Intellectual Property, Information Technology & Media Law
Members of Burch, Porter & Johnson’s Intellectual Property, Information Technology and Media Law practice represent clients in a wide array of matters, providing both business advice and representation in litigation.
Burch, Porter & Johnson’s particular expertise in the areas of intellectual property and information technology includes:
- Trademark and copyright infringement claims
- Misappropriation of trade secrets and confidential business information, including actions concerning employee conduct
- Trade secret protection programs
- Patent infringement claims, typically in association with patent counsel
- Licensing of intellectual property, and controversies arising in connection with the enforcement of trademark, copyright and patent license agreements
- Trade dress protection and litigation
- Protection of and enforcement of rights in proprietary software on behalf of developers, licensors and licensees
- Acquisition of hardware systems and software
- Website development
- Domain name and terms-of-use controversies
- Drafting and negotiation of hosting agreements, maintenance agreements, website policies, terms of use and privacy policies
- Trade secrets and employee confidentiality claims
Prosecution of Trademark and Copyright Registrations
In addition to litigation, Burch, Porter & Johnson regularly advises clients in connection with the prosecution of trademark applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the registration of copyrights in the United States Copyright Office. Burch, Porter & Johnson also counsels clients on trademark clearance, branding and business-name selection issues, the negotiation and drafting of license agreements, and the development of trademark and trade secret protection programs.
Internet Law
Our practice also includes advising clients on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights on the Internet, including trademarks, copyrights and domain names, as well issues relating to website development, online content, and domain names.
Software Related Law Issues
In connection with both our corporate and intellectual property practices, we regularly advise clients on software-related issues, working with both software developers and licensors, as well as a myriad of clients who have software-related issues and needs. Our broad experience allows us to understand the critical issues impacting a software-related transaction from the point of view of both the licensor and licensee. We also represent clients in the resolution of disputes concerning software products and services.
Media Law
Burch, Porter & Johnson has for many years represented clients in the broadcast and print media in connection with First Amendment issues and privacy law issues. Our attorneys have defended clients against numerous defamation claims, invasion of privacy actions and regarding public records and open meetings issues. Burch, Porter & Johnson is a member of the Media Law Resource Center, and two of its members are authors of the Tennessee section of the Center’s Annual Survey of Privacy Law and Related Claims Against the Media.
Our Attorneys are Here to Help
Burch, Porter & Johnson has a long history of representing both plaintiffs and defendants in claims involving the misappropriation of trade secrets, including matters pertaining to confidential business information such as customer lists, financial data and business planning information, as well as software, computer technology and various manufacturing methods and processes. The firm also frequently represents companies in connection with claims arising from the breach of confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements in the employment context.