Put An Experienced Texas Intellectual Property Attorney On Your Side

The intellectual property attorneys at Morgan Williamson LLP have a 35-year history of representing Texas businesses. Attorney Chris Stewart and his team have the extensive legal experience and business acumen needed to protect your intellectual property rights now.

Our clientele includes entrepreneurs launching their first startups, as well as businesses with intellectual property concerns dating back decades. We provide sound IP legal advice, document drafting and representation for small and large businesses in Amarillo and throughout Texas.

To discuss your copyright, trademark or other intellectual property needs, set up an appointment at one of our two Amarillo office locations. Please call 806-705-7546 or send us an email. Our intellectual property attorneys can answer your questions and develop a comprehensive legal strategy for protecting your rights now and in the future.

What Does IP Include?

Categories of intellectual property include trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and related licensing issues. These types of IP encompass business names, creative works, photos, proprietary data, designs, processes and concepts. Intellectual property qualifies as an intangible asset due to its nature — it exists as a product of the mind rather than something physically tangible.

Let Us Help Protect The Current Value And Potential Value Of Your IP

The worth of a business’s name or trademark, or the value of artistic expression within a book or photo, constitute intangible assets. A business, book or photo may have a physical presence, but the value of the name associated with the business, or the value of the artistic expression in the book or photo, remain intangible. The value of intellectual property stems from its exclusivity and the associated rights, rather than any physical form the property may take.

At Morgan Williamson LLP, we can create documents that are designed specifically to safeguard the value of your intellectual property now and in the future. We can also effectively address any infringements on your intellectual property rights, as well as address any allegations of infringement that you may face. Our intellectual property team takes a forward-thinking approach in these matters, and we bring decades of experience to our counsel and representation.

What Every Business Owner Should Know About Intellectual Property

Our firm identifies the intellectual property that best protects the intangible asset. The scope, duration and nature of the rights will vary depending on what type of intellectual property is involved, namely:

• Trademarks: A trademark is a way that consumers can identify your product, like a logo or a symbol.
• Copyright: Copyright protects creative works like written works, artwork or music.
• Trade secrets: Trade secrets involve methods or means of producing an item or fulfilling a service that are unique to your business, such as recipes, unique ways of machining, specific grass fertilizer formulations and other similar items.
• Licensing of intellectual property: Licensing agreements allow another person or company to use your intellectual property, typically as a part of a paid contractual agreement.
• Computer & internet law: Information on the internet, such as websites, videos and other media are intellectual property with legal protections.

Our Amarillo trademark attorneys can help you navigate these complex issues and develop a comprehensive strategy for protecting your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Intellectual Property Law In Texas

At Morgan Williamson LLP, our Amarillo intellectual property attorneys are here to protect your IP rights in the Lone Star State. Intellectual property law can be complex, but we are here to guide you through every step in the process. Below are answers to the top questions our clients often have about intellectual property law in Texas. For a consultation regarding your specific concerns, please call us in Amarillo at 806-705-7546 or contact us by email.

What is intellectual property law?

Intellectual property law refers to the legal protections afforded to creators for their inventions, designs, original works of authorship and trade secrets. IP law gives the creator exclusive rights to use and distribute their work, usually for a certain period of time. At Morgan Williamson LLP, our intellectual property attorneys have decades of experience in these matters. We serve clients from a wide variety of backgrounds — from first-time startups to owners of multiple businesses.

What are the different types of intellectual property?

Intellectual property generally falls into the following categories:

• Patents: For inventions and improvements to existing inventions.
• Trademarks: For brand identity, such as logos and brand names.
• Copyrights: For creative works like music, literature and art.
• Trade secrets: For confidential business information that provides a competitive edge.

Our intellectual property attorneys have experience in all of these matters, including IP licensing and internet law.

How do I register a trademark in Texas?

To register a trademark in Texas, you must file an application with the Texas Secretary of State. The mark must be distinctive and in use in commerce within Texas. We can assist with the search, application process and any disputes that may arise regarding your trademark.

Can I protect my business name as a trademark?

Yes, you can protect your business name as a trademark if it meets certain criteria. The name must be distinctive and not merely descriptive of your goods or services. The name should also not be confusingly similar to existing trademarks.

How long does copyright protection last in Texas?

Copyright law is federal, so the same rules apply in Texas as in other states. In most cases, copyright lasts for the life of the author and another 70 years. Different rules apply to works made for hire and works without a named author.

What is patent infringement, and how can I defend against it?

Patent infringement happens when a person or company uses a patented invention without the patent owner’s authorization. This may include making, marketing or selling the invention. If someone accuses you of infringement, or if another party is using your patented technology without consent, our attorneys can help protect your interests.

What should I do if I receive a cease and desist letter for alleged IP infringement?

A cease and desist letter requires immediate attention. You should contact an intellectual property lawyer before responding in any way. Do not reply, admit fault or change your business practices until you understand your legal position. Our attorneys can review the claims, explain your options and help you decide whether to pursue a resolution or prepare a defense.

How do I know which type of intellectual property protection I actually need?

The type of protection you need depends on what you are trying to protect and how your business uses it. Inventions, systems and technical processes may qualify for patent protection. Brand names, logos and slogans usually fall under trademark law. Written content, software code, photos and marketing materials are often protected by copyright law. Confidential business information, such as formulas, pricing strategies or customer lists, may qualify as trade secrets if you take steps to keep them private.

Many business owners assume one type of protection covers everything. That is rarely the case. Each asset serves a different purpose and may require a different legal approach. An intellectual property attorney can review your business operations and help you choose the protections that make the most sense for your goals and risk level.

Can one business asset be protected by multiple types of IP law?

Yes. One business asset can often receive protection under more than one area of intellectual property law. For example, a mobile app may include copyrighted software code, trademarked branding and trade secret processes. A product may qualify for patent protection based on how it works and trademark protection based on how customers recognize it.

Using multiple forms of protection can strengthen your legal position. It can also discourage competitors from copying your work. However, these protections must work together. Filing the wrong paperwork or sharing information too early can weaken your rights. An intellectual property attorney can help you apply the right protections in the right order.

How do I “audit” my business to ensure all my intangible assets are legally secured?

An intellectual property audit starts with identifying the assets that give your business value. This may include products, designs, brand names, websites, marketing materials, software and internal processes. You should also confirm who owns each asset, especially if employees or contractors helped create it.
After identifying these assets, the next step is reviewing whether proper protections are in place. An intellectual property attorney can help you find gaps, recommend registrations or agreements, and create a plan to protect your business as it grows.

How can Morgan Williamson LLP, assist with IP litigation?

Our team at Morgan Williamson LLP, has extensive experience in all aspects of IP litigation. We can represent you in cases of alleged infringement, help enforce your IP rights and work to resolve disputes. Whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or trial, we can work to protect your intellectual property interests.