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Intellectual Property and Information Technology
Our Intellectual Property and Information Technology (IP/IT) group helps clients keep pace with constantly changing laws and regulations, and navigate the complex interactions among government regulations, market demands and economic forces at home and abroad.
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Global Overview
Intellectual property and information technology can circle the world at the click of a button. Whether your company is focused on developing, delivering and supporting IT products and services, you are an investor with an emphasis on the technology sector, or your business model is focused on the development and marketing of creative assets, you need equally strong legal protection wherever your products are sold, licensed or shared.
Ally Law member firms are located in key commercial and technology centers worldwide, home to the technology hubs, universities, research institutions, corporate headquarters, government regulatory agencies, public-private partnerships and other entities that are driving the advancement and delivery of technology solutions. Drawing on our lawyers’ deep experience with intellectual property law and regulation across multiple regimes, we help clients identify, protect and exploit their most valuable assets, respond quickly to stop infringement, unauthorized use and other violations of their legally recognized rights, and negotiate a wide range of licensing, technology transfer, outsourcing and related agreements.
The Ally Law Advantage
Ally Law includes member firms with solid credentials and significant experience in domestic and global intellectual property law. Ranked among the top IP and technology law providers in North America, the Asia-Pacific region and across Europe, we offer clients sophisticated, coordinated IP counsel virtually everywhere their operations, vendors and customers are found.
We provide high-quality responsive service at competitive, local rates, and have a long history establishing strong, enduring relationships with our clients. We know where your business is heading and how technology and innovation can help you achieve your goals.
Our CLients
Among other industries, our member firms and individual lawyers advise clients in the advertising, aviation, biotech, data aggregation, entertainment and media, food and beverage, gaming, garment, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, medical devices, natural resources, pharmaceuticals, software, sporting goods, telecommunications, and other sectors on all aspects of domestic, international and cross-border IP and IT protection.
Leaders
Resources
E-Signature Guide
Ally Law has created a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction guide to help companies understand how e-signatures are used, regulated and enforced in countries where they may have key business relationships.
Vorys Intellectual Property Podcast
Vorys discusses the new generative AI tools from an HR perspective. They also cover best practices for using these new tools.
Latinx Employee Privacy
Ally Law’s Latinx member firms are pleased to provide this jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction guide to the region’s employee privacy laws.
NFTs and Fashion in the USA
Alan Behr, partner in the fashion practice of Phillips Nizer, discusses the importance of trademark registration for electronic assets.
Heading to the Metaverse?
Ally’s IP Group Co-Chair, Claire Lehr, discusses the Metabirken and Juventus trade mark cases and guidance issued by IP offices, offering recommendations for those entering the Metaverse or who want to protect their brand in the Metaverse.
ChatGPT, AI and HR
Guest host Mike Messinger, partner in the Vorys Washington, D.C. office, invites Vorys At Work Podcast host Chaz Billington, partner in the Vorys Cleveland office, to discuss the new generative AI tools with an HR perspective. They also go into best practices for using these new tools.
News
- September 22, 2023
Nate Snyder and Adam Brown discuss intellectual property basics this week.
- September 22, 2023
On September 11, 2023, Delaware Governor John Carney signed House Bill No.
- September 19, 2023
In a landmark judgment on 4 July 2023, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) delivered a significant ruling in the Meta Platforms case, shedding light on the intricate relationship between data protection rules and competition law.
- September 18, 2023
Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) in 2020, which aims to prevent US companies from engaging in certain illegal activities, including money laundering and tax fraud, by implementing federal disclosure procedures intended to identify bad actors.
- September 15, 2023
By means of negative-list-approach, foreign investors should be entitled to access all sectors as if they were local ones, except for those restricted in a list (negative list).
- September 14, 2023
Since August 2023, Brazil has acceded to the Hague Protocol, an agreement administered by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) that simplifies the process of protecting industrial designs in several member countries.
- September 14, 2023
The Corporate Transparency Act (the “CTA”) goes into effect on January 1, 2024, and requires businesses to report information to FinCEN pertaining to the businesses’ beneficial owners.
- September 14, 2023
Recently, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit considered whether “gruyere” cheese can be registered as a trademark in the United States, or whether it is merely a generic term that is not entitled to trademark protection.
Services
We advise clients in jurisdictions worldwide in the following areas:
Prosecution and Compliance
- Advertising and Media Law
- Competition Law
- Consumer Protection Law
- Copyright
- Data Privacy and Protection
- Domain Names
- Industrial Designs
- Intellectual Property Audits
- Patents
- Sweepstakes and Promotions
- Trade Secrets
- Trademarks, Service Marks and Trade Names
Transactions
- Franchise Agreements
- Joint Venture and Joint R&D Agreements
- License Agreements
- Merger and Acquisition Due Diligence
- Reseller and OEM Agreements
- Technology Transfers
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Antipiracy and Anticounterfeit Law
- Business Litigation and Appeals
- International Arbitration and Appeals
Rankings
Chambers Global
Chambers USA
Chambers Latin America
Chambers Fintech
Legal 500 EMEA
Legal 500 Paris
Legal 500 Latin America
Legal 500 Asia Pacific
WIPR Leaders Directory
Chambers Global
The Chambers Global Guide ranks the top lawyers and law firms in over 200 jurisdictions across the world. Some member IP/IT highlights from the 2023 guide include:
Formosan Brothers (Taiwan) is ranked in Band 3, for Intellectual Property for their notable skills in patent litigation, trademark and copyright enforcement, and trade secret protection issues. IP lawyer Yvonne Lin, rated in Band 2, is recognized for her work with multinational clients on patent and copyright litigation. Formosan Brothers IP ranking was also featured in the 2023 Greater China Region Guide.
Torkin Manes LLP (Canada/Toronto+Ontario) is ranked in Band 3 for Information Technology for tech practice of Lisa Lifshitz, which includes the negotiation of e-commerce and cloud computing agreements, as well as privacy and data security matters. One client described Lisa as “a keen negotiator who knows what to give and not give in each matter.” This acknowledgement also appears in the 2023 Canada Guide – Nationwide.
Chambers USA
The Chambers USA Guide ranks the top lawyers and law firms across the USA. Our Ohio and Texas-based member firm is highlighted in the 2023 guide:
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP has two ranked lawyers in Intellectual Property. Mark Watkins, in Band 4 in Ohio, has experience across copyright and patent matters, and contentious and noncontentious trademark work. One client described him as “reliable and solution-orientated” with a “pragmatic and clear approach.” Carey Jordan, in Band 4 in Texas, is recognized for her practice in patent prosecution and portfolio management. One client said of her, “She is just brilliant. Carey is one of the sharpest legal strategists with whom I’ve ever interacted.”
Chambers Latin America
Chambers Latin America ranks the top lawyers and law firms in 19 jurisdictions, spanning Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, as well as all Spanish-speaking countries in South America. Some member IP/IT highlights from the 2023 guide include:
Richards, Cardinal, Tützer, Zabala, Zaefferer (Argentina) is ranked in Band 2 for Telecoms, Media, Technology (TMT) for being a team of choice for software licensing, infringements, and data privacy concerns. Juan Pablo Cardinal, ranked Band 2, advises clients on regulatory TMT mandates, and was categorized by clients as “well know in Argentina for technology law,” and “very responsive with the ability to build and train good teams of lawyers.” Lisandro Frene, also ranked Band 2, advises clients on data protection, media, and e-commerce mandates. One interviewee reports, “He offers a very valuable technical support on cases.”
PPO Abogados (Bolivia) is ranked in Band 1 for Intellectual Property for their strong bench of noteworthy practitioners who advise trademark and patent prosecution, infringement and enforcement, and regulatory and copyright issues for well-known local and international clients. Pilar Soruco Etcheverry, rated Band 1, counsels clients on patent and trade mark matters as well as IP litigation. One client said of her, “She is one of the most important IP lawyers in Bolivia and South America.”
Chambers Fintech
The Chambers FinTech Guide identifies and differentiates the leading payments, blockchain, cyber security and data protection specialists globally. Some member IP/IT highlights from the 2023 guide include:
Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados (Brazil), rated in Band 2, advises on matters relating to payment regulations and structuring of innovative financial products and services, and the formation of joint ventures for the development of FinTech solutions. One client commented, “The team consists of agile, problem-solving, results-driven and hands-on professionals, with very deep knowledge and skills.” Marcelo Padua Lima, rated Band 3, advises on online payments, regulatory Central Bank-related issues, acquisitions and sector-related corporate mandates, and is described by one client as, “simply exceptional.”
WH Partners (Malta), rated in Band 2, handles regulatory issues concerning virtual financial assets and often advises clients on blockchain, data protection, cybersecurity and tax matters. Joseph Borg, rated in Band 2, has significant experience in the legal issues surrounding cryptocurrency, blockchain and ICOs and capability in IP matters and gaming law. On fintech client said, “Joe is quite simply one of the brightest in the field.”
Legal 500 EMEA
The Legal 500 EMEA edition analyzes capabilities of law firms in 80 jurisdictions across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Member firms highlighted in areas of IP/IT in the 2023 guide include:
Edwin Coe, LLP (England) is ranked in Tier 5 for TMT (Technology, Media And Telecoms) and Intellectual Property specifically in the areas of Trade Marks, Copyright and Design. Noted for its strength in advising brands, they cover the full range of issues from acquisitions to the exploitation and protection of its IP, handling a mix of contentious and commercial IP mandates, as well as managing IP portfolios for clients nationally, across Europe, and internationally. Clients commented, “The firm’s pragmatic approach to conflict resolution sets it apart.”
Hayes solicitors LLP (Ireland) is ranked Tier 2 in the area of Media and Entertainment for their work on all aspects of media law and related litigation. Renowned for its knowledge of defamation, copyright, data protection, privacy and contempt law, clients’ characterized the team as “open and thorough, giving solid and reliable advice,” and as “collaborating with its clients rather than providing services.”
Hayes also ranked in Tier 3 in Data Privacy and Data Protection for guiding clients through the implications of data protection and privacy regulations on their businesses, particularly GDPR compliance. With significant expertise in marketing, advertising and e-commerce, specifically use of cookies, data analytics and targeted and programmatic advertising, clients described them as “always available and provides practical advice relevant to the client’s specific sector.”
Finally, Hayes ranked in Tier 4 in Intellectual Property where they advise multinational clients across a range of sectors with trademark registration, commercial and licensing agreements, and brand management. One client described the practice as “unique in its understanding of this industry, range of services, speed of response, collaborative approach and ability to find solutions to legal challenges.”
Lipa Meir & Co. (Israel) is ranked in Tier 3 for Intellectual Property: Commercial/Transactions for their comprehensive advice to Israeli HMOs and leading companies regarding IP-driven M&A transactions and complex licensing agreements. One team member was described by a client as “highly creative and decisive.”
WH Partners (Malta) is ranked Tier 1 in Fintech for their diverse fintech, blockchain and technology practice where they advise on licensing and registration, commercial and corporate issues, data protection and cybersecurity, and negotiation of big-ticket technology licensing deals. Clients shared this team has “exceptional industry knowledge and connections” and that they are “commercially aware, straight to the point, and very experienced.”
WH Partners also is ranked in Tier 3 in Intellectual Property, assisting clients with the registration of trademarks and designs in Malta and with the EUIPO, and in the commercialization of all types of IP through licensing, franchising and sponsorship.
Rated Tier 3 in Dispute resolution, section head Davinia Cutajar represents the firm’s fintech and TMT sector clients in intellectual property, shareholder, insolvency, breach of contract, employment and commercial disputes, and is described by clients as, “proficient in developing strategies in complex matters.”
Legal 500 Paris
The Legal 500 Paris is a reference work independently rating business law professionals across 45 practices and 300 law firms operating in France. Member firms highlighted in areas of IP/IT in the 2023 guide include:
Our French member, Alerion, is rated as Tier 4 in the Industry Focus: IT and Internet and Intellectual Property: Trademarks and Designs sections, describing the team as having excellent skills and knowledge in IP and highly solution-oriented for its clients. Lead lawyer, Corinne Thiérache is “an excellent lawyer, business-minded, while IP partner Caroline Bui is “ highly conscientious and quick-minded.”
Legal 500 Latin America
The Legal 500 Latin America edition analyzes capabilities of law firms in Mexico, Central America and South America. Member firms highlighted in areas of IP/IT in the 2023 guide include:
PPO Abogados (Bolivia), ranked as Tier 3, focuses on the contentious side, and now its trademark and patent filing capabilities following the introduction of renowned figure in the market, Pilar Soruco. One client commented, “For the Bolivian environment, they have been raised as one of the most valuable firms to work with due to fast and precise responses, and also very flexible in terms of fees.”
Richards, Cardinal, Tützer, Zabala, Zaefferer (Argentina) is ranked in Tier 3 for TMT where they advise on disruptive tech and digital transformation, notably blockchain, quantic computing, AI, machine learning, analytics, IoT, big data and data processing, as well as assisting clients with cryptocurrency and fintech regulations. The firm’s experience covers IP advice to consumers, fair trade law, data privacy, telecoms regime, OTT, convergence and regulatory matters.
Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados (Brazil), ranked in Tier 4, for TMT: Tech, Innovation and Digital Business, for its expertise in global financial and payment technologies, advising both established tech companies and major retailers and players in the Brazilian chemicals and oil and gas industries. One client commented, “It is clear that the Cascione team is always following market innovations and the group of partners is highly qualified in the area of technology, providing great comfort to the internal teams.”
Legal 500 Asia Pacific
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific provides unbiased commentary and insight into the legal marketplaces of 25 Asia Pacific jurisdictions. Our Taiwanese member firm is highlighted in the 2023 guide:
Formosan Brothers Attorneys at Law (Taiwan), ranked in Tier 3, advises a broad selection of well-known tech companies and international companies on IP law, regularly handling cross-border patents, trademarks, and copyright matters. Practice head Yvonne Lin focuses on fair trade law and licensing matters, particularly for high-value clients in the automotive, manufacturing, and technology sector.
WIPR Leaders Directory
The World Intellectual Property Review’s Leaders Directory is a one-stop guide to the leading IP practitioners in the world that provides guidance on the challenges facing businesses and legal practitioners active in intellectual property, as well as marketing and branding professionals who operate online.
IP practitioners at Edwin Coe (London) including Simon Miles, Claire Lehr and Nick Phillips have been recognised as leaders in the 2023 WIPR Leaders Directory.