Intellectual Property

Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio assists cannabis clients with addressing their intellectual property needs.  All businesses develop and acquire intellectual property – cannabis businesses are no different.  Trademarks and trade dress distinguish your business from competition and are part of developing a brand.   Copyrights protect your business’ artwork, audio and video content, computer code and other written materials.  Trade secrets are your business’ “special sauce” and are what makes your processes and operations stand out among the rest.    Protecting trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets from theft by employees and other is paramount to your success. With the cannabis industry growing nationwide, licensing intellectual property, such as patented growing technologies, will create additional revenue streams for cannabis businesses and maximize brand exposure.  Our firm has secured federal and state trademarks and copyrights for a variety of businesses and defended and prosecuted infringement cases in state and federal court on behalf of clients.  We are currently counseling cannabis clients on protecting and licensing their intellectual property to help their brands grow. Contact Eric D. Reiser to schedule an appointment to discuss your cannabis business venture or litigation matter.

Cannabis Law Disclaimer 

Please be aware that marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance; possessing, using, manufacturing, distributing, and/or selling marijuana or marijuana-derived products is illegal under federal law notwithstanding the existence of any state law to the contrary. No legal advice given by Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio, LLP is intended to provide any guidance or assistance in violating federal law nor will it provide any guidance or assistance in complying with federal law. By reading this overview, you understand there is no attorney/client relationship between you and Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio  unless evidenced by an executed legal engagement letter. Although federal policy may, at times, recommend enforcement discretion when a business or individual is in compliance with existing state marijuana law that is deemed to comply with federal enforcement priorities, it is important to understand that compliance with state law does not equal compliance with, confer any immunity from, or provide any shield from prosecution under federal law. At any time, federal and/or state law and policy may change either to enhance or inhibit the cannabis industry.