Companies at the forefront of the hardware sector rely on legal counsel that understands their business and technologies. Experience is a paramount in computer hardware industry. Laws that govern computer hardware vary significantly around the world. More than any other industry, computer hardware is characterized by low barriers to entry and standardization to facilitate compatibility.
Protecting and commercializing computer hardware calls on a host of different areas of law. Statutory and common law forms of property rights are used to protect the computer hardware. Employment law is referred to in determining the legal status of the relationship between the developer and its workers, and the client and hardware developer, important when determining ownership. Sale of goods legislation (the Uniform Commercial Code in the United States of America) can apply when determining the extent of the warranties that a vendor of hardware has made. Entertainment law (as a sub-set of copyright law) is called on when dealing with multi-media content. The law relating to damages and economic loss can apply in the event that software is faulty.
We understand and apply these
principles, whether we are forming a client's intellectual property
strategy, determining whether to make or buy technology, defending
against allegations of infringement or drafting licenses. We can provide
technology companies with comprehensive in-depth legal expertise adapted
to the issues unique to the hardware field. In the area of computer
hardware, we counsel owners, developers, distributors, licensees and
others in a wide range of computer issues, spanning a host of business
transactions and commercial disputes. We address issues of local law,
antitrust and regulatory compliance in every transaction, strategic plan
and intellectual property matter we handle.
By working
closely with inventors during early stages of business' growth, our team
focuses on protection of current products as well as support for covering
future products. We work with inventors and companies involved in all
aspects of computer and hardware design as well as counsel companies
developing technologies in areas such as wireless communications, TCP/IP,
voice over Internet (VoIP), object-oriented systems, HTML/XML,
cryptography, microprocessor design, and parallel and distributed
computing.
Our
involvement includes preparing, reviewing and negotiating contracts, such
as agreements in the following areas: hardware licensing, hardware
development, maintenance, leasing, hardware purchase and turnkey, computer
service and outsourcing, nondisclosure, original equipment manufacturer,
dealership, vendor distribution forms and manufacturer’s representative
agreements, among others. We also draft and register patents, copyright
and trademarks before United States Patent and Trademark Office and
Canadian Intellectual Property Office to protect ownership rights in
computer hardware technology developed by our clients. Trademark
representation ranges from advising both domestic and foreign companies
prior to development and use of a trademark, to
registration with the United States Patent and Trademark office and
Canadian Intellectual Property Office, protection of trademarks abroad, and
trademark litigation.