In a competitive marketplace, it’s essential to retain the rights to your intellectual property (IP), especially when it’s an original design or creation. Whether you’re a solo inventor or entrepreneur or a representative of a larger company with a complete research and development (R&D) department, it’s vital to have the protection of a Standard Essential Patents (SEP) lawyer.
Our SEP lawyers at Coffy Law are well-qualified and experienced with the complexities of American patent law. Our experts can help you protect your IP through patents, defend your organization against competitor challenges, and assert your patents in the marketplace.
To understand SEPs, you must first understand technical standards. A technical standard is a documented set of requirements, specifications, or guidelines that compose consistent criteria for a technical product, services, process, or method. Technical standards ensure compatibility and quality across different manufacturers or users within a particular field to facilitate interoperability and proper operation across brands.
Some examples of technical standards include:
SEPs are patents that protect technology that is essential to a technical standard. SEP lawyers, therefore, must be technically savvy and experienced in counsel to provide both legal and technical support to organizations. Our lawyers at Coffy Law are just that.
SEP law is extremely complex and it’s exceedingly difficult for organizations to navigate without the guidance of qualified counsel. Coffy Law’s SEP lawyers can provide support with:
This is just the tip of the SEP iceberg. American patent law is extraordinarily complex, especially when it comes to technical standards. Failing to comply, either intentionally or through negligence, can lead to serious fines or even criminal charges.
Creating technical standards and inventing SEP that innovates them further requires a kind of genius. However, that doesn’t often translate to being able to effectively meet legal and compliance regulations.
For that, you need the technical experience and SEP expertise of Coffy Law’s SEP lawyers. Contact our SEP lawyer today.
In today’s technology-driven world, businesses often rely on industry standards to develop competitive products and services. Standard-essential patents (SEPs) play a vital role in this process, ensuring that companies can use essential technologies while respecting patent rights. However, securing fair licensing terms for SEPs can be challenging, especially when disputes arise over usage rights or licensing fees. At COFFYLAW, we understand how important it is to protect your interests and reach solutions that support your business objectives.
Businesses using technologies covered by SEPs often encounter disputes over licensing terms, royalty rates, and contract obligations. Patent holders want to safeguard their intellectual property while ensuring fair access to essential technologies. On the other side, companies using those patents seek reasonable licensing terms to develop their products without excessive costs or restrictions. These differences can lead to conflicts that disrupt operations, delay product launches, and increase expenses.
Companies may also face difficulties when negotiating licensing agreements. Without experienced legal guidance, it’s easy to overlook important details that could affect long-term business goals. Having a trusted legal partner helps avoid costly mistakes and resolve disputes efficiently.
At COFFYLAW, we work with clients to develop practical strategies that address standard-essential patent issues. We begin by understanding your business goals and assessing the patents or technologies involved. Whether you are a patent holder looking to license your technology or a company seeking fair access to essential innovations, we provide tailored solutions to meet your needs. Review our Patent Case Study here.
Our services include negotiating licensing agreements, drafting contracts, and representing clients in disputes. We focus on protecting your rights while working toward solutions that support business growth. If litigation becomes necessary, we are prepared to advocate for you to achieve the best possible outcome.
Fair licensing agreements are essential for maintaining competitiveness and promoting innovation. By securing balanced terms, businesses can develop products with confidence, knowing they are protected from potential disputes. For patent holders, fair agreements provide a reliable source of revenue while supporting broader industry advancement.
Licensing disputes can be costly and time-consuming, diverting attention away from core business activities. Our goal is to help you address issues early, secure favorable terms, and avoid unnecessary delays. Clear agreements also strengthen business relationships and provide long-term stability.
Different industries face unique challenges when dealing with standard-essential patents. Whether you are involved in telecommunications, electronics, automotive technology, or software development, we tailor our approach to fit your specific needs. Our team stays informed about industry standards and legal developments, allowing us to offer practical solutions that align with your objectives.
We understand that every client’s situation is different. By working closely with you, we create strategies designed to protect your interests while supporting your broader business goals. Learn more about the value of your ideas in my book, The Value of Your Idea$.
Dealing with standard-essential patents requires a thoughtful approach that balances legal rights with business needs. Working with an experienced SEP lawyer can help you secure fair agreements, resolve disputes, and move your business forward with confidence. At COFFYLAW, we are dedicated to providing practical solutions that support your success. Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your valuable assets and secure the licensing terms you need.
Disputes involving Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) can quickly escalate into complex legal battles, especially when patent holders and implementers cannot agree on licensing terms. At COFFYLAW, we focus on helping clients work through SEP-related issues with precision and strategy. We’re proud to be rated 10.0 by Justia and to hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. In this article, our SEP lawyer will explore the most common causes of SEP legal conflicts and how our team can help protect your intellectual property rights. If you are facing these issues, be sure to contact legal help as soon as possible.
1. FRAND Licensing Disputes
One of the most frequent sources of SEP litigation involves disagreements over FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) licensing terms. When SEP holders and companies using standardized technologies can’t agree on what’s fair, legal action often follows.
2. Patent Infringement Claims
Implementers of standardized technology sometimes use SEPs without obtaining a license. This leads to infringement lawsuits, where we help patent owners enforce their rights against unauthorized use of their patented technology. We have seen this happen a lot in family in companies, and our SEP lawyer is more than willing to help resolve it.
3. Refusal To License
Some SEP holders refuse to license their patents at all, despite obligations to do so under standard-setting organization (SSO) rules. This conduct can result in antitrust and breach of contract claims.
4. Hold-Up Behavior By Patent Owners
Patent hold-up occurs when a SEP holder waits until a technology is widely adopted before demanding excessive licensing fees. This strategy undermines competition and is a common basis for litigation in SEP matters.
5. Hold-Out Behavior By Implementers
On the flip side, implementers may delay or avoid entering into licenses by disputing the validity or value of SEPs. We work with SEP holders to address these tactics and secure fair compensation for their innovations.
6. Invalidity Challenges
Implementers frequently challenge the validity of SEPs in court or through inter partes review (IPR) proceedings. These defensive tactics aim to weaken a patent holder’s position but require a strong legal strategy to overcome.
7. Antitrust Allegations
SEP disputes often raise antitrust issues, particularly when licensing terms or enforcement actions are seen as harming competition. These claims add another layer of difficulty and risk to SEP litigation.
8. Jurisdictional Disputes
Determining the appropriate court or country for an SEP case can become a legal battle in itself, especially in international disputes involving global tech companies. Our experience helps clients manage multi-jurisdictional enforcement efforts.
9. Injunction Requests
SEP holders may seek injunctions to stop the use of their patented technology, while implementers argue such moves violate FRAND commitments. Courts handle these situations with great scrutiny, making legal counsel essential.
10. Non-Disclosure Of SEPs During Standard-Setting
Failure to disclose patents during the standard-setting process can lead to claims of deceptive conduct and lost enforcement rights. We help clients understand and follow best practices during these critical early stages.
At COFFYLAW, we work closely with inventors, tech companies, and IP stakeholders to resolve SEP disputes effectively and decisively. Our SEP lawyer is ready to help you with your case. If you’re facing a legal issue involving Standard Essential Patents, COFFYLAW is ready to stand with you and protect your rights through every step of the process.
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