Intellectual Property

Intellectual property encompasses patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.

Decker Jones works closely with clients in procuring intellectual property rights by searching to determine the uniqueness of inventions and the availability of trademarks and service marks. In addition, Decker Jones files patent, trademark and copyright applications in the appropriate governmental agencies. We also help to establish business practices to protect trade secrets such as manufacturing information, customer lists, etc.

Decker Jones also assists in obtaining value out of intellectual property assets through negotiating and drafting contracts, licenses, and other types of agreements. Some of our clients have extensive patent and trademark portfolios that serve as revenue enhancers.

Patents can be utilized by a business both offensively and defensively. When used offensively, a business wants exclusive rights to the invention. When used defensively, the business only wants to ensure that it can use the invention, without concern for who else may use it. Decker Jones assists in evaluating these needs and also conducts right-to-use studies to determine if new products are covered by patents owned by other businesses.

Occasionally, enforcing a patent, trademark or copyright against infringers or defending against a charge of infringement is necessary. Attorneys in our Intellectual Property and Litigation groups work together to either assert or defend against infringement in court.

The members of our intellectual property group are:

Jeffrey W. Storie
Geoffrey A. Mantooth
Brian K. Yost

Donald J. Valdez

Of Counsel:  Arthur F. Zobal