How the Uniform Trade Secrets Act Protects Your Texas Business
Every business possesses information that gives it a competitive advantage. It may be a customer list developed over years of relationship-building, a proprietary manufacturing process, confidential pricing strategies, software code, or an internal business method that competitors cannot easily replicate. These assets often hold tremendous value despite never appearing on a balance...
How Do I Determine Patent Infringement?
When you see a product or process that resembles your patented invention, you might wonder whether the manufacturer of that other product has infringed upon your patent rights. Determining whether you may have a patent infringement claim begins with understanding patent rights and how to evaluate whether a product or process falls...
Intel vs. VLSI Case Study: Important Case Study Implications
Patent litigation can have far-reaching consequences for businesses that develop, license, or rely on intellectual property. One of the most closely watched patent disputes in recent years has been the litigation between Intel Corporation and VLSI Technology LLC. The case, which involved billions of dollars in alleged patent damages, illustrates how...
Governing Generative AI at Work: How to Reduce Legal Risk and Protect Your Business
Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and enterprise copilots are now embedded in everyday business operations. Employees use them to draft contracts, generate marketing copy, write code, and analyze data. But when these tools are adopted without clear policies or legal oversight, business owners inherit risks they may not fully understand.
To Dupe or Not to Dupe? Intellectual Property Issues related to Duplicate Products
In the era of social media influencing and content-creation, “dupe culture” has become pervasive, with people with massive follower counts ultimately shaping what is perceived as “cool or trendy.” Every few scrolls on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, users are being bombarded with people showing off their luxury purchases, from Chanel classic-flap...
Who Owns IP Created by Independent Contractors or Freelancers?
Intellectual property created by an independent contractor or freelancer usually belongs to the contractor unless a written agreement transfers ownership. Payment alone does not automatically transfer intellectual property rights.
This issue arises often in relationships involving designers, developers, consultants, writers, and other freelancers. Many businesses assume they own...
Online Copyright Infringement: What to Do When Your Work Is Stolen Online
Few things feel more frustrating than seeing your own words, images, or designs reposted without permission. Whether your content was copied onto another website, shared on social media, or used in a commercial project, online theft can damage your reputation and income. Knowing how to identify infringement, preserve evidence, and take swift...
When Should Startups Think About IP Litigation?
Launching a startup often means developing something new—such as an idea, product, or technology—that sets your business apart. But as your company grows, so does the risk of intellectual property disputes. Whether it’s a competitor infringing on your trademark or a former employee misusing confidential information, knowing when to act through
How IP Litigation Can Be a Business Asset, Not Just a Legal Hassle
Intellectual property (IP) is one of a business’s most valuable assets, particularly in innovation-driven markets across Texas—from tech startups in Austin to manufacturing companies in Dallas. Yet, when disputes arise over patents, trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets, many business owners see IP litigation as a costly, stressful, and purely defensive measure.
What Is Willful Patent Infringement and Why It Matters in Court
Patent law plays a critical role in protecting innovation, especially in a business-forward state like Texas. Whether you are a technology company in Dallas, a manufacturer in Houston, or a startup in Austin, patents often represent some of your most valuable assets. But when those rights are violated, the type of infringement...