A business’ intellectual property takes many forms. It can range from trade secrets (e.g. customers lists, formulas, designs, plans, prices, business plan, strategies) to trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Intellectual property theft or misappropriation can be used to unfairly compete with competitors in every industry imaginable. Intellectual property can be the life blood of an established or start-up company. Theft and misuse of this intellectual property, or threat of a lawsuit, can destroy a company.
We represent plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of disputes. Here are a few scenarios we have handled in various industries including health care, technology, arts and entertainment, the service industry, garment industry, toy industry, and so on.
“She worked for us, stole our designs and plans, and opened a competing business. She is targeting our existing customers because she also had access to and stole customer lists. She is trying to build her business off of our blood and sweat.”
“Company X is using a confusingly similar name and trademark. They are in the same industry as us. The name and mark they are using is basically a rip off of our name and mark. Our customers are now confused. Company X is passing itself off as us and they have no right to do so.”
“My former business partner opened up a separate business without my knowledge and tried to sell my designs to one of my customers. The customers had no idea we were no longer business partners. He used my name and diverted purchase orders to a P.O. Box. We found out only because we saw our designs in an industry catalogue. We lost substantial business, while he profited of our good will and reputation.”
“They are accusing us of stealing their toy designs and infringing their copyright. We came up with these toy designs on our own. They are just trying to put us out of business because they know we can’t afford a lawsuit.”
“I got fired. I started my own business in the only industry I have known for 20 years. They are accusing me of stealing their customers. Obviously we will compete, but I did not solicit their customers – they solicited me. Now my old company is trying to put me out of business.”
Depending on the circumstances there are several potential remedies, including injunctive relief, damages, and attorney’s fees. For a variety of reasons it is important to act quickly when pursuing or defending against these claims.
Contact Dimitri Gross — Experienced Intellectual Property Lawyer
To discuss your concerns or dispute with an experienced intellectual property attorney, contact Dimitri Gross online or call 949-788-1007 to make an appointment.
