Registrability, clearance, freedom to operate searches and opinions
A freedom to operate opinions involve an analysis of the results of a clearance or non-infringement patent search to determine whether a particular product, service, or group of products or services, if commercialized, would infringe patents owned by others, or stated another way, whether the client has the freedom-to-operate regarding the product or service at issue. This is different from a patentability search, which seeks to determine whether or not an idea is new and could be protected applying for a patent.
Preparation & filing of trademark applications
A trademark typically protects brand names and logos used on goods and services. A patent protects an invention. A copyright protects an original artistic or literary work. For example, if you invent a new kind of vacuum cleaner, you would apply for a patent to protect the invention itself. You would apply to register a trademark to protect the brand name of the vacuum cleaner. And you might register a copyright for the TV commercial that you use to market the product.
Prosecution of trademark applications
Trademark prosecution is an industry term used to describe the process that involves filing a trademark or service mark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) and arguing against any Office Action received from the USPTO.
License agreements
A licensor may grant a license under intellectual property laws to authorize a use to a licensee, sparing the licensee from a claim of infringement brought by the licensor.
Infringement opinions
An infringement opinion is an analysis to see if a specific product or process infringes a patent