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Software Licensing Pitfalls to Avoid: A Practical Guide for Business Owners

Introduction Whether you are developing software, licensing it to others, or integrating third-party software into your operations, a well-drafted software license agreement is vital for protecting your intellectual property and ensuring smooth business relationships.

Here’s a closer look at the common pitfalls, risks, and strategies for creating strong software license agreements.

P.I

Safeguarding Innovation: The Role of IP in Design Protection

Introduction Design is more than just making things look good—it’s about shaping how we interact with products, solving everyday problems, and creating lasting cultural icons. Take LEGO, for example: a design that combines both functionality and aesthetic appeal, captivating generations of children and adults alike. The Coca-Cola bottle offers a similar story, with its iconic contour instantly recognizable across the globe. But how do these companies protect their designs, ensuring they remain unique in the marketplace and prevent unauthorized replication?

DALL·E 2024-09-20 12.15.48 - A simple and professional design featuring a handshake in the foreground, representing a business merger or agreement. In the background, a modern bus

The Critical Role of IP Due Diligence in Mergers and Acquisitions

Introduction In today’s knowledge-driven economy, intellectual property (IP) is one of the most valuable assets a company can hold. IP includes patents, trademarks, copyrights—such as those protecting proprietary software—and trade secrets. These intangible assets often form the foundation of a company’s competitive advantage. In mergers and acquisitions (M&A), IP frequently influences both the deal’s structure and valuation. However, IP is also one of the most complex elements in corporate transactions, requiring thorough due diligence to uncover risks and opportunities. Without proper diligence, buyers may inherit liabilities, overvalue assets, or miss out on strategic advantages.

Understanding Share Purchase Agreements

IntroductionIn the dynamic world of corporate transactions, Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs) are pivotal documents that define the terms and conditions under which shares of a company are bought and sold

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Understanding the Differences Between Trademarks and Trade Names

IntroductionIn the intricate web of commercial identity and legal rights, the distinction between ‘trademark’ and ‘business name’—often called trade name—is not just a matter of semantics but a cornerstone of intellectual property law. The significance of these terms extends beyond the mere labels; they are foundational to the recognition and protection of a business’s brand identity in the marketplace. Through practical examples and an exploration of legal precedents, this article aims to demystify these concepts, underlining their distinctive roles and the potential legal ramifications stemming from their misapplication or misunderstanding.

Re-domiciliation

Moving Your Company to Cyprus: A Guide to Re-domiciliation

IntroductionRe-domiciliation is the process through which a company transfers its place of incorporation from one jurisdiction to another while maintaining its legal identity and adapting to the new jurisdiction’s legal framework. Consequently, the company ceases to exist under the laws of the original jurisdiction. Both the departing and receiving jurisdictions must authorise such a transfer. The Cyprus Companies Law (Cap 113) not only supports re-domiciliation but also provides a detailed framework for companies that wish to relocate their legal domicile to Cyprus, thereby offering them the opportunity to capitalize on the benefits of this business-friendly environment.