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Few things change faster or more continuously than technology. Many of today’s cutting edge technological developments involve new and improved designs in hardware and electronics, including developments in areas such as computer semiconductor technology, power electronics, telecommunications, computer systems, control engineering, integrated circuit design, and other electrical and electronic equipment. The development and protection of software is also an area of intellectual property currently going through explosive growth and dramatic change.
Obtaining patent protection allows high tech companies to safeguard and secure their own, often considerable, R&D investment. For those in the industry, patent rights serve not only to protect inventive ideas and concepts - they are also valuable for generating interest and investment in new and growing businesses. This is of particular importance for new companies attempting to establish themselves in high-tech industries.
Those companies involved in software development have their own unique issues and concerns. The long-term survival of small to mid-sized software development companies is often difficult to ensure. The same entrepreneurial spirit of innovation that makes them succeed also makes them targets or threats to more established developers. Frequently, this leads to corporate acquisitions or the development of competitive technology: both demand the diligent management and protection of the intellectual property rights involved.
Bereskin & Parr has a practice group devoted to addressing legal issues in these particular areas of business and commerce. Our clients in this area include many major corporations both in North America and overseas, as well as universities and small start-up companies. The group is comprised of a number of professionals with extensive experience in the industry. Group members have training in electrical engineering, systems design, computer software and related fields. The group includes qualified patent agents registered to act before the patent offices of Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, as well as the European Patent Office.
Our Services
The following is a list of the services that members of the Software/High Technology group provide:
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Preparing and prosecuting patent applications worldwide |
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Registering copyright and industrial designs
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Registering integrated circuit topographies
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Preparing and negotiating license agreements
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Conducting due diligence investigations
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Providing patentability, validity and infringement searches and opinions
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Providing strategic advice on intellectual property rights
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Enforcing intellectual property rights |
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