Intellectual Property Lawyers for Honolulu, Hawaii

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Meet some of our Honolulu Intellectual Property Lawyers

Jeanilou M. - Intellectual Property Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii
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Member Since:
August 10, 2023

Jeanilou M.

Small Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
Honolulu, Hawaii
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in HI CA
Concord Law School

Jeanilou G.T. Maschhoff has over 20 years of comprehensive business operations, finance, and development experience in addition to being a licensed attorney in California and Hawaii. She zealously works as a Trusted Advisor, Business/Brand Consultant, and Advocate for small businesses, non-profit organizations, and personal brands. She is dedicated to helping female business owners and professionals in the entertainment, beauty, fashion, and wellness industries make their goals a reality. She uses her diversified expertise to provide a holistic approach to addressing business and legal needs. Acting as a trusted advisor and outsourced general counsel, she assists on an array of business and personal matters. Passionate about social justice and assisting underrepresented populations, Jeanilou started her legal career working in the non-profit sector working towards access to justice and gender equity. She continues to assist non-profit organizations in many capacities and actively looks to partner businesses with charitable causes, creating a synergistic effect that benefits not only the organizations involved but our society as a whole. As an early adopter of the virtual practice of law, Jeanilou has been assisting law firms and solo practitioners adjust to the remote delivery of legal services and helping businesses explore Web 3.0.

Samantha P. - Intellectual Property Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii
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Member Since:
October 24, 2023

Samantha P.

Family Law Attorney
Free Consultation
Honolulu, Hawaii
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in HI
William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii

Samantha earned her J.D. at the University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law and has been a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association since 2020. Samantha has worked as a Family Law attorney in Hawaii since 2020, and has represented clients on a variety of family law matters including: premarital agreements, pre- and post-judgement custody, parenting time and child support issues, pre- and post-divorce issues, interstate custody, and paternity issues. Samantha is a certified E-RYT 200 yoga instructor, taught yoga classes at the Modern Hotel in Waikiki throughout law school, and continues to teach yoga classes at various yoga studios in Honolulu to this day.

Jerry C. - Intellectual Property Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii
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Member Since:
October 29, 2024

Jerry C.

Partner
Free Consultation
HAWAII
30 Yrs Experience
Licensed in HI
Univ. of Hawaii, W. Richardson School of Law

I have been practicing law for over twenty years. My practice includes employment/labor law, alternative dispute resolution, estate planning, business and general civil matters.

Shannon Y. - Intellectual Property Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii
View Shannon
Member Since:
July 25, 2025

Shannon Y.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Kailua, Hawaii
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in HI
William S. Richardson School of Law at UH Manoa

Attorney specializing in Family Law and Small Business Law. Georgetown and London School of Economics alum. Law Degree from UH Manoa Richardson School of Law. Small local business entrepreneur on Oahu for 10+ years.

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Meet some of our other Intellectual Property Lawyers

Jimmy V. - Intellectual Property Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii
View Jimmy
5.0 (26)
Member Since:
February 10, 2023

Jimmy V.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Austin, Texas
45 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX
University os San Diego

Hello, I can help you with this project. I’m a semi-retired, long-time US attorney with substantial experience in business and corporate law. I help startups and small businesses prepare and file the documents necessary to set up corporations or LLCs.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Jimmy did an excellent job drafting the documents I needed, would work with again!"

Robert M. - Intellectual Property Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii
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5.0 (14)
Member Since:
February 14, 2023

Robert M.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Nashville
5 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TN
Nashville School of Law

Robert is a sixth-generation Tennessean and part of a long line of Tennessee attorneys: There has been a Marks attorney in Tennessee since 1856. In 1929, Robert’s great-grandfather established an event venue, Shadowbrook, which Robert has worked at his entire life, including managing for 10 years. He knows what business owners are dealing with—especially venue owners—because he has dealt with it. While Robert loves the hospitality industry, he pursued his passion. In 2016, Robert decided to attend law school and continue managing the business. He thrived. He was a founding member of the Nashville School of Law's Legal Aid Society, received the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Law Student for Justice award, and interned with the Tennessee Supreme Court's Access to Justice Commission. Before co-founding Mercury Legal Group, Robert focused on estate planning in solo practice. In this role, he helped clients protect what they had spent a lifetime building. Now he helps his clients build their businesses by providing tailored legal services.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Robert is so professional and yet friendly! He was very easy to work with. I explained my situation and he has immediate solutions to get everything worked out. I’m su with his work ethic and overall attentiveness to the project. He will be my new lawyer moving on."

O.T. W. - Intellectual Property Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii
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5.0 (1)
Member Since:
March 8, 2023

O.T. W.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Washington, DC
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MD, NY
Texas Southern University - Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Hi, my name is O.T. and I own The Walker Collective, a law firm that caters to the contractual, intellectual property, and business formation needs of creative entrepreneurs and small business owners. I am licensed to practice in Maryland and New York.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"O.T was very personable, knowledgable, and resourceful. Would definitely use her again!"

Amber M. - Intellectual Property Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii
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5.0 (29)
Member Since:
March 8, 2023

Amber M.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Arizona
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in AZ, OK
J. Reuben Clark Law School

Amber Masters has 11 years of experience as a contracts attorney, helping small businesses with an array of agreements, such as purchase agreements, master service agreements, and employment contracts. She has an extensive background assisting health care providers through practice transitions including dentists, doctors, and other health care professionals. She is a highly rated and acclaimed estate planning attorney and personal finance expert, who has been featured on CNBC, NBC, and Yahoo Finance. She successfully launched and sold a fintech startup and can empathize with the issues small and mid-size businesses face. Licensed in Oklahoma and Arizona.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Amber was great to work with. Clear scope delivery on schedule and budget. Very helpful and efficient. Would highly recommend her."

Faryal A. - Intellectual Property Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii
View Faryal
4.9 (232)
Member Since:
February 23, 2023

Faryal A.

Attorney/Counsel
Free Consultation
Houston, Texas
4 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX
University of Houston

Ms. Ayub is an attorney licensed to practice in Texas. Before moving to the US, she has a number of years of experience in contract review, analysis and drafting. Ms. Ayub is available to help you with your legal problems, as well as filling LLC and other business entity formation documents. To know more about her practice, please visit https://ayublawfirmpllc.com/.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"It was great to work with Faryal - I appreciated her thoroughness and responsiveness to all of my follow-up questions. She caught many things in my contract drafts that were missing. I feel very confident about utilizing my contracts now!"

Jason H. - Intellectual Property Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii
View Jason
4.9 (21)
Member Since:
March 5, 2023

Jason H.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Dallas, Texas
25 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX, VA
Regent University, School of Law

Jason has been providing legal insight and business expertise since 2001. He is admitted to both the Virginia Bar and the Texas State Bar, and also proud of his membership to the Fellowship of Ministers and Churches. Having served many people, companies and organizations with legal and business needs, his peers and clients know him to be a high-performing and skilled attorney who genuinely cares about his clients. In addition to being a trusted legal advisor, he is a keen business advisor for executive leadership and senior leadership teams on corporate legal and regulatory matters. His personal mission is to take a genuine interest in his clients, and serve as a primary resource to them.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Wonderful attorney! He was extremely professional, answered all of my questions and was patient with my complicated legal situation. Don’t hesitate to hire him."

Moxie M. - Intellectual Property Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii
View Moxie
Member Since:
February 11, 2023

Moxie M.

Employment Lawyer
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, CA
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, FL, OH
Stetson University College of Law

Lindsey has always been deeply invested in the power of knowledge; she was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio before making her way to Miami University for a dual Bachelor's degree. Afterward, Lindsey completed a Juris Doctor at Stetson University with an International Law concentration before earning a Health & Hospital law Certificate from Seton Hall School of Law. After graduating law school, Lindsey began her career as an associate at a Florida-based insurance litigation firm. She eventually transitioned to become a multi-year Rising Star in Employment Law by Super Lawyers as a labor and employment lawyer with Scott Wagner and Associates, supporting clients in Florida, California & Ohio with employment law matters. Her expertise covers counseling on workplace policies/handbooks; investigations into EEO discrimination/retaliation claims; wage disputes & wrongful terminations - equipping employees across multiple states for success in the ever-changing modern workforce landscape. Leveraging extensive knowledge of state/federal regulations gained from handling dozens of cases over many years, Lindsey has established herself as a leader in the field. Lindsey is a seasoned litigator, well-versed in the complexities of employer and employee disputes. She has represented clients on both sides during numerous mediations and provides an informed perspective when advocating for her clients' interests. She sharpened her dispute resolution skills by completing Harvard Law School's Negotiation Mediation course as part of their Executive Education Program as well as a Florida Circuit Civil Certified Mediator - making her qualified to mediate Circuit Civil cases in Florida as well as California and Ohio. Her breadth of knowledge provides valuable insight into the complexities each side faces while navigating their way through conflict mediation situations. With her varied expertise in the world of entertainment industry employment law, Lindsey has become a go-to source for Hollywood professionals, studios, and companies looking to make sure their legal considerations and entertainment contract law knowledge is up to date. From contract negotiations and employment advice to her outstanding knowledge of current regulations, she provides clients with everything they need for success both now and into the future. Lindsey dedicates her time and expertise to advancing the legal community. She proudly serves on the Executive Council for Florida Bar Association Labor and Employment Section, as well as with American Bar's Membership Outreach Committee in a leadership role. Lindsey is also an respected LA Magazine Editorial Board Member while Co-Chairing both LACBA CLE Event Dinner Committees - focusing on labor and employment law developments. Lindsey is passionate about providing accessible legal services to those in need. She serves on the Pro Bono Mediation Panel for the U.S Central District Court of California, volunteers as a mediator with California Lawyers for Arts and acts as Settlement Officer with Los Angeles Superior Court's ResolveLA program - all while donating her time towards resolving disputes through pro bono mediation at Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC). Lindsey is a globetrotter, an outdoor enthusiast, and dedicated sports fan all rolled into one. While splitting time between California, Florida and Ohio she has the best of three world - from hiking trails to family gatherings there's always something interesting on her horizon! Plus with photography as a hobby Lindsey enjoys capturing life’s precious moments so they can be treasured for years to come.

Candace M. - Intellectual Property Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii
View Candace
Member Since:
February 24, 2023

Candace M.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Prosper, Texas
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in LA, TX
Loyola University

For over 20 years, as an attorney and real estate broker, Candace has used her passion for business and real estate to help her clients succeed as business owners, entrepreneurs Realtors, and real estate investors. She and her team go above and beyond to simplify and solve those issues which trouble her clients. From the simple to the complex, she is ready to help. Her experience includes, Real Estate law, Contracts, Business Formation, Business Operating AGreements and Entrepreneurial counseling.

Intellectual Property Legal Questions and Answers

Intellectual Property

Independent Contractor Agreement

North Carolina

Asked on Nov 10, 2023

How to address IP rights in contractor agreements?

I am an entrepreneur who has recently started a business and is looking to hire independent contractors to help with my operations. I want to make sure that I have a clear understanding of the Intellectual Property rights associated with this agreement, so that I can ensure that any IP created by the contractors is legally protected.

N'kia N.

Answered Nov 14, 2023

A business has multiple options for protecting its intellectual property when working with an independent contractor. For a few examples: 1. A "work made for hire" agreement or clause can establish that the business is the owner of intellectual property that the independent contractor creates. 2. A confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement or clause can require the independent contractor to maintain the confidentiality (and limit or prohibit the independent contractor's disclosure) of the business' confidential or proprietary information. This can include the business' trade secrets (one type of intellectual property), as well as other information that might not rise to the level of trade secrets. 3. A non-competition agreement or clause can prohibit the independent contractor from using, or allowing someone else to use, the business' intellectual property to compete with the business. An independent contractor agreement with intellectual property considerations could implicate various federal and state-specific laws. A knowledgeable North Carolina attorney should be able to help you with an independent contractor agreement that complies with all the applicable laws. To ensure that you have a clear understanding of the intellectual property rights associated with your independent contractor agreement, you should consult with a knowledgeable attorney.

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Intellectual Property

Work For Hire Agreement

Texas

Asked on May 20, 2025

Can an employer claim ownership of intellectual property created by an employee under a Work For Hire Agreement?

I recently started a new job where I am expected to create original content as part of my role. I was asked to sign a Work For Hire Agreement that states any intellectual property I create during my employment will be owned by the company. However, I have concerns about this arrangement as I have invested significant time and resources into developing my creative skills and worry that my work may be undervalued or exploited without proper compensation or recognition. I would like to understand if the employer can legitimately claim ownership of my intellectual property under the Work For Hire Agreement, and if there are any steps I can take to protect my rights while still meeting my employment obligations.

Sara S.

Answered Jun 24, 2025

Hi, Yes, intellectual property created by you as an employee, within the scope of your employment, under a work-for-hire agreement, probably belongs to your employer. To learn more about your rights under the agreement and any exceptions, you should consult with a qualified attorney.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Intellectual Property

Copyright Search

Texas

Asked on Aug 16, 2025

Is it necessary to conduct a copyright search before using a specific image for commercial purposes?

I am a freelance graphic designer and I recently came across a striking image that I would like to incorporate into a client's commercial project. However, I want to ensure that I am not infringing on any copyright laws. I have heard about copyright searches, but I am unsure if they are necessary or if there are any potential legal consequences for using an image without conducting such a search. I want to make sure I am taking the necessary precautions to protect myself and my client from any legal issues.

Randy M.

Answered Sep 30, 2025

When you’re preparing work for a client, the key issue isn’t whether you’ve run a formal copyright search, but whether you have the legal right to use the image. Copyright law automatically protects most images, so relying on the absence of a watermark or a registration record isn’t enough to keep you safe. Copyright Protection and Ownership Under U.S. law, copyright attaches the moment an original work is created and fixed in a tangible form (17 U.S.C. § 102). That means virtually every photo, illustration, or graphic you find online is already protected. Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office strengthens enforcement rights, but it isn’t required for protection. Likewise, the lack of a © symbol doesn’t mean an image is free to use. Because there’s no central database covering all copyrighted images, a formal copyright search isn’t practical or reliable in most cases. Even if you searched the Copyright Office’s records, you’d only be looking at registered works, which are a small fraction of what’s actually protected. Risks of Using Unlicensed Images If you incorporate an image without permission into a commercial project, you and your client could face serious consequences. Infringement can lead to cease-and-desist orders, statutory damages of $750 to $30,000 per work (and up to $150,000 for willful infringement) under 17 U.S.C. § 504(c), and potential liability for the copyright holder’s attorney’s fees. Courts generally view commercial use as disfavoring any “fair use” defense. Even if you didn’t intend to infringe, liability can still be imposed. Best Practices for Designers The best practice is to focus on obtaining images from sources where the licensing terms are clear and legally sound. For example: • Use reputable stock photo agencies such as Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, or Getty, where commercial licenses are explicit. • Choose Creative Commons images that allow commercial use (e.g., CC BY or CC0), but review license terms carefully. • Confirm public domain status when applicable, such as U.S. federal government works. • Contact creators directly for written permission if you want to use their work. • Keep copies of receipts, license agreements, or permission letters so you can show proof of rights if challenged. Reverse image search tools like Google Images or TinEye can be useful to trace the origin of an image and identify whether it’s sold or licensed by a third party. However, this is a step in due diligence, not a substitute for obtaining rights. Professional Responsibility As a freelance designer, your contracts may hold you responsible for ensuring that the materials you deliver don’t infringe anyone else’s rights. Delivering work that exposes your client to infringement claims can damage your reputation and your client relationship. The safest practice is to assume that any image you didn’t create yourself is protected until you confirm otherwise and secure the proper license.

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Intellectual Property

Invention Assignment Agreement

Texas

Asked on Aug 14, 2025

Can an Invention Assignment Agreement require employees to assign ownership of inventions created outside of work hours?

I recently signed an employment contract that includes an Invention Assignment Agreement, which states that I must assign ownership of any inventions I create during or outside of work hours. While I understand the need for the agreement in relation to work-related inventions, I am concerned about its implications for inventions I create on my own time and using my own resources. Can an employer legally require me to assign ownership of inventions created outside of work hours?

Randy M.

Answered Sep 9, 2025

Invention Assignment Agreements usually require employees to hand over rights to any inventions they come up with during their employment. But things can get tricky when the agreement tries to claim ownership of something you created on your own time using your own resources. What’s Generally Enforceable Employers often write these agreements in broad terms, sometimes trying to cover anything you invent while you're employed, even if it’s unrelated to your job. Courts usually uphold fair agreements, but they’ll look closely at anything that seems to overreach. Most states try to strike a balance. If an invention is directly tied to your work or the company’s business, the employer may have a valid claim. But if it’s something truly independent that you built on your own time without company tools or knowledge, you’re more likely to keep it. State Laws That Protect Employees Some states have gone further and passed laws that give employees more protection. California’s Labor Code § 2870 is probably the most well-known. It says employers can’t force you to assign inventions that were developed entirely on your own time without using any company resources. The exception is if the invention is connected to the company’s business, research, or your actual job duties. Other states like Washington, Illinois, Delaware, Minnesota, and North Carolina have similar laws. New York passed its own version in 2023, called Labor Law § 203-f, which follows California’s lead. Most of these laws also require employers to give written notice to employees about their rights. In states without specific laws, courts typically rely on general contract principles and public policy. If a contract tries to claim every idea you’ll ever have, that language probably won’t hold up. But if the invention overlaps with your employer’s field, even if you built it at home, the company could still have a real claim. When Employers Still Have Rights Even with legal protections, there are a few situations where the company can still argue ownership: 1. If the invention is related to the business or current projects. 2. If you used any company tools, software, workspace, or confidential info. 3. If the invention came out of your assigned job duties, even if you worked on it after hours. These carve-outs are broader than most people realize. For example, if you’re a software engineer and your side project uses the same coding language or solves a similar problem as your employer’s product, that could raise red flags, even if you used your own laptop at home. How to Protect Your Own Inventions If you want to make sure you keep the rights to something you’ve created, documentation is key. Keep records of when you worked on it, what tools you used, and how it relates (or doesn’t relate) to your job. Don’t use your work email, computer, or cloud storage. And read your agreement carefully. Some contracts require you to disclose all inventions, even personal ones. Disclosure doesn’t always mean you have to assign it, but it can start a conversation you’d rather avoid. The Shop Right Rule Even if you own your invention, your employer might still be able to use it under what’s called the “shop right” doctrine. This means that if you used company time, tools, or resources, the company may have a free, nonexclusive license to use your invention in its operations. You’d still own it, but you couldn’t stop them from using it. Why Jurisdiction Matters The state where you work usually controls which laws apply to your agreement, not the state where your company is based. That can make a big difference. For example, engineers in California have strong statutory protections. Employees in Texas may need to rely on general contract law instead. The Final Analysis Your best move is to have an employment attorney review your agreement. The details matter, and so does your state's law. A good attorney can explain what's enforceable, help you negotiate better terms (like explicit carve-outs for personal projects), and show you how to protect your own work without violating your contract. If you're looking for this type of guidance, the attorneys on Contracts Counsel are available to help. Whether you need a quick contract review or full representation, you can connect with experienced employment lawyers who understand the nuances of invention assignment agreements in your state.

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Intellectual Property

Trademark

Massachusetts

Asked on Oct 22, 2021

Can I trademark the name of my software?

Can I trademark the name of my software if the same name is already trademarked in a different country/state? I am starting up a FinTech company right now and I am trying to trademark the name of my mobile app; however, after some searching, I realized that a company in the UK has already trademarked the same name. It is also a company that makes a mobile app in the FinTech industry - just in a different area of interest. Are there any suggestions for how I would go about trademarking the name of my software, or do I have to come up with a different name?

Roman V.

Answered Nov 2, 2021

Yes, it's generally possible to trademark the name of your software, as long as it is not a generic name or descriptive of the product. You should also do a clearance search to make sure no other company is using the same or similar name for similar services. I would be glad to discuss more details and help with the trademark process. Thanks.

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