Pitegoff Law Office PLLC has a broad range of
experience in the commercial law aspects of information
technology (“IT”)
and intellectual property ( “IP”). In information technology, we provide legal counsel and representation to a range of firms that are actively using the Internet in their growing businesses. We assist clients that are not in the IT business with the Internet and networking aspects of their operations, whether in contracts with suppliers or with customers, privacy policies, terms of use, copyright matters, domain name disputes, online advertising and related matters. Our web clients also include content providers, web storefronts, other web-based businesses, and website developers. We also represent more traditional computer companies, such as network integrators and software developers.
Intellectual property is central to our work for all types of clients. Every company that sells a product or service under a brand name or logo has a trademark concern. Every company that advertises, provides electronic content or prepares manuals or other written or creative materials has a potential copyright issue. Trademarks and trade secrets are especially important for franchisors. Trade secrets and patents are central concerns to e-commerce and technology companies.
Our IT and IP work consists of counseling and contract drafting and negotiation. We also handle trademark registrations and oversee trademark portfolios. The broad range of contracts we draft includes trademark licenses, software and patent licenses, maintenance agreements, development agreements, nondisclosure agreements, consulting agreements, web terms and privacy policies. For patent prosecutions, we work with other law firms.
Intellectual Property in Franchising
Franchise agreements are trademark licenses. Federal trademark registration is important for franchisors both to protect their brands and to avoid unnecessary problems under some state business opportunities laws. Any franchisor considering expanding abroad should first apply for trademark registration in the destination countries. We can manage the overseas registration process for our clients.
Trade secrecy is also central to franchising. Every franchisor we encountered protects the operational methods and techniques of its franchise system through trade secrecy. Operating manuals, for example, are typically confidential.
 “Pitegoff Law Office PLLC has been very helpful in not only reacting quickly to a legal concern that arose for our company and quickly resolving it, but also in re-organizing and creating new legal documentation necessary for the growth of our company. As a publishing company, our data is our most valuable asset. The expertise and experience Tom Pitegoff has in the field of intellectual property has given us a sense of security and protection when administering our licensing and reseller agreements. Additionally his counsel during the negotiation of several contracts has been invaluable.” Tama J Shor,
President & Publisher, Directory of Major Malls, Inc. |
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 “Tom Pitegoff has skillfully drafted and negotiated our most important software development contracts in recent years, quickly understanding our needs and crafting appropriate language. We know that we can rely on Pitegoff Law Office PLLC to help us close the deal when our company's future depends on it.” Arto Ozgun,
President, Netsoft USA Inc |
