Litigation

We are committed to the early resolution of disputes whenever it is appropriate and possible. We do this as a matter of principle because we believe it is in our clients’ best interests, not because of any weakness in our clients’ causes.

By achieving early settlement through negotiation or mediation, our clients enjoy the benefits of lower legal costs, prompt resolution of disputes, flexibility in and control over remedies, confidentiality and the preservation of relationships. Most importantly, early dispute resolution can avoid extensive discovery with its high cost and diversion of attention from business matters and can also avoid the uncertainty inherent in litigation.

Our attorneys are experienced in settling cases through negotiation, and they have been involved in mediation and arbitration both as advocates and as neutrals. Several are on the Trademark and Unfair Competition Panel sponsored by the Center for Public Resources and the International Trademark Association. Others have been approved as mediators or arbitrators by the American Arbitration Association or by a federal district court.

• Here is a helpful Online Evaluation tool, called Olé, which was designed to enable an IP owner and its law firm to evaluate conflicts based on a clear business strategy and which was developed by our client BATMark Limited.
• The International Trademark Association (INTA) website materials on Alternative Dispute Resolutions provide information about arbitration and mediation customized for conflicts involving trademarks and related issues.
• INTA and the CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution have designated a Panel of Neutrals, listed by geographic region throughout the world, who are trademark practitioners with training and experience in alternative dispute resolution.