Trademark and Patent Infringement Cases on the Rise

The shrinking global economy has created an increase in the number of cases where foreign companies “knock-off” the patented and trademarked products of their rightful owner. Such infringements lead to lost revenues and profits by the company that owns the rights to the product or invention.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, there has been a 76% increase in claims for trademark and patent infringement in the past 10 years. The biggest violators are based in China, Indonesia, Taiwan and Mexico.

U.S. and Canadian corporations have continually attempted to protect their interests by filing lawsuits against illegal foreign manufacturers and the number of lawsuits is on the rise. Law firms routinely seek redress in the court of jurisdiction but are often thwarted by the laws of the foreign nation. Among the challenges are enforcement of judgment, fly-by-night businesses abroad going out of business or changing their name, and delaying tactics by foreign courts, e.g. Mexico.

The Mexican government has recently created serious roadblocks to service of process in Mexico by imposing new requirements for service upon their corporate entities. Even though Mexico is a signatory to the Hague Service Convention, they have placed additional restrictions which are in technical violation of the treaty. To date, no other signatory to the Convention has filed an objection with the Hague, thus, the problem persists.

Process Service Network, a legal support firm in the Los Angeles, CA area, has developed a strategy for overcoming the obstacles created by the government of Mexico. This strategy involves fast turnaround of service documents to remain one step ahead of the Mexican Central Authority. The staff at Process Service Network has been specialists in international service of process since 1978 and has handled over 1,600 trademark and patent infringement cases since that time.

Process Service Network can be found at http://www.processnet1.com/ or email at processnet@sbcglobal.net

American Bar Association Annual Meeting to Benefit Attorneys

When the American Bar Association (ABA) convenes its Annual Meeting in San Francisco on August 5-7, 2010, attorneys from across America will join together to learn, exchange ideas, and enjoy the City by the Bay.

Over 220 CLE programs that will help improve professional skills and expertise. There will be abundant opportunities to network with lawyers and judges from around the world. The meeting will also feature the world’s largest legal EXPO, providing an array of goods and services pertaining to the practice of law. Process Service Network is proud to be an exhibitor during the event.

Everyone knows that San Francisco boasts a great vacation experience, including sightseeing, food, shopping, and other attractions all within walking distance. The cool summer temperatures and low humidity provide one of the nation’s best locations to spend some extra time before or after the Annual Meeting. Hotel rates are surprisingly affordable during this peak tourist season.

The Annual Meeting’s flexible format allows participants to customize their own schedule and have the full benefits of the location. It will be a great time for everything the ABA and the Bay Area have to offer.

Process Service Network can be found at http://www.processnet1.com/ or email at processnet@sbcglobal.net