Everything from iPhones to flashy new rims for your car are manufactured by American companies overseas then distributed domestically and abroad. However, due to weak intellectual property laws and shady foreign “business” people, protecting your client’s products that are manufactured overseas can be a daunting prospect.
In this round table discussion, you will learn how to best protect your business client’s products that are distributed and manufactured in China and abroad. IP attorneys Eric Hanscom and David Branfman combine forces with Ed Burns, a GC for an aftermarket auto parts company, to discuss how patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret law is deployed to prevent your client’s products from being counterfeited or undercut. The trio will also talk about design vs. utility patents, conducting prior art searches, when to get the patent, provisional patents, the strength of the mark, enforcing domestic & international trademark rights, U.S. Federal trademark registration, utilizing Chinese customs, copyright law & original works of authorship, taking steps to protect trade secrets, manufacturing agreements and gray market goods.
Patent attorney Eric Hanscom is actively involved in overseeing IP litigation, contract negotiation and customs issues around the globe. Edward W. Burns is the GC of Wheel Pros and has extensive litigation experience in State & Federal Court and assists clients in protecting corporate IP. David Branfman’s IP practice focuses on entertainment law, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing, motion pictures & TV and music.