Trademark Infringement: Structuring Opinions of Counsel

Leveraging Opinion Letters to Reduce the Risks of Liability and Enhanced Damages

Recording of a 90-minute premium CLE webinar with Q&A

This program is included with the Strafford CLE Pass. Click for more information.
This program is included with the Strafford All-Access Pass. Click for more information.

Conducted on Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Recorded event now available

or call 1-800-926-7926

This CLE course will provide IP counsel with an analysis of the role of opinions in the defense of trademark infringement claims and the potential use of opinions of counsel. The panel will discuss the issue of waiver of the attorney-client privilege and provide best practices for developing opinions of counsel.

Description

Opinions of counsel play a significant role in determining the best trademark options for a company. Offensively, they are important in determining whether a third party may be infringing the claims of one of the company’s marks. Defensively, opinions can be used to determine whether the company accused of infringing a third party's intellectual property rights can continue business activities without facing infringement litigation.

Opinions of counsel are traditionally a first line of defense in the event of trademark infringement claims. Opinions of counsel provide valuable advice and suggestions for options to reduce the risks of infringement. However, asserting the defense can put the attorney advice at issue and result in waiver of the attorney-client privilege.

Listen as our authoritative panel of trademark attorneys examines the standard for trademark infringement claims and the use of opinions of counsel. The panel will discuss the issue of waiver of the attorney-client privilege and provide best practices for structuring and using opinions of counsel.

READ MORE

Outline

  1. Standard for infringement and use of opinions of counsel
  2. Waiver
  3. Court treatment
  4. Best practices for employing opinions of counsel

Benefits

The panel will review these and other key issues:

  • How can trademark opinions of counsel be used both offensively and defensively to strengthen a company's brand and trademark portfolio?
  • How have the courts treated the use of trademark opinions of counsel?
  • Under what circumstances should corporate counsel seek outside opinions of counsel to protect their client from infringement claims?

Faculty

Hastings, James
James R. Hastings
Of Counsel
Rothwell Figg Ernst & Manbeck

Mr. Hastings has more than 20 years of experience representing corporate and entrepreneurial brand owners in all facets...  |  Read More

David Jafari, Esq.
David Jafari, Esq.
Jafari Law Group

Mr. Jafari provides solutions for businesses and individuals, especially with regards to the procurement and protection...  |  Read More

Access Anytime, Anywhere

Strafford will process CLE credit for one person on each recording. All formats include course handouts.

To find out which recorded format will provide the best CLE option, select your state:

CLE On-Demand Video

Download