In September 2011, Marcella Ballard, a partner in Venable’s IP Litigation Practice Group, presented at the 7th Anti-Counterfeiting & Brand Protection Conference in New York. Her presentation covered a “Top Ten List” of best IP Practices to protect a global brand:
(1) strategize first and align your program with your company’s business plans;
(2) divide the world into key regions for your brand;
(3) apportion your budget with the division you did in step 2;
(4) secure your IP rights;
(5) partner with foreign associates;
(6) partner with third-party vendors;
(7) stay current;
(8) publicize your efforts;
(9) provide metrics; and
(10) avoid “Groundhog Day.”
In the upcoming months, IP Buzz will publish articles providing an in-depth discussion of these best practices.