Many businesses fail to understand and protect possibly their most valuable asset – the intellectual property of the company. And in today’s Web 2.0 world, companies must also be especially cognizant not to infringe on the intellectual property rights of other companies and individuals. Attorneys need to counsel their clients on intellectual property issues and leverage their client’s intellectual property to help them realize the most value from these highly valuable assets.
Join Peter R. Afrasiabi as he primarily discusses the protections and limitations of United States copyright, trademark and patent law. Copyright topics addressed include what is covered under copyright law, the three necessary elements to achieve copyright protection, when copyright protection begins, the copyright owner, employee rights vs. independent contractors, the duration of copyright protections, the rights of copyright holders, infringement and fair use. Trademark issues covered include examples of trademarks, the purpose of trademark protection, how rights are acquired, generic, descriptive, suggestive & arbitrary marks, the duration of protection, filing a claim, infringement, cybersquatting, dilution and fair use. Mr. Afrasiabi also discusses the benefits of having a patent, the scope of protection, obtaining a patent, patent rights, the competitive advantage in the marketplace, causes of action and design patents.
From battles with Madonna over the “Material Girl” brand to fair use disputes with the Eagles’ Don Henley to protecting such iconic brands as Bettie Page in trademark and trade dress disputes, Peter R. Afrasiabi primarily handles copyright, trademark, and entertainment disputes. Recognized for his expertise, Mr. Afrasiabi has been a legal commentator on NBC and CBS, in addition to being recognized as a ”Super Lawyer” – an honor less than 5% of lawyers in Southern California receive. Also an adjunct professor of law, he was selected by the University of California’s prestigious CEB publications division to author an annual intellectual property chapter entitled Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks. Mr. Afrasiabi’s recently published book Show Trials was a 2012 Indie Book National Finalist.
Practice Areas: Bankruptcy | Business Law | Employment Law | Family Law | Intellectual Property | Personal Injury | Trusts and Estates
State Accreditations: California (CA)