Areas of Practice
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & Business Counseling
Ideas, tangible or not, are the most important things to protect in today’s competitive creative market. With so many channels and constantly replenishing feeds to watch out for, tracing the ownership and originality of a design, brand name, or invention needs the laser-focused eye of a trained attorney. We’ll handle the search, application, and filing process of trademarks, copyrights, and patents. And if your idea has been infringed upon, our litigation team will negotiate the best possible licensing and settlement agreements.
Internet, Digital Media & Entertainment
The way people consume entertainment is constantly in flux, so the laws must adapt quickly. We strive to anticipate these changes so you can focus more on creating a performance of a lifetime. We represent actors, directors, unions, agencies, writers, animators, and many other industry talents. We draft and negotiate development, production, financing, and sales & distribution agreements. Tailoring each contract according to a project’s scope, size, and budget, we secure the appropriate creative rights for all talents involved.
Franchise Mergers & Acquisitions
The franchise industry is fraught with peril, as evidenced by the high number of bankruptcies and litigation. Many franchisees don’t fully understand the complex legal landscape that exists when franchises are bought or sold. ARS Counsel is a trusted resource for both franchisors and franchisees alike. We have the experience and knowledge to help you negotiate a fair deal that protects your interests.
blockchain & technology
Navigating the legal landscape surrounding new technologies like blockchain, NFTs, and the metaverse can be difficult and confusing. It can be hard to know what laws and regulations apply to your business and this uncertainty can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities. At ARS Counsel, our attorneys are experienced in navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding new technologies, and we can help you make the right moves while complying with applicable laws and regulations. Let us help you take advantage of the latest technological advances while ensuring that you stay within the bounds of the law.
Employment
Businesses often struggle to keep up with ever-changing employment laws, and as a result, can find themselves facing expensive lawsuits. Even a small mistake can lead to serious penalties and costly fines. ARS Counsel is here to help you create the employer documentation, policies, and procedures needed to comply with employment laws and protect your business interests. We have experience helping startups and middle-market companies just like yours stay compliant and avoid costly penalties.
capital raising
When clients need help raising capital for their businesses, they value the practical, creative, and nimble support we provide. We have the expertise to guide businesses through the complex web of laws that govern private investments so that they can obtain the capital they need within the confines of the law. Whether the company is a start up, entertainment producer or production company, or mature business seeking investment capital to fuel expansion, we work closely with clients to explore viable private financing options and arrive at a deal structure that will best serve their needs, goals and objectives.
Corporate & Business Matters
We provide a broad range of services relating to corporate and business matters, including corporate and other entity formation, joint venture and strategic partnership transactions, stock incentive plans, executive and other employment agreements, and commercial and business agreements. We assess clients’ business needs and develop innovative legal strategies to help them achieve their goals, directly undertaking those matters for which we have substantial expertise, and identifying and managing the most appropriate legal resources to handle specialty areas outside of our core disciplines.
virtual in-house counsel
By setting a number of hours per month at a lower billing rate, you can get responses to your in-house legal questions whenever you need them. Whether you have a question about your business setup, raising money or need a contract modified, your virtual in-house counsel is there. Unused hours from one month are rolled over into the next, so you’re not wasting money having an attorney on staff doing nothing! Additional hours are billed at the same reduced rate, as well, so you can better anticipate your costs. Having a virtual in-house counsel has a number of advantages, including:
You can be proactive – get legal answers as soon as you have the questions, rather than waiting until it’s too late;
No need to turn to the Internet for generic contract templates and dubious advice;
Get an ongoing legal perspective from an attorney who becomes familiar with your business goals and circumstances;
Save time and money by avoiding the need for a staff attorney and dealing with legal issues as they come up.
flat fee Trademark
A trademark can be an incredibly important asset to your company. Searching and registering a trademark, however, can be an extremely complex and time-consuming process if attempted without the advice and assistance of an experienced trademark attorney. Although the trademark process may sound simple enough in theory, it can become complicated in short order. In today’s digital age, people often make the mistake of depending on the internet as opposed to an attorney for advice and guidance in the trademark registration process, only to find that their attempt to cut costs in the short run actually cost them significantly more in the long run, both in terms of time and money. When you are attempting to register a trademark, there is simply no substitute for the assistance of an experienced trademark attorney.
Trademark Office Actions
Trademark Office Actions are initial rejections by the USPTO of your trademark application. You are given a 6 month deadline to respond. We make seeking help not only easy but also affordable. For a single flat rate, we can help minimize the stress of the trademark process and make sure you are in the best position to be approved for registration.
LITIGATION
Your business interest is at the forefront in every intellectual property lawsuit, whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant. We adopt an effective litigation strategy that advances your overall business objectives.
Privacy & Cybersecurity
Businesses are collecting and storing more data than ever before, but many are not taking the necessary precautions to protect this information from being mishandled or stolen. Data privacy is a critical issue for businesses of all sizes, and one that can be difficult to navigate without experienced legal counsel. ARS Counsel has the experience and knowledge you need to protect your business from potential data privacy disasters. We provide practical advice on how to collect and store data securely, as well as how to respond if your data is compromised.
sports law
Athletes at all levels want to make the most of their name, image, and likeness but it can be difficult to understand the complex legal landscape surrounding athlete endorsements and sponsorships. Without proper legal guidance, you could end up making less money than you deserve, or worse - you could get in trouble. ARS Counsel can help you make sure that you’re taking advantage of all the opportunities available to you while staying within the bounds of the law. Let our experienced sports attorneys offer strategic advice and counsel to help you make the most out of your athletic career.