Intellectual Property

Core Intellectual Property Services

Trademark Counseling & Protection

• Trademark search, clearance, and risk analysis
• Federal trademark registration (USPTO)
• State trademark filings where appropriate
• Trademark portfolio management
• Opposition and cancellation proceedings

Your brand identity — your name, logo, and slogans — deserves strong protection.

Trademark Enforcement & Dispute Resolution

• Cease-and-desist strategy development
• Domain name disputes (UDRP)
• Trademark infringement litigation support
• Negotiation of coexistence and settlement agreements

We help clients enforce trademark rights both pre-litigation and in court when necessary.

Copyright Counseling

• Copyright registration planning and strategy
• Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office
• Drafting notices and licensing agreements
• Enforcement against unauthorized use
• Defense against infringement allegations

We assist creators, businesses, and content owners in protecting original works of authorship.

Trade Secret Protection

• Trade secret identification and classification
• Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
• Internal protection protocols
• Misappropriation prevention and response
• Trade secret litigation strategy

Protecting confidential business information safeguards long-term competitive advantage.

IP Licensing & Contracts

• Trademark and copyright licensing agreements
• Assignment, coexistence, and distribution agreements
• IP due diligence for mergers and acquisitions
• Brand ownership and rights transfer arrangements

Clear, enforceable agreements help monetize IP and avoid future disputes.

Who We Represent

Our Intellectual Property practice supports:

• Small and mid-sized businesses
• Startups and emerging brands
• Creative professionals and content owners
• Nonprofit and mission-driven organizations
• Retail and consumer product companies
• Professional services and consulting firms
• Technology and software-driven businesses (non-patent assets)
• Franchise and multi-unit operators

We focus on practical IP advice that aligns with business goals and risk tolerance.

Industries Served

We provide IP counsel across sectors where brand and creative assets matter most, including:

• Retail and consumer products
• Hospitality and franchise systems
• Professional services and consulting
• Technology and software content platforms
• Media, publishing, and creative services
• Nonprofit and association communications
• Healthcare services and regulation-adjacent brands

Understanding industry norms enhances our ability to protect and enforce your intellectual property.

Intellectual Property FAQs

Do you help with patents?

No — Bean, Kinney & Korman does not handle patent prosecution or patent litigation. Our IP services focus on trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and related licensing and enforcement matters. If patent support is needed, we can help you identify appropriate patent counsel.

What is the difference between a trademark and a copyright?

A trademark protects brand identifiers like names, logos, and slogans used in commerce. A copyright protects original works of authorship — such as written content, images, videos, and software code — from unauthorized copying. Both serve distinct but complementary roles in IP protection.

How do you register a trademark?

Trademark registration involves searching for conflicting marks, preparing and filing an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), responding to office actions, and maintaining the registration after approval. Legal counsel guides you through each step to maximize success and minimize risk.

What are trade secrets and how are they protected?

Trade secrets are confidential business information that provides economic value because it is not generally known and subject to reasonable efforts to keep it secret. Protection includes robust confidentiality agreements, internal protocols, and legal enforcement if misappropriation occurs.

Can IP be transferred if a business is sold?

Yes. Intellectual property rights can be assigned or licensed as part of a business sale. Clear documentation and due diligence are essential to ensure rights transfer appropriately and without dispute.