Copyrights and Trademarks
The number of claims of online copyright and trademark infringement by web site owners, bloggers, affiliate marketers, and user-generated content developers is constantly growing. Our attorneys have extensive experience filing, obtaining and protecting copyrights and trademarks for our clients worldwide. We also offer counsel on open source issues related to “free” software and upgrades.
Defamation
The explosive growth of the Internet and related technologies opens the door to a new legal arena. Blogs, forums, chat rooms, and other technology-driven vehicles may result in defamatory assaults on a client’s name and reputation.
Virtually anyone with a web connection can post smears, slanted news items, rumors, or outright lies – offenses that can penetrate “social media” such as blogs at cyber speed. We’ve seen attacks on high-profile companies such as Microsoft and Dell, but the list of victims is long and represents virtually all industries. Harris Beach can take action against online libel in a timely manner.
Domain Names
The legal issues surrounding domain names can be complex and confusing. Harris Beach has experience obtaining, protecting, and negotiating for domain names, as well as handling domain name disputes, and related litigation matters.
Electronic Commerce
Any organization that does business on the Internet has a legal relationship with its customers, which is spelled out in their “Terms and Conditions” statement. We craft terms and conditions for clients who sell products, distribute content, allow end users to post messages, or do anything online that raises the potential for third party liability. In addition, we handle retail tax issues, product specific regulatory issues, and other business issues including electronic signatures, unsolicited emails, conducting online research studies and distance education.
Information Technology
Data on the Internet and other electronic information is now discoverable. Our Certified Computer Examiner (CCE®) forensic professionals can help clients recover crucial hidden or deleted files germane to a case through a verified process that ensures this discovered evidence is admissible in a court. The greater your organization’s online presence, the greater your exposure to security threats. We offer a full range of services to help your business secure and optimize its IT systems.
Jurisdiction
With online business transactions on the rise and a lack of clear rules relative to jurisdiction of the Internet, the legal risks associated with international commerce are expected to rise dramatically. Harris Beach attorneys can provide valuable counsel regarding confusing and ever evolving online jurisdiction issues.
Non-Legal Reputation Management Solutions/Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
In addition to legal resolution, there are non-legal solutions and technical aspects of reputation management we can provide to organizations. Harris Beach has combined our extensive legal experience with the technological savvy of a leading SEO company to provide an integrated online reputation management solution. An SEO firm can implement a reputation management program to quickly restore your hard-won business or personal reputation. Harris Beach can help facilitate this program which unfolds in three steps: analysis, intervention and measurement.