Tonkon Torp partner Parna Mehrbani gave a presentation on “Intellectual Property (IP) Considerations for Nonprofits” at a recent seminar hosted by the Oregon State Bar Nonprofit Organizations Law Section. The day-long continuing legal education event was held for an audience of attorneys working for and advising nonprofits and serving on nonprofit boards.
In her presentation, Mehrbani gave a brief overview of the key types of IP, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets, and outlined the common ways organizations may need to protect IP in the nonprofit space. She highlighted traps to avoid as far as creation of IP by non-employees and infringing on others’ IP, including making sure to obtain the appropriate permissions when using photos and other recordings belonging to others or featuring recognizable people. She also encouraged nonprofits to consider implementing social media and privacy policies.
Mehrbani is Co-Chair of Tonkon Torp’s Intellectual Property and Information Privacy & Security groups and is a member of the firm’s Nonprofit Organizations group. Her practice is focused on intellectual property, trademark and copyright registration and enforcement, licensing, and advising and litigating intellectual property portfolios for local, national, and international companies at all stages of growth. She also has particular experience in the use and enforcement of intellectual property online in e-commerce and social media contexts.
