A brand, a design, a text, source code, a technical solution — all of these are results of intellectual activity that acquire legal status only once properly registered. Without registration of intellectual property rights, even the most successful idea remains unprotected — and may be used by others without any legal consequences for them.
M&Y is a law firm specializing exclusively in intellectual property law. We provide support from the moment an object is created, through its registration and use, to protection in the event of infringement.
Intellectual property law is a distinct field with its own terminology, registration procedures, deadlines, and practice. A firm handling matters across ten different areas of law inevitably allocates limited resources to each of them.
M&Y has deliberately chosen a different path: the firm’s entire activity is concentrated within a single area of law. This allows us to:
M&Y’s clients include enterprises, individual entrepreneurs, authors, designers, software developers, and other persons whose activities involve the creation of intellectual property objects.
Intellectual property matters rarely come down to a single action. Registering a trademark raises further questions about its use under contract, possible infringement by third parties, renewal of protection, and territorial expansion of coverage. M&Y manages this process comprehensively — without requiring the client to approach different specialists at each stage.
What this means in practice:
Our team works exclusively in the field of intellectual property, ensuring a thorough understanding of both Ukrainian legislation and the international treaties governing this area, including those relating to trademark and industrial design registration.
From the preliminary assessment of an object’s registrability, through the preparation of agreements governing its use, to cease-and-desist work with infringers where necessary.
We understand the specifics of work carried out by authors, designers, and developers, and take this into account when preparing documents — from copyright registration to agreements with clients and contractors.
Clients receive updates on the status of their registration, estimated examination timelines, and possible courses of action in the event of a preliminary refusal or objection from the registration authority.
The scope of services, timelines, and cost are agreed before work begins.
A trademark is a sign that distinguishes the goods or services of one party from those of others in the market. Trademark registration grants its owner the exclusive right to use the sign and to prohibit its use by others without the owner’s consent.
Copyright arises at the moment a work is created; however, state registration provides official confirmation of authorship and the date of creation, which is significant in the event of a dispute regarding authorship or unauthorized use of a work.
An industrial design protects the appearance of a product — its shape, configuration, or ornamentation. Registration of an industrial design is a distinct form of protection, separate from trademark registration, and is used in particular to protect product and packaging design.
A registered right provides the basis for its protection in the event of infringement by third parties. M&Y provides legal assistance at the stage of identifying an infringement and determining further action.
A license agreement sets out the terms on which the rights holder permits another party to use an intellectual property object. The precise wording of such an agreement directly affects the scope of the parties’ rights and potential future risks.
Unlike a license, an assignment agreement results in a complete change of ownership of the proprietary rights to an intellectual property object.
A significant proportion of intellectual property disputes arise from the absence of clear contractual arrangements at the stage an object is created. A properly drafted agreement helps prevent such disputes.
A significant proportion of intellectual property infringements can be resolved without recourse to court. A properly drafted cease-and-desist letter is often sufficient grounds for voluntary cessation of the infringement.
To request a consultation regarding the registration, use, or protection of intellectual property rights, please complete the form below. An M&Y specialist will contact you to clarify the details and discuss further steps.