Intellectual Property and Technology Law
Much of a modern company's value is intangible: its brand, its code, its data and its know-how. We help businesses establish who owns these assets, license them on sensible terms and put protections in place.
Protect your business assetsWhat does our intellectual property and technology law practice cover?
IP ownership is often less certain than businesses assume. Work created by contractors, agencies or co-founders before incorporation may not belong to the company without a written assignment.
We trace who created what, close gaps in the chain of title and structure licenses and technology agreements so the rights match the commercial deal.
Key points
- A contractor usually owns what they create unless a signed written assignment transfers it.
- Trademark rights in the U.S. come from use, but federal registration adds nationwide protection.
- SaaS terms should match how the product actually handles uptime, data and liability.
Services
- Who we advise
- Technology companies, creative businesses, software developers, agencies and organizations with valuable proprietary assets.
- What clients usually need
- Clear ownership, managed usage rights and less legal uncertainty around IP and technology.
- Law we apply
- Copyright Act, including 17 U.S.C. 101, 201(b) and 204(a)
- Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.)
- Illinois Trade Secrets Act (765 ILCS 1065)
- Defend Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C. 1836)
- Reviewed by
- Thomas Reinholt, Senior Counsel, on
- Intellectual property ownership agreements
- Trademark strategy and registration support
- Copyright-related agreements
- Software development contracts
- Technology licensing
- SaaS and technology commercial agreements
- Confidentiality arrangements
- IP assignment documentation
- Brand and digital asset protection
- Technology transaction support
Typical situations
Where clients come to us
Examples of the situations we see most often. Each matter is different, so these describe the kind of help available rather than a promised result.
Code written by an agency
A company's platform was built by an outside agency. We review the development contract and secure an assignment of the code to the company.
Naming a product
A business is launching a new brand. We coordinate clearance searches and support the trademark application.
Selling software as a service
A SaaS company needs customer terms covering uptime, data handling and liability that enterprise buyers will accept.
How we work
Chain-of-title review
We map who created each key asset and on what terms, then fix any gaps.
Technical fluency
We read architecture diagrams and data flows so agreements describe how your product really works.
Specialist referrals
Patent prosecution is referred to registered patent practitioners we work alongside.
Useful for a first conversation
- A list of key brands, products and codebases
- Agreements with developers, agencies or contractors
- Any licenses you grant or rely on
- Details of any third party using your name or work
Common questions
General questionsDo you file patents?
We do not prosecute patents. We work with registered patent practitioners and handle the commercial agreements around patented technology.
Does paying a contractor mean we own their work?
Not always. In many cases, ownership transfers only with a written assignment. We review your contractor agreements to confirm.
Can you help register a trademark?
Yes. We support clearance, filing and responses during examination, and advise on protecting the mark once registered.
Related practice areas
Often handled alongside
Commercial Contracts
Drafting, reviewing and negotiating the agreements that define your commercial relationships.
Startup and Venture Capital Law
Formation, founder arrangements, equity and financing for startups and the investors who back them.
Commercial Disputes and Litigation
Advice and representation in contract, partnership, shareholder and other business disputes.
Consultations
Protect your business assets
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Submitting an inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship, and we cannot guarantee that we can take on every matter. If you face an urgent deadline, such as a court filing, please call the office.