Ethical Issues in IP Law Practice: Where the Rubber Meets the Rules

Abstract

Using the race theme and symbols as a way to frame the discussion, this paper will highlight a variety of ethical issues that can emerge throughout the representation of a client in matters related to intellectual property law. These are complicated issues, made even more so by the changing nature of the practice of law, by technology and by the fluid nature of the national and global economy. It would be impossible to capture all of the potential ethical issues that could confront an attorney practicing in intellectual property law in one short paper or presentation. Therefore, this paper will wave a yellow flag over a few topics that are at the intersection between law and technology and that may be common to attorneys who deal with patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright law. The bibliography contains a number of resources that can assist attorneys in other matters related to ethical issues of practicing intellectual property law not covered in the paper.