PROJECT RMS
Intellectual Property
Tech Law Group
Our clients are diverse and include both large and small tech companies and many non-tech companies that encounter issues related to technology, privacy, and protecting intellectual property and proprietary data. Copyright and other intellectual property issues often accompany technology matters. Whether it is an issue related to "Work Made for Hire" or crafting an enforceable Intellectual Property assignment, we have the experience to meet our clients' needs.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
We regularly negotiate and draft agreements, on both the vendor and user side, for technology services and products, including the following:
Software licenses, development contracts, implementation and maintenance agreements;
Source code development agreements;
Master service agreements;
Hardware acquisition, installation, and maintenance agreements;
WiFi, Electronic Network, and website development and hosting agreements;
Technology outsourcing agreements;
Network, Internet and email use policies;
Website terms of use and privacy policies; and
Data transfer and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) agreements.
Copyright
The Carrington Firm is a national leader in protecting the creative works of architects, photographers, illustrators, musicians/songwriters and authors. As one of only a handful of firms in the country to take, select cases on a contingency-fee basis; the firm helps artists preserve their copyrighted work with none of the hefty, up-front costs required by large copyright infringement firms. With the experience garnered through a diverse client base, the firm readily anticipates defense attorney strategy, and often knows it before they do. Time and time again, the firm outmaneuvers the opponent not only at the negotiating table, but where it matters most as well -- the courtroom. The firm's broad copyright infringement practice includes:
Architectural and blueprint copyrights
Photography copyrights
Graphic artist/illustrator copyrights
Songwriter/musician copyrights
Author copyrights
Every professional artist should know about The Carrington Firm.
Large copyright infringement law firms nearly always charge a significant retainer. Then you discover that you never speak to the lawyer you thought you hired, and the lawyer you do meet does not know the law, your case, or even have any experience. At The Carrington Firm, you meet directly — every time — with the experienced, capable lawyer you hired. The firm pledges to provide effective legal services promptly and efficiently, while always maintaining the highest ethical standards and professional integrity.
Because jurisdiction of copyright cases is exclusive to federal court, even though The Carrington Firm is based in St. Louis, Missouri, you can avail yourself of the firm’s litigation acumen regardless of where you are, and regardless of where the case must be filed. Additionally, because you do not pay any fees until and unless there is money recovered (by settlement or verdict), the contingent fee arrangement is almost always more cost-effective for the client.
Privacy | Publicity
What does it mean to be a celebrity?
There was a time when the answer to that question was clear to most people.
However, the technology boom changed all of that, and the laws regarding the protection of a person’s name, portrait, picture, likeness, or voice have struggled to keep up with the evolving media in which these types of intellectual property can be exploited. With this expanded notion of “celebrity” come unique challenges in striking a balance between, on the one hand, these individuals’ rights to protect their names/images and capitalize on the exploitation of same during the frequently short length of time that they are “famous,” and, on the other hand, the First Amendment protections afforded to those reporting newsworthy events or using someone’s name/likeness for purposes of criticism or commentary.
The right to control the commercial use of one’s identity, also known as the “right of publicity,” is a newer form of intellectual property right, but it is increasingly important due to the prevalence of sponsorships and endorsements involved in the marketing and advertising of today.
The Carrington Firm has represented athletes, entertainers, YouTube sensations, artists, and media personalities in both public personas, and that which they wish to keep private. We provide strategic counsel on the development of clients' rights regarding the use of their personas, including names, images, photographs, voices, signatures, and other aspects of their identities, and provide guidance on how to protect and enforce such characteristics.
Through regular reviews of client marketing and advertising materials, we help clients both minimize exposure to claims for misappropriation of rights of publicity and avoid inadvertent violations.
Policing of proper use is key to successful enforcement of a client’s rights of publicity. When rights of publicity are infringed, we act quickly to resolve the issue through settlement or litigation. Should a third-party claim be made against a client, we ably defend them both in and out of court.
Technology
Experienced in counseling companies and their investors and lenders, our lawyers are equally conversant in the technical, financial and business challenges defining technology markets. We work with companies during all stages of growth to support the commercialization of technological advancements.
From guiding software startups and structuring numerous financings for SaaS, and other internet infrastructure breakthroughs, to protecting and monetizing IP portfolios by developing and enforcing trademarks, copyrights and patents, our lawyers’ experience includes such areas as:
Defense Technology
Energy Technology
Software as a Service
Transportation
Computers and Networking
e-Commerce
Internet and Social Media
Software
Telecommunications
Wireless Communications
We work closely with technology leaders and groups in centers of research and development throughout the United States, including from our offices in Saint Louis, Missouri.