Beginning a business is a monumental task, and one that comes with a lot of risks. As a business owner, you need to know how to adequately protect your business from any potential issues, now and in the future. One way to protect your business is to understand the need for a Cease and Desist Order. Cease and Desist Orders are important tools for protecting businesses in Dallas, and knowing when to employ them can make a big difference in the long-term success of your business.

What Is a Cease and Desist Order?

A Cease and Desist Order is a document used to stop one or more parties from infringing on another’s intellectual property rights, such as trade secrets, copyright, patent, or trademark. A Cease and Desist Order is an official notification issued by a court of law or the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It is an action that implies the cessation of illegal activities and, in some states, forbids ongoing activities without a permit. This type of order may also be requested by a company in order to preserve its rights.

Types of Cease and Desist Orders

There are two types of Cease and Desist Orders: preliminary and permanent. A preliminary Cease and Desist Order is applicable to an activity or an event in its early stages. It can be requested by a company to prevent the continuation of an activity or to prevent a new activity from starting. A permanent Cease and Desist Order is applicable when the activity has already been occurring for some time. This type of order is typically requested by a court or the USPTO. The main difference between these two types of orders is that the preliminary Cease and Desist Order is temporary and the permanent Cease and Desist Order is permanent.

When to Use a Cease and Desist Order

Cease and Desist Orders typically arise in the context of intellectual property disputes when a company feels its rights are being violated. Companies may also seek a Cease and Desist Order if a competitor is imitating their product or services. These orders are also commonly utilized when a corporation is in the process of exploring licensing opportunities for their existing trademarks, trade secrets, or copyrightable works.

Dallas-Specific Regulations

The Cease and Desist process in Dallas is governed by the Texas Business & Commerce Code and the Texas Administrative Code. To receive a Cease and Desist Order in Dallas, businesses must file a complaint with the applicable court, receive a restraining order, and then send a formal Cease and Desist Letter to the company or entity infringing on their rights. The complaint must specify all of the violations and any other necessary details. Once the complaint is filed, the court may impose a restraint on the company or entity infringing on the plaintiff’s intellectual property rights.

Finding Counsel Who Understand Local Regulation

It is important to find a lawyer who is knowledgeable about local regulations in the state of Texas in order to ensure your business is adequately protected from potential intellectual property issues. UpCounsel’s network of experienced attorneys in Dallas can provide comprehensive representation to businesses in the area. With their vast experience in the field, these lawyers can ensure that you are adequately protected and that your rights are not violated in any way.

Topics:

Cease and Desist,

Dallas Businesses,

Intellectual Property Rights