Intellectual Property Lawyers for Charleston, South Carolina
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George L.
I am a corporate attorney with offices in Rock Hill, SC, and Lavonia, GA. My practice is focused on contracts, tax, and asset protection planning. I act as a fractional outside general counsel to over 20 businesses in 6 countries. When not practicing law, I can usually be found training my bird dogs.
"Appreciated his insight into contract matters for our start up!"
Jonathan M.
Owner and operator of Meek Law Firm, PC. Meek Law Firm provides comprehensive business law representation, precise and informed representation for real estate transactions in the commercial and residential markets of North and South Carolina and efficient succession and estate planning for business owners and individuals.
"He educated and did a through job with making sure that all the bases were covered in the contract reviewed. I do hope to work with again."
Brad T.
William Bradley Thomas, or Brad, is a seasoned attorney in South Carolina, offering expert counsel to both emerging and established businesses and individuals. His specialties encompass alcohol licensure, asset protection, business law, Counsel on Call Concierge Legal Service™, estate planning, NFA firearms trusts, legal research, and document review. Brad’s unique approach is informed by his rich experience and diverse background. Not only is he a devoted father to three daughters (Anna, Kate, and Jessica), but he also served as the assistant Oconee County, South Carolina attorney. A pioneer in the local industry, he co-founded Carolina Bauernhaus Brewery & Winery, the state’s first farmhouse brewery and winery. His other roles have included membership in the South Carolina Bar Association’s House of Delegates, a board member of the South Carolina Brewers Guild, and an affiliate member of the same organization. Moreover, Brad is a certified Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) Green Belt and has accumulated over a decade’s worth of experience conducting onsite audits and financial analyses on domestic and international secured credit transactions, totaling over $5 Billion across diverse industries. With such a comprehensive skill set, Brad can provide sound legal and business advice that can help you manage and expand your business operations effectively. He can assist with selecting and establishing the most appropriate legal entity for your company, securing and retaining federal and South Carolina alcohol licensure, securing company incentives, and drafting, reviewing, and negotiating favorable contracts. All these services are designed to minimize risk and maximize both earnings and tax savings. Brad also offers estate planning services. Recognizing that life’s ups and downs can sometimes distract from ensuring that your loved ones are well taken care of, Brad applies the same legal and business fundamentals to his estate planning practice. These services include the preparation of wills, NFA firearms trusts (gun trusts), power of attorneys, and advance directives. So when your day at the office is over, you can relax, knowing that your business is running smoothly and your family’s future is secure, thanks to a tailored estate plan. If you’re seeking a trusted ally to guide you in business and personal legal matters, contact Brad Thomas at bthomas@scattorneysatlaw.com or review his firms website at www.scattorneysatlaw.com and discover how he can help you confidently navigate and enjoy all aspects of your life!
"Brad was responsive, professional and very helpful. I would definitely recommend him."
Ryan D.
Ryan Duffy is a skilled attorney with extensive experience in business law and estate planning. He received his undergraduate degree in Business from Franklin & Marshall College and went on to graduate from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ryan has worked with numerous clients on matters ranging from business formation and contract drafting to estate planning and asset protection. He is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes achieve their goals while minimizing legal risks. He also works closely with individuals and families to help them protect their assets and plan for the future. With his extensive knowledge and practical approach, Ryan can provide valuable legal guidance and support to clients in need of business law and estate planning services.
"Awesome work, really put my mind at ease during a contract dispute with a major company."
November 1, 2021
Christopher B.
Former litigator now focusing on transactional business work
April 17, 2023
Andrew M.
Business Venture Law: Andrew Moore, Esq. focuses on solving modern business problems with common sense at affordable rates.
Rob D.
Attorney with 10 years experience focusing on corporate transactions and formations, real estate, and estate planning.
July 9, 2024
Joshua S.
Business-focused attorney with a proven track record of providing comprehensive organizational support in a fast-paced setting under increasingly tighter deadlines. With experience in not just Legal, but also in Sales and Finance, balancing corporate interests against risk exposure to produce the ideal organizational solution – i.e., “seeing the big picture” – comes naturally. Exceptional communicator who thrives at building trusted relationships both internally & externally, as well as distilling complex legal concepts into more easily digestible ideas. Highly adept negotiator with an extensive understanding of a wide variety of contractual arrangements (Purchasing, Leasing, SaaS, ISAs, BAAs, DPAs, NDAs, etc.), and a working knowledge of major domestic and global data privacy laws. Passionate about sports, entertainment, and people.
April 18, 2025
Lauren A.
Lauren Acquaviva focuses her practice on alcohol licensing matters. Lauren has tried over one hundred tax and alcohol license cases at the South Carolina Administrative Law Court during her career. She also has handled appeals, including arguing before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court. A New Jersey native, Lauren graduated from Monmouth University Summa Cum Laude in 2009 with a B.S. in Social Work and a passion for advocating on behalf of children. Immediately thereafter, Lauren moved to South Carolina to attend the University of South Carolina School of Law from where she graduated in 2012 in the top third of her class. During law school Lauren became a member of the Mock Trial Bar where she honed her trial skills and fell in love with being in the court room. In September of 2012, shortly after graduating from law school with the desire to become a trial attorney, Lauren began working for the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SC DOR) where she spent six years litigating alcohol licensing and tax matters on behalf of the Department. Lauren left the SC DOR in October of 2018 and joined a Mount Pleasant Law firm. In October of 2019, Lauren founded Viva Law Firm so she could focus on helping people navigate the complexities of South Carolina’s alcohol regulations.
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AJ M.
⛵AJ has practiced in entertainment, technology, intellectual property, data privacy and protection, a broad array of domestic and international transactions, finance, and as outside General Counsel for startup and growth companies.
Michael C.
I offer top-tier legal expertise in startups, corporate governance, and general legal research. As a professor and published author of research articles and conference presentations, I have established myself as a legal expert, writer, and scholar. My strong research skills and innovative thinking make me a highly capable business consultant, legal adviser, and copywriter. Currently licensed to practice in Minnesota and Arkansas. Recent freelance projects include business plans, contract drafting, legal advisory memoranda, due diligence, pre-trial motion practice, and discovery review.
"Michael was fast, helpful, and delivered exactly what I asked for!"
May 3, 2023
Tyler P.
I am an experienced business coordinator with years of experience operating within an international setting where I discovered my passion for contracts and helping people. I became an attorney later in life to further and enhance these passions and to be able to help those in similar positions as I was find the legal help they need, and work with clients on a rate that is a fraction of the cost of going to a larger firm.
Intellectual Property Legal Questions and Answers
Intellectual Property
Trademark Assignment Agreement
Maryland
Can a trademark assignment agreement be used to transfer ownership of a trademark from one company to another?
I am part of a small startup company that has recently entered into a partnership with a larger corporation. As part of this partnership, we have agreed to transfer ownership of our trademark to the larger corporation. We have been advised to use a trademark assignment agreement for this purpose, but I want to ensure that this is the correct legal document to use and that it will effectively transfer ownership of the trademark to the new company.
Roman V.
Hello, I'd be glad to review the details of the trademark assignment and confirm it properly transfers ownership of your trademark. As a trademark attorney, I have helped clients in similar situations both draft trademark assignments and record them with the USPTO to ensure that the trademark reflects the right ownership information. I would be happy to have a brief free 15 minute consult call to learn more details and see how I can help. Thanks for your consideration. Best, Roman rvayner@vaynerlegal.com 414 628 9099 www.vaynerlegal.com
Intellectual Property
Work For Hire Agreement
Arizona
Is a Work For Hire Agreement necessary for freelance graphic design work?
As a freelance graphic designer, I have been approached by a client to create a series of designs for their marketing campaign. While discussing the project details, the client mentioned the possibility of a Work For Hire Agreement. I am unsure if such an agreement is necessary in this situation and whether it would affect my ownership rights or future use of the designs. I would like to understand the implications and whether it is in my best interest to enter into such an agreement.
Randy M.
Whether you need a Work For Hire Agreement really depends on the project and what both sides are trying to get out of it. You’re not automatically required to sign one, but saying yes or no to that clause can completely change who owns the work and what rights you’ll have moving forward. Just because a client calls something “work for hire” in a contract doesn’t mean it actually qualifies under the law, especially when it comes to freelance design work. Here’s the thing. Under U.S. copyright law, “work made for hire” is a specific exception to the general rule that the creator owns the work. For a freelance project to qualify, two conditions have to be met. First, both parties need to sign a written agreement that says the work is considered “made for hire.” Second, the type of work has to fall into one of nine defined categories under 17 U.S.C. § 101. These include things like contributions to collective works, audiovisual pieces, instructional texts, or compilations. The list is pretty narrow. Standard marketing materials, logos, brochures, or campaign graphics usually don’t make the cut. Courts take a strict approach here, so just checking a box in a contract doesn’t magically make it enforceable. If your project doesn’t meet both requirements, labeling it “work for hire” doesn’t hold legal weight. In that case, the default is that you, the designer, own the copyright unless there’s a separate written agreement transferring it to the client. That leads us to ownership. If there’s no valid Work For Hire clause and no assignment of rights, you retain full copyright. That gives you control over how the work is used beyond whatever license you’ve granted. So if you created a logo and the contract only licenses it for digital use, the client can’t later slap it on T-shirts or license it to a partner without getting your permission first. But if there is a valid Work For Hire clause or an explicit copyright assignment, then the client becomes the legal owner. That means they can use it, change it, resell it, or do whatever they want with it, without needing to pay you again or ask for further approval. You’d have no say over how the work is used, and unless the agreement gives you permission, you wouldn’t even be able to include it in your portfolio. If you want more flexibility, there are alternatives. You can structure the deal with a copyright assignment that still reserves certain rights for you. For example, you could keep the right to show the work in your portfolio or limit resale to direct competitors. Or you could stick with licensing. An exclusive license gives the client broad rights but you still own the work. A non-exclusive license is more limited and usually makes sense for templates or assets used with multiple clients. Portfolio rights, by the way, are often negotiable. Even in exclusive arrangements, you can add a clause that lets you show the work on your website, social profiles, or print materials. Just make sure it’s clearly spelled out. Some corporate clients won’t allow it at all unless it’s written into the agreement. From a practical standpoint, your decision should take into account how much you’re getting paid, how the work will be used, and whether you want to reuse or showcase it later. If you’re giving up all rights, price accordingly. Clients pushing for Work For Hire terms often just want clean, uncomplicated ownership, especially for branding or long-term use. But that doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate. You might agree to transfer ownership only after full payment is received. You might keep the right to use rejected drafts. You might even allow Work For Hire treatment for the final deliverables but retain some creative rights behind the scenes. Also, keep an eye out for boilerplate clauses. Some clients include Work For Hire language by default, not realizing their project doesn’t meet the legal standard. Just because it’s in the contract doesn’t make it enforceable. If the work doesn’t meet the criteria, the clause won’t hold unless there’s a separate valid assignment of rights. When in doubt, it’s smart to run the agreement by an attorney who understands copyright law and freelance creative work. Contracts Counsel connects you with attorneys who handle exactly this kind of issue.
Intellectual Property
Content Creator Agreement
Washington
Can a content creator agreement be terminated by either party at any time and without cause?
I am a content creator who recently entered into a content creator agreement with a media company. The agreement does not explicitly mention termination, and I am wondering if either party can terminate the agreement at any time and without cause. I am concerned about the potential implications of termination without cause on my rights, compensation, and intellectual property, and I would like to understand my rights and obligations under the agreement.
Merry K.
It would be a good idea for you to have the agreement reviewed by an attorney. You said there's no explicit language regarding termination or notice - is there something implied? With no language regarding termination, most likely either party can terminate at any time, with just a moment's notice, and no reason given. You have asked a lot of questions - I suggest that you post a project here on Contracts Counsel, and ask for an attorney well versed in intellectual property (not me) to discuss your rights, as that is probably the most important issue. An attorney who can also review the language of the entire agreement would be very helpful. (I'm sorry, but I'm not available for this project).
Intellectual Property
Trademark Application
New York
Can I trademark a phrase that includes a common word?
I am in the process of starting a small business selling handmade jewelry, and I have come up with a catchy phrase that I want to use as my brand name. However, the phrase includes a word that is commonly used in the industry. I am unsure if I can successfully trademark this phrase, as I have heard that trademarks cannot be registered for generic or descriptive terms. I would like to know if it is possible to trademark this phrase and what steps I need to take to ensure the best chance of success in the trademark application process.
Damien B.
Hello! This is Attorney Damien Bosco. My law office is in Forest Hills, Queens County, New York City. My practice covers the New York City metropolitan area and Long Island. In some situations, I also handle matters throughout New York State. If your phrase contains common jewelry terms, registering it may be challenging. One suggestion is to check the USPTO Database for similar trademarks. If other businesses have brands using the same common word in their brand name, that could give an indication that you may still be able to use it in your brand name. Nonexclusive use means that the word or phrase can be used by other parties and is not solely owned or controlled by the trademark holder. Consult with a trademark attorney for guidance on the registration process and the viability of your chosen phrase.
Intellectual Property
Work For Hire Agreement
Texas
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.
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.
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