 2023. Ward and Smith…
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Erica Rogers Becomes a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Trademark Law
December 7, 2023
Attorney Erica Rogers is now a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Trademark Law. Attorneys seeking this specialization must meet stringent standards…
article
Did We Accidentally Create a Franchise?
November 22, 2023
Venturing into the world of licensing may allow business owners to dip their toes into brand expansion without plunging into the complexities and legal…
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Ward and Smith Announces New Artificial Intelligence Practice Group
November 17, 2023
Ward and Smith is excited to announce its new Artificial Intelligence (AI) practice group. The AI practice provides comprehensive legal solutions to companies developing…
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Erica Rogers Recognized as a 2023 Rising Star by Managing IP
November 13, 2023
Attorney Erica Rogers has been recognized by Managing IP as one of the “Rising Stars” for 2023. This prestigious acknowledgment is awarded to the…
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Ward and Smith Ranked in 2024 “Best Law Firms”
November 2, 2023
Ward and Smith has been ranked in the Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list regionally in 27 practice areas. Firms included in the 2024 “Best Law Firms”…
article
How Fast Can I Franchise? Hold On a Minute
September 29, 2023
Are you a small business owner who has considered franchising your business? Franchising can be a great way to expand your company’s physical presence,…
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52 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for 2024
August 17, 2023
Ward and Smith proudly celebrates an incredible achievement—over half of our esteemed attorneys have gained recognition from one of the nation’s most respected legal…
article
I’m an Intellectual Property Attorney ‘In a Barbie World.’
July 21, 2023
As a child of the 90s, I cannot wait to experience the cultural phenomenon, the Barbie film. I frequently practice law at the intersection…
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Whistle Blown: Time Out on North Carolina Student Athlete NIL Deals
July 12, 2023
Earlier this year, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) approved a proposal to adopt a policy allowing name, image, and likeness (NIL)…
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Unmasking New Risks with AI-generated Images: A Wall Street Journal Interview with Erica Rogers
June 19, 2023
Celebrities are embracing a whole new approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) – if they can’t beat it, join it. From Neymar’s AI-created avatar courtesy…
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Navigating NIL Compliance: A Game Plan with Attorney Lily Faulconer
June 13, 2023
Last week, attorneys were schooled in the art of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compliance and enforcement by attorney Lily Faulconer. She delivered a…
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3 Ward and Smith Attorneys Get ‘Star’ Status: Recognized as 2023 IP Leaders by Managing IP
June 13, 2023
Three Ward and Smith attorneys have earned a place among the elite in the world of intellectual property. Managing IP has selected Angela Doughty, Joe…
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Angela Doughty Named Trademark Law Specialty Committee Co-Chair of the NC State Bar Board of Legalization
June 9, 2023
Angela Doughty has been appointed Co-Chair of the Trademark Law Specialty Committee of the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legalization, which reflects her…
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Protecting Your Mental Health: Ward and Smith Hosts INTA Roundtable on Wellness
June 9, 2023
Get energized and gain invaluable insight when Ward and Smith hosts a roundtable event with the International Trademark Association (INTA) on Thursday, June 22, in…
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Trademark Infringement is No Joke!: Jack Daniel’s Properties, Inc. v. VIP Products LLC
June 8, 2023
Today the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Jack Daniel’s in a dispute over a humorous squeaky dog toy called “Bad Spaniels.” The…
article
AI: Legal Déjà Vu or Revolution?
June 7, 2023
As the Artificial Intelligence (AI) hype continues, you may feel a sense of déjà vu. But after attending the recent Corporate Legal Operations Consortium…
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Ward and Smith and Attorneys Flourish in 2023 Chambers USA Rankings
June 5, 2023
Chambers USA, the esteemed benchmark for legal excellence, is honoring Ward and Smith and several attorneys in its 2023 annual guide. The firm earned rankings…
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Trail Magic: Social Media and Employment Agreement Live Action Role-Playing
May 10, 2023
Three Ward and Smith attorneys shared insights on the legal implications businesses should consider when entering into a promotional contract with a social media…
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Commentary on Franchising Myths from the FTC
May 3, 2023
Drive down almost any busy street, and you’ll see numerous examples of well-known franchises, from McDonald’s to Ace Hardware. You may have considered opening…
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The #AD Vantage Point: Navigating the FTC Endorsement Guides, Part II
March 17, 2023
The first article in this series explained the requirements under the FTC’s current Endorsement Guides that athletes must have “clear and conspicuous” disclosures to…
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Ward and Smith and 4 Trademark Attorneys Receive Glowing Rankings in 2023 WTR 1000
February 9, 2023
Ward and Smith, along with four of its attorneys, has been recognized by World Trademark Review 1000 (WTR 1000)—the world’s foremost guide to trademark…
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Game On: Ward and Smith Attorneys Tackle Name, Image, and Likeness Revolution
January 31, 2023
Attorneys Clint Cogburn, Lily Faulconer, and Erica Rogers will lead a game-changing discussion on the quickly evolving name, image, and likeness landscape on Friday,…
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18 Ward and Smith Attorneys Honored in 2023 Edition of Super Lawyers
January 23, 2023
Super Lawyers, a renowned rating agency, is honoring 18 Ward and Smith attorneys for their exemplary legal services in North Carolina. Thirteen distinguished attorneys have been…
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Veteran Intellectual Property Attorney Joins Ward and Smith
January 19, 2023
Ward and Smith is delighted to welcome Art DeBaugh, an intellectual property attorney with over three decades of experience providing unique solutions enabling businesses…
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Pushing the Boundaries: Ward and Smith’s Most Popular Articles of 2022
December 30, 2022
2022 was an amazing year of enriching content from the Ward and Smith team! Our attorney-authored articles on trending topics were read far and…
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Brisk Briefings: Quick Hitter Legal Updates
December 9, 2022
At their recent Construction Conversations and Closely Held Business Briefing event, several Ward and Smith attorneys provided an overview of privacy and data security,…
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The #AD Vantage Point: Navigating the FTC Endorsement Guides, Part I
September 28, 2022
Our colleague Clint Cogburn recently wrote an article discussing the guidance provided by the NCAA’s Interim NIL Policy, released in May 2022. But the NCAA…
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7 Ward and Smith Attorneys Named to 2023 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
September 12, 2022
Best Lawyers® has selected seven Ward and Smith attorneys for inclusion in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. This honor recognizes some…
article
NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness Guidance for Businesses and Boosters
September 9, 2022
The world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has exploded onto the scene and taken college athletics by storm. The impact of NIL on…
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Angela Doughty To Speak at Coastal Women’s Forum Meeting
September 2, 2022
The Coastal Women’s Forum (CWF) has invited intellectual property attorney Angela Doughty to speak at its monthly meeting. Angela’s presentation will center on understanding the…
article
Updates to North Carolina’s Assumed Business Name Law—Are You Ready?
August 31, 2022
First, what is an Assumed Business Name? An assumed business name, often referred to as a “fictitious name,” “DBA,” or “doing business as” name,…
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Erica Rogers Elected NCBA Intellectual Property Law Section Secretary
August 11, 2022
Attorney Erica Rogers has been elected Secretary of the Intellectual Property Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. Her term expires in one…
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Ward and Smith Launches Business-Focused Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) Practice
August 1, 2022
Ward and Smith, P.A. recently launched its Name, Image, and Likeness, or “NIL” Practice Group. Group attorneys focus on assisting NIL collectives, marketing…
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2 Ward and Smith Attorneys Named 2022 “IP Stars”
June 7, 2022
Managing IP is recognizing two Ward and Smith attorneys as top intellectual property practitioners. Angela Doughty and Ryan Simmons were ranked in the 2022 edition…
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Ward and Smith and Attorneys Shine in the 2022 Edition of Chambers USA
June 2, 2022
Chambers USA, a leading guide to legal rankings, recognizes Ward and Smith and several of the firm’s attorneys as among the top in North…
article
The Trademark Modernization Act
March 25, 2022
Background on Trademark Rights While it is not required to establish trademark rights in the U.S., there are many benefits to applying to register…
article
The Fun and Whimsical (but Crowded) Landscape of Beer Names Part 2
March 4, 2022
Ed. Note: This is Part 2 of 2 What’s in a name? Beer names can be funny, creative, and whimsical. But with the growing…
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Ward and Smith and 2 Attorneys Ranked in the 2022 Edition of the WTR 1000
February 28, 2022
World Trademark Review (WTR), the world’s leading guide to trademark professionals, has recognized Ward and Smith and two of its attorneys. The firm, Angela Doughty, and Joe…
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The Fun and Whimsical (but Crowded) Landscape of Beer Names Part 1
February 25, 2022
In addition to all its natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation, Western North Carolina has more lately become known for its abundance of…
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Ward and Smith Attorneys Named to 2022 Business North Carolina Legal Elite
January 4, 2022
Business North Carolina has selected several Ward and Smith attorneys for inclusion in its 2022 Legal Elite edition. The annual publication lists the state’s top lawyers…
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7 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized as “Ones to Watch” by Best Lawyers®
September 9, 2021
Best Lawyers® has named seven Ward and Smith attorneys as “Ones to Watch” in its 2022 edition of Best Lawyers in America®. This honor…
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Erica Rogers to Participate in “A Conversation with Former Tomorrow’s Leader Award Recipients”
August 9, 2021
In 2017, intellectual property attorney Erica Rogers was recognized by the International Trademark Association (INTA) with the inaugural Tomorrow’s Leader Award. Now, she is…
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Highlights From the Intellectual Property Law Institute of the Lavender Law® Conference
August 4, 2021
I recently attended the 2021 Lavender Law® Conference, a virtual event of social networking, on-demand programming, and live sessions hosted by The National LGBT…
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Company Names vs. Trade Names: Understanding the Legal Difference
July 21, 2021
So you did all the hard work that was necessary to get a new business off the ground. And you formed a new business entity…
article
Website Compliance: Key Costly Legal Risks Every Business Should Consider
May 28, 2021
A recent statistic posted by Sweor states that 75% of consumers admit to making judgments on a company’s credibility based on the company’s website…
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Ward and Smith and Attorneys Ranked in Chambers USA 2021
May 25, 2021
Chambers USA, an annual guide to America’s top law firms and lawyers, has recognized three Ward and Smith practice areas and two attorneys among…
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Angela Doughty Presents at the 2021 Intellectual Property Law Section
May 11, 2021
Attorney Angela Doughty, CIPP/US was a featured speaker at the North Carolina Bar Association’s (NCBA) 2021 Intellectual Property Law Section Program. The live webcast,…
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Angela Doughty and Erica Rogers Recognized as “IP Stars”
April 13, 2021
Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) magazine has selected two Ward and Smith attorneys for inclusion in its 2020/21 Edition of “IP Stars.” It’s a specialist…
article
Thousands Hacked: New Cyber-Attacks Affect Organizations Big and Small
March 8, 2021
Friday afternoon, reports surfaced that a foreign nation had compromised newly-discovered flaws in the Microsoft Exchange Server email software and breached the cybersecurity efforts…
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Erica Rogers to Participate in Triangle ArtWorks’ Quick Connect
March 2, 2021
Join intellectual property attorney Erica Rogers on March 6 for Triangle ArtWorks’ Quick Connect event. Nine other local experts in marketing, law, and small…
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World Trademark Review Ranks Ward and Smith and 2 Attorneys in 2021 Edition
March 1, 2021
The world’s leading guide to trademark professionals selected Ward and Smith and attorneys Angela Doughty and Joe Schouten for inclusion in its 2021 edition of the…
article
Young Practitioners Look at 2020 U.S. Supreme Court Trademark Decisions
February 3, 2021
U.S. trademark law saw numerous developments in 2020, including three decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court. Trademark cases seldom make it up to the…
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13 Ward and Smith Attorneys Listed in Business North Carolina’s 2021 “Legal Elite”
January 6, 2021
Business North Carolina has recognized 13 Ward and Smith attorneys as 2021 “Legal Elites.” Of the thousands of lawyers practicing across the state, only…
article
Unintended Consequences of Copyright and Trademark Protection in Design
December 9, 2020
It is widely accepted that some designs may be entitled to both copyright protection (as original, creative expressions of an idea) and trademark protection…
article
Five Things to Consider When Selling Your CBD Business
August 28, 2020
For many business owners, the intended exit strategy is to sell to a competitor or a larger company, thereby taking advantage of the upside…
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41 Ward and Smith Attorneys Named to “Best Lawyers in America®” for 2021
August 20, 2020
Ward and Smith is proud to announce that nearly half of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by one of the most respected and trusted…
article
Brexit, Schmexit: How Resilient is Your Trademark Portfolio and Enforcement Strategy?
June 5, 2020
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (UK) withdrew from the European Union (EU). From February 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, the UK…
article
Further Extensions of USPTO Deadlines Under the CARES Act
April 30, 2020
This article continues the discussion in our earlier article about thirty-day extension eligibility for deadlines with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The U.S.…
article
Business Law Lessons from the Tiger King
April 29, 2020
[Spoiler alert – This article discusses events documented in the Netflix series and is based on the content of the shows.] In this time…
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Ward and Smith and Attorneys Ranked in Chambers USA 2020
April 23, 2020
Chambers USA, an annual guide ranking top law firms and lawyers, has recognized two Ward and Smith practice areas and two attorneys as some…
article
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Extensions Under the CARES Act
April 2, 2020
On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) notified the public that it may extend certain deadlines and delay payment…
article
U.S.-China Trade Deal Shows Potential for Improved U.S. Intellectual Property Rights in China
February 12, 2020
A result of negotiating techniques from Donald Trump’s book “The Art of the Deal” or a result of strategies from the ancient Chinese military…
article
Challenges of New Hemp Brands
February 5, 2020
Trademarks include the elements that constitute a “brand.” Trademarks typically consist of words, phrases, symbols, designs, or any combination of those things, identifying and…
article
Dot-Com Hits the Supreme Court
November 13, 2019
Breaking News! What happened? The United States Supreme Court recently announced that it has granted certiorari in United States Patent and Trademark Office v.…
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Angela Doughty and Paul Fanning Named to Chambers USA 2019
June 20, 2019
Ward and Smith is thrilled to announce that two attorneys have been ranked in Chambers USA 2019. Angela Doughty was recognized for her outstanding…
article
2018 Farm Bill and Federal Trademark Protection for Hemp
May 10, 2019
This article continues our earlier discussion about brand protection for hemp-derived cannabidiol (“CBD”). The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) generally refuses to register…
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USDA Accepting Plant Variety Protection Applications for Hemp
April 30, 2019
In April 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) announced that it will accept plant variety protection applications from breeders of seed-propagated hemp. This…
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Trademarks and Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol: Brand Protection for CBD Products
March 22, 2019
Cannabidiol (commonly referred to as “CBD”) has been in the news for several years now, due to its touted health and wellness benefits. This…
Firm News
Erica Rogers to Participate in SMASH 2019
January 29, 2019
SMASH, one of the most popular events for Triangle artists, returns this week with a new area explicitly created to connect artists with local…
Firm News
Erica Rogers to Moderate Copyright Forum
October 25, 2018
Are you worried that your ideas or work will be stolen and worse, used as someone else’s financial gain? It happens and can happen…
Firm News
Angela Doughty Invited to Speak at Springboard Conference
October 11, 2018
“Are you ready?” It’s a simple question that has big implications, especially in the technology world. It’s no secret that hi-tech and intelligent systems…
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Trademarks and Community Associations: Maintaining Your Community’s Brand
October 5, 2018
Your community association (“Association”) probably invests substantial resources in protecting and maintaining its green spaces, facilities, and other common elements. But what about its…
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Making and Keeping Your Mark: Hemp Brand Protection in a Brave New World
August 20, 2018
For North Carolinians, hemp is here. The federal legalization of hemp grown under state-sanctioned research programs in the Agricultural Act of 2014, combined with…
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Tranquil Beaches and Simple Trademarks … and the Dangers Swirling Below
August 10, 2018
Trademark clearance and registration—sounds like an additional legal expense, right? Unfortunately, this potential cost is the reason many individuals and businesses forgo the trademark…
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California Passes Strictest Data Privacy Law in the Nation—Even Businesses Outside of California Could be Affected
July 5, 2018
California has now enacted the strictest data privacy law in the nation. The Consumer Right to Privacy Act of 2018 (“California Privacy Act”), which…
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USPTO Issues New Patent Eligibility Guidance in Berkheimer Memorandum
June 15, 2018
After the United States Supreme Court’s 2014 decision in Alice Corp. Pty. Ltd. v. CLS Bank Int’l, many inventors and patent practitioners were left…
Firm News
Three Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized as “Global IP Stars”
May 21, 2018
Managing Intellectual Property Magazine, one of the world’s foremost IP publications, is recognizing three Ward and Smith attorneys as leading IP professionals. Attorneys…
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GDPR: Everybody’s Doing It—Shouldn’t You?
May 16, 2018
In just a few short days, on May 25, 2018, supervisory authorities in the European Union (“EU”) will begin enforcement of the EU’s General…
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Summary of the March 2018 Global Privacy Summit
April 27, 2018
The International Association of Privacy Professionals (“IAPP”) is the world’s largest information privacy organization. IAPP provides education, training, and tools to professionals engaged in…
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Wake Up and Smell the . . . PLAY-DOH®?
March 23, 2018
It has been about a year since the toy company, Hasbro, Inc. (“Hasbro”), filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) to…
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Protecting Important Assets of your Growing Business: The Value of Non-Compete Agreements and Trade Secret Protection
March 21, 2018
You have a great idea for a product or service and dream of putting that idea to work by starting a business. Once your…
Firm News
Ward and Smith Becomes 2018 “Data Privacy Day” Champion
January 18, 2018
Ward and Smith is supporting Data Privacy Day 2018 as a Data Privacy Day Champion. Our commitment is part of an international effort held annually…
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On Your Mark—”TM” or “®”? Trademark Notice Guidelines
October 4, 2017
Business owners, whether starting a new business or a new brand, tend to have similar trademark-related questions: Do I need a trademark registration? What…
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Intangible Risky Business
July 28, 2017
The national, and many times global, reach of most businesses, regardless of size and physical location, continues to drive the ever increasing importance and…
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Supreme Court Announces Broad Separability Test in Applying Copyright Law to Useful Articles
April 19, 2017
This article continues the discussion in an earlier article addressing the scope of copyright protection as it applies to useful goods under copyright law.…
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Additional Guidance for Post-Alice Prosecution
December 15, 2016
The Latest Memorandum from USPTO on Subject Matter Eligibility Provides Additional Guidance for Post-Alice Prosecution On November 2, 2016, the United States Patent and…
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Website Owners, Mobile Application Providers, and Other Online Service Providers BEWARE
November 28, 2016
Failure to Comply with New DMCA Eligibility Requirements May Result in Copyright Infringement Liability Any company that allows third-party users to post or link content…
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Applying Copyright Law to Useful Articles – A Dispute Over Cheerleading Uniforms May Result in a New, Unified Test
October 4, 2016
Introduction United States copyright law protects original, creative expression fixed in a tangible medium, such as sculptures, paintings, and musical recordings. But, subject to…
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Will anyone be offended if the Supreme Court finds the disparagement provision of the Lanham Act invalid?
September 30, 2016
Breaking News! What happened? Yesterday, the Supreme Court of the United States announced that it has granted certiorari in Lee v. Tam, a case…
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Food Giants Prepare for Battle Over Trade Secret Misappropriation
July 22, 2016
On July 19, 2016, the “You Pick Two®”-famous Panera Bread filed a lawsuit in St. Louis against Papa John’s, claiming that the international pizza…
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Did You Tell Them? Employers’ Notice Obligations Regarding Whistleblowers Under the Federal Defend Trade Secrets Act
May 19, 2016
The federal Defend Trade Secrets Act (“DTSA”), an amendment to the Theft of Trade Secrets Act, became effective May 12, 2016. The DTSA provides…
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Drone On – May I See Your Flight Registration Please?
December 18, 2015
***PLEASE NOTE: On May 19, 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an opinion that vacated the…
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“Spoiler Alert”: Amended Federal Rule 37(e) Addresses Standards and Sanctions for the Spoliation of Electronically Stored Information
October 13, 2015
On December 1, 2015, absent congressional action, a significantly revised version of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure Rule 37(e) will become effective. The revised…
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Will We See Another Round of Legislative Patent Reform in 2015? If so, Trolls Beware!
August 18, 2015
Another round of proposed patent reform aimed at curbing the activities of non-practicing entities (“NPEs”- aka “patent trolls”) is teed up in Congress for…
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Avoiding Three Costly Mistakes: Common Trademark And Copyright Pitfalls That Plague Businesses
December 18, 2014
Intellectual property law impacts every business—whether owners of the business know it or not. For example, the moment a name is used in relation…
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Making The Hunter The Hunted: North Carolina Gives Business Owners New Tools To Combat “Patent Trolls”
September 26, 2014
Litigation in federal courts under federal law is a primary weapon in the battle to protect patents from infringement. However, because of alleged abuse,…
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.Healthcare, The New .Com?
August 19, 2014
Prior to 2014, there were 22 domain extensions, called generic top-level domains (gTLDs) (.com, .org, .edu, etc.), available to direct internet users. In response…
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.Beer, The New .Com?
July 28, 2014
Prior to 2014, there were 22 domain extensions, called generic top-level domains (gTLDs) (.com, .org, .edu, etc.), available to direct internet users. In response…
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2013 Dramatically Altered The Landscape Of The U.S. Patent System…So What’s Next In 2014?
March 5, 2014
The year 2013 saw some of the most significant changes to the U.S. patent system in more than 60 years. Pending legislation and several…
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Believe It, Or Not: Social Media Information Can Be A Trade Secret
June 5, 2013
Because social media is now a vital advertising tool for businesses, it is important that your business be able to protect its social media…
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Intellectual Property Rights: A Necessary Ingredient of a Brewer’s Brand Strategy
June 3, 2013
Intellectual property rights were on the minds of many brewers at this year’s Craft Brewers Conference (“CBC”) in Washington, D.C. The CBC workshops on…
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New Domain Name Expansion Leads To The Trademark Clearinghouse – Is It Really The Trademark Owner’s Silver Bullet?
April 10, 2013
Domain Registrations – What’s Changing? Currently there are 22 domain extensions, called generic top-level domains (gTLDs) (.com, .org, .edu, and .net to name a…
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Trade Secrets: The Importance Of Evaluating Confidential Business Information On An On-Going Basis
January 8, 2013
Most people engaged in business are aware that sensitive information they develop and use can be classified as a “trade secret” and entitled to…
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SPECIAL BULLETIN: Intelligent Beer: Tapping Into Intellectual Property
May 31, 2012
You are a successful brewer with a good quality beer, but how can you safeguard your success from imitators and solidify your relationship with…
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Need a Manufacturing Facility, but Don’t Want to Own One? Try Contract Manufacturing and a Comprehensive Agreement
May 24, 2012
Developing and marketing products is your expertise, not owning and operating a manufacturing facility. You want to engage a third-party manufacturer to manufacture your…
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Proposed Patent Fees Under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act: Be Prepared for Sticker Shock
March 28, 2012
The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (“AIA”) was signed into law on September 16, 2011, amid much fanfare, or at…
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It’s Official: The “Race” is On…and Other Provisions of the 2011 Leahy-Smith America Invents Act
December 6, 2011
On September 16, 2011, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (“AIA”) was signed into law by President Obama. The AIA ushers in the most dramatic…
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Patent Reform Legislation…The Race is On!
July 9, 2011
On June 23, 2011, the House passed what may become the most significant reform of United States patent law since the Patent Act of…
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Craft Brewers Beware: How to Keep Your IPA From Going MIA
January 1, 2011
Special Bulletin It must seem to most beer enthusiasts that the owner or operator of a craft brewery is living the dream. As a…
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The Tax Man Provides Some Help – New Opportunities for Tax Savings on the Sale of Intellectual Property Assets
June 24, 2010
Many taxpayers are familiar with the term “Code § 1031 like-kind exchange” (“1031 Exchange”), but many technology executives do not realize that they can…
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Trade Secrets: Can You Identify Yours?
May 23, 2010
Most people engaged in business are aware that information which can be classified as a “trade secret” is entitled to certain protections under the…
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Fighting Words in Today’s Advertising Campaigns – The Use of Comparative Advertising and the Truth Behind Marketing the Truth
September 13, 2009
Our commercial world generally consists of a free market system which is fueled in large part by competition. Rapidly advancing technology has provided businesses…
