Today, Jeff Harty and Gary Cox unpack how companies can build coordinated global intellectual property strategies that actually work in challenging markets worldwide. Gary shares how integrating prosecution, litigation, branding, and commercial IP agreements under one cohesive team can transform scattered filings into a powerful, enforceable portfolio. They also dive into the evolving patent enforcement landscape in Australia, including faster litigation times. If you’re looking to protect valuable IP on a global stage, this conversation shows what it takes to move from theory to practical, on-the-ground results.

In this episode, Jeff Harty and Gary Cox discuss:

• Developing a coordinated strategy for protecting inventions and trademarks in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Brand protection, anti-counterfeiting, anti-piracy, and enforcement in challenging markets.
• Key distinctions and developments in patent enforcement proceedings in Australia.

Key Takeaways:

• Multinationals are paying more and more attention to the intellectual property they can build, not only in branding, but also in patents.
• The innovation economy is ever-evolving and changing. It is being driven by politics and people as well as commerce. In Australia the courts are taking a far more proactive stance; they are pushing to move cases more quickly and cost-effectively through the system.

“IP strategy isn't just one set of rights. It’s patterns, it’s trademarks, it’s designs, it’s trade secrets, it’s copyright, and it’s an ability to bring all those different rights together and to be able to deliver a package that protects the IP when it has been developed.” — Gary Cox

About Gary Cox: Gary Cox started as an Examiner of Patents with the Australian Patent Office (now IP Australia). He then transferred to private practice to assist clients with the development and prosecution of patent applications.

He is an intellectual property lawyer (solicitor and barrister), an Australian patent and trademarks attorney, and a New Zealand patent attorney.

Gary acts predominantly in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, with his practice focusing primarily on strategic IP structuring and contentious IP actions. Much of that work is in the field of patent litigation (infringement and revocation actions) and oppositions in Australia. Gary also assists clients with freedom to operate and due diligence positions and opinions, and works with New Zealand litigators to deliver the same outcome for his clients in New Zealand.

Connect with Gary Cox:

Website: https://wrays.com.au/

Email: gary.cox@wrays.com.au

LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/pub/gary-cox/9/b21/88b

Connect with Jeff Harty:

Website: https://nyemaster.com/attorney-directory/jeffrey-d-harty/

Email: jharty@nyemaster.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-harty-5a9a1643/

In today’s episode, Jeff Harty and Fran Haas explore the complexities of noncompete agreements, noting their effectiveness in protecting IP but also their challenges. Fran highlights varying state laws on noncompetes and provides valuable insights related to structuring noncompete agreements with remote and mobile workforces.

In this episode, Jeff Harty and Fran Haas discuss:

• Noncompete agreements to protect IP and what makes them enforceable.
• How non-solicitation agreements and confidentiality agreements differ from noncompete agreements.
• Political pressure against noncompete agreements.
• State-specific limitations to be aware of.

Key Takeaways:

• What the noncompete agreement says, the law that applies, and where your employee is living or working are all variables that can greatly impact the enforceability of a noncompete.
• Noncompetes are politically unpopular because they are viewed as giving an employer the ability to stop someone from earning a living.
• Be strategic about your chosen state. Be aware of the laws in the state where your business is organized.

“Make sure your noncompete is enforceable in your chosen state. That’s a first step. It seems obvious, but with the law changing as much as it is, you should be checking in at least once a year with your employment counsel to make sure your noncompetes are still enforceable.” — Fran Haas

About Fran Haas: In her labor and employment practice, Fran Haas encounters a fair share of difficult cases, but in each matter, she’s determined to reach a conclusion that satisfies her clients. “I’m able to handle all the issues my clients might encounter,” she says. “It’s about being resourceful.”

Fran litigates for employers in cases related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, Family and Medical Leave Act, equal pay, and wrongful termination. She negotiates collective bargaining agreements on behalf of management, as well as other labor disputes. She also takes on higher education cases in matters involving Title IX, Title VII, the Violence Against Women Act, and the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

On a daily basis, Fran takes satisfaction in seeing the legal system at work. As a former law clerk for a federal judge, Fran saw firsthand how the court provides an important service to citizens, something that drives her in her practice. “It’s very rewarding to me when the system works the way it should and we get the outcome for the client,” she says. “It’s not just winning but being part of a process that works.”

Connect with Fran Haas:

Website: nyemaster.com/team/frances-m-haas

Email: fhaas@nyemaster.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frances-haas-47a42819

Connect with Jeff Harty:

Website: nyemaster.com/attorney-directory/jeffrey-d-harty

Email: jharty@nyemaster.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeff-harty-5a9a1643