Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind. These include inventions, artistic works, names and images used in commerce.
Protecting your IP is necessary for safeguarding your business’s innovations and creations. However, this often requires providing specific evidence to prove that another party is, in fact, stealing your intellectual property.
Identifying signs of IP theft
First, you must recognize the signs of intellectual property theft. If you notice another business using your company’s logos, brand names, products or proprietary information without permission, it could be an indication of IP infringement.
Gather evidence
Collecting evidence is the first step when proving IP theft. Document any instances of infringement, such as screenshots of copied content, photos of counterfeit products or records of unauthorized use of your brand. Keep a detailed log of dates, times and locations where the infringement occurred.
Cease and desist letter
Sending a cease and desist letter is often the foremost line of defense when addressing IP theft. This formal notice demands that the infringing party stop using your intellectual property immediately. Keep copies of all correspondence for future reference.
Consider alternative dispute resolution
If direct communication does not resolve the issue, consider alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration. These processes can help reach a mutually acceptable resolution without resorting to costly litigation.
When another party is intent on stealing and misusing your intellectual property, they will often resort to clever methods for hiding their crime. Contact Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you prove that a malicious party is misusing your precious IP.
