At one end of the ip activity spectrum is IP creation. Many law firms specialize in this area, preparing and filing patent, trademark and copyright applications. Although our firm has extensive experience in this area, this is not a significant part of our practice. We work with our clients to develop an IP strategy that is aligned with their business strategy and the relevant global technology, business and legal trends.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is IP litigation. Although Phase M has deep experience in this area as well, our focus is helping our clients avoid expensive and risky litigation. We help our clients identify, structure and negotiate a wide range of transactions that support and propel their business strategy so that litigation becomes only one of many options available in leveraging an ip portfolio. When litigation cannot be avoided, our deep litigation expertise can help guide the deployment of resources strategically so that the business goals come first, not those of litigation counsel.

In the middle of the spectrum, the middle phase or "phase M" is almost everything else relevant to using, leveraging and managing intellectual property. Between creation and the ultimate activity of exercising intellectual property rights in litigation, lies the real power and opportunity behind IP.

 

In this middle phase, IP opportunities can be formed and shaped to meet business objectives. Depending upon your business objectives, IP can be acquired, sold-off, licensed, used to build supplier chains, collaborations, joint ventures, spin-outs, and an endless variety of other opportunities specific to your strategic business goals and the business environment.