| Protecting Intellectual Property |
Companies face significant challenges in protecting and enforcing their intellectual property around the world, and when those challenges are not successfully addressed, the business consequences can be enormous. WilmerHale is specially positioned to help with these challenges, bringing to bear lawyers ranked as the best in the world from the patent and trademark bar, IP litigators and international trade, with global experience in navigating the complex legal, business and public policy aspects of international IP.
Our lawyers help companies and industries:
- secure protection for their IP in jurisdictions around the world—for instance, preparing and prosecuting patents under the Patent Cooperative Treaty and working with seasoned patent lawyers in multiple jurisdictions;
- resolve protection and enforcement disputes before administrative agencies and courts around the world—either directly (in those jurisdictions where we can appear) or in coordination with local counsel;
- improve foreign government enforcement of IP—including by devising legal and public policy strategies, working directly with foreign governments (including in difficult developing markets like China and India) and enlisting US and EU government support and action;
- contain the damage from infringement—including ensuring that infringing products do not enter the United States (through section 337 litigation before the US International Trade Commission).
Our lawyers also help shape the rules of international IP, helping companies, industries and governments:
- shape the formulation and implementation of government policies, national legislation and international rules regarding IP—including counseling on implementation of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and development of relevant national legislation;
- ensure enforcement of governments’ international IP commitments—including under TRIPS.
In all of these areas, WilmerHale has substantial capabilities and experience, which we regularly bring together to handle cross-cutting, multi-disciplinary problems. Our core IP, IP litigation, and international trade practices are regularly ranked as the best or among the best in their class. With former senior policy makers from the United States and European Union governments, we have broad experience in negotiating practical solutions with governments, businesses, and other stakeholders. Additionally, we bring leading expertise and on-the-ground experience in key markets, including China, India and throughout Europe.
Click here for a listing of representative matters.