Sherrer & Burtnett represents a broad variety of clients in the copyright field including software companies, authors, artists and musicians. Our copyright practice includes works related to computer software, visual arts, music, literature, advertising, packaging and promotional materials, among others. We offer a full spectrum of services from initial client counseling and filing of copyright applications through copyright protection strategy, litigation, and trials, as well as defending against copyright claims by others. Our attorneys have been engaged in protecting and litigating copyright matters in jurisdictions across the country.

Trademarks, trade names, trade dress, and service marks are valuable assets, enabling companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors. With thousands of new products and services launched every year, developing a distinctive, reputable, and legally available mark can be a challenge.

Sherrer & Burtnett attorneys counsel clients through the entire life cycle of a trademark and help safeguard their investment. Our trademark practice works with clients to create, screen, and select strong marks. We also prepare and maintain trademark registrations, and ensure consistent use of marks by preparing practical use guidelines. We work with our clients to leverage the value of a company’s mark through licensing and other agreements. We also assist our clients with the enforcement and defense of their trademarks.

Businesses derive value from their intellectual property through licensing and development agreements. Sherrer & Burtnett’s attorneys have experience in preparing, structuring and negotiating a broad variety of intellectual property licenses, such as: technology development agreements, complex software development and licensing agreements, software hosting services agreements, and Web site design agreements.

Obtaining initial funding can be challenging when there is a fear that a larger company or investor will “take” an idea and will not compensate the owner. Small businesses and inventors therefore require additional protection when discussing their ideas with potential partners or investors. In order to have a productive conversation about the value of the invention, the inventor must often discuss proprietary details. Doing so leaves them vulnerable to theft by the other party. We have experience negotiating and drafting non-use and non-disclosure agreements which can give the inventor the freedom to discuss their ideas without running the risk of losing protection during their business development and marketing phase.

A well-kept secret can give a business an advantage over its competitors. A proprietary formula, practice, process, design, instrument, or pattern may be valuable precisely because it is unknown to others. It is important for businesses to protect their trade secrets by implementing measures that reduce the risk of inadvertent or premature disclosure. Therefore, particularly in the Digital Age, theft of trade secrets, raiding of key employees, employee disloyalty and breaches of fiduciary duties can have irreversible consequences to any business.

Our attorneys have worked with clients to develop successful trade secret protection policies. We have drafted confidentiality and non-competition agreements for software, finance, insurance, manufacturing, and defense/surveillance companies. We have also drafted non-use and non-disclosure agreements for clients seeking to enter into business relationships with other companies.