When it comes to solving legal disputes today, one of the most common causes arises from intellectual property. IP disputes are common when a creator feels like someone has used their idea without their permission. It could also include using images from a brand that was not affiliated with a project. For example, it is common to find popular brands and even big-name celebrities being used in promotions in nations where IP law is far less strict and/or prevalent.

If you find yourself in a battle with someone over their use of IP, you might want to think about hiring an expert to help you solve the issue. A San Francisco area Intellectual Property Lawyer could be a wise hire if you want to try and overcome this issue down the line. Experts like a legal professional could be just what you need to help you solve the problem. If you do wish to hire a professional, though, what matters most?

Find someone with meaningful IP experience

You need to hire someone first and foremost who has actually overcome an IP case in the past. Hiring a first-timer with no legal history of winning IP law cases is a waste of time. These cases are extensive, require massive research, and usually need a lot of time and effort on the part of those involved. With that in mind, you should always hire someone with the pre-requisite experience to progress the case.

Ensure they are based locally to you

Another factor that matters is hiring an IP lawyer who you can actually go and visit in person. If you are dealing with someone from afar, it can be hard to get the case moving forward. A local lawyer means you can drop in for meetings locally, and you can share correspondence via email and phone call conversations. With that in mind, you always want to hire a lawyer you can actually visit in person.

Do they handle IP law outside of your area?

Also, make sure they handle IP law complaints outside of your country. For example, if you have found your IP being infringed upon in another country, you might need a lawyer who can take the case internationally. This is very important as handling and managing IP law in other countries requires even more understanding and expertise.

Ensure you hire someone who can actually manage the dispute across borders and languages.

Make sure you can afford the battle

Lastly, make sure that you look into the cost first and foremost. The price of an IP dispute can be, especially if the reasonings or evidence is limited, massive. It can become drawn-out to the extreme as both sides do everything they can to pass blame and avoid censure. So, make sure you speak with your chosen legal professional about the costs involved in taking this case further.

Only then, once you know they can handle the case, and you can afford it, should you push forward with your dispute. Legal disputes are costly and time-consuming; make sure you can handle the challenge before committing. In the case of IP law, though, having someone with the relevant expertise and authority on the matter is essential to winning the case and securing your IP once again.