Licensing and Transactions

Over many years working in the field, our attorneys have negotiated almost every type of domestic and international licensing agreement on behalf of both licensors and licensees and involving both information technology and many other types of technology. Many of these licenses are vital parts of broader domestic or international business transactions. We have also established general and project-specific joint ventures and prepared research and development agreements and partnerships.

E-Commerce Law and Regulation

We negotiate and draft complex licenses and contracts with clients and service providers for online businesses. Clients in this category include application service providers, database licensors or virtually any professional services firm that delivers services or value-added information to its clients via the Internet. Our attorneys advise upon, negotiate and, if necessary, litigate E-commerce issues of all types, including disputes over domain names and websites. We also monitor judicial and legislative developments affecting the Internet, such as limits on transmission of copyrighted audio and video, the developing law of online privacy, initiatives relating to identity theft, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (authorizing use of electronic “signatures”) and many others.

Business and Trade Secrets

Today's technology company cannot survive unless its proprietary technology is protected. Our attorneys frequently prepare confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, including consulting and employment agreements, which contain measures to protect the value of intellectual property after the end of the relationship. We regularly advise clients on disputes arising from alleged misappropriation of trade secrets and also create defensible, yet practical corporate procedures and guidelines for in-house management of confidential information.

Trademarks and Copyrights

Technology companies realize that a trademark--as much or more than its products or services--may enable one firm to attract the attention of clients and protect or increase market share. They also recognize that copyright registration affords important advantages in protecting against appropriation of valuable intellectual property. This practice group prepares and prosecutes trademark applications, and works with clients to structure cost-effective copyright registration programs. Our attorneys also counsel clients when disputes arise, and when necessary, have successfully litigated infringement cases to conclusion.

Corporate Organization and Development

We help clients capitalize and establish appropriate and tax-advantaged business organizations, taking advantage of our experience with many specialized regulatory and licensing requirements, and with federal, state and local grants and benefits. This enables us to form and represent technology-based entities ranging from start-up, fast-growth companies to fully mature regional and national companies. We also handle syndications, venture capital placements, leveraged acquisitions and other forms of financing, often working closely with clients to refine business plans in preparation for negotiations with lenders and investors.

Biotechnology

We represent leading national biotechnology firms in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. Our services include structuring and closing synthetic lease financings for cGMP manufacturing facilities and R & D campuses.