Watch Out for International Pitfalls
There are many IP pitfalls abroad. For example, it is common for bad actors to watch U.S. companies and file trademark applications for their brands in their own countries. Most countries follow and grant rights under the “first-to-file” rule. The bad actor uses the trademark application or registration to blackmail the legitimate brand owner to “buy back” its own trademark. In worst-case scenarios, bad actors can prevent legitimate brand owners from importing or exporting goods in or out of the bad actor’s country. Working with an international intellectual property attorney early can prevent this.