Welcome to WCIP, a pioneering law firm at the intersection of intellectual property and business law. Founded by JP Costa, WCIP brings together years of legal expertise and technical acumen to serve clients in the Chicagoland area. With a distinguished background in law, business, and engineering, JP Costa and his team are dedicated to delivering strategic solutions that drive innovation, protect assets, and maximize value for businesses of all sizes.
At WCIP, we specialize in navigating the complexities of intellectual property law, offering comprehensive services in patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters. Whether you’re an entrepreneur launching a startup, a mid-sized company expanding into new markets, or a large corporation protecting a global portfolio, we have the experience and insight to safeguard your intellectual property assets.
Our team specializes in drafting and negotiating a variety of IP agreements, conducting thorough patentability searches, securing trademark registrations, and enforcing your rights in both state and federal courts.
We provide comprehensive legal counsel on franchise agreements, business formation, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance, helping businesses thrive in a competitive market.
Our art law attorneys negotiate, litigate, and counsel clients on a comprehensive array of legal matters related to works of art, the art market, and the art world. We represent artists, individual and institutional collectors, galleries, dealers, auction houses, and museums.
Perform prior art and patentability searches
File provisional and non-provisional patent applications
Evaluate existing patents or patent portfolios
Handle patent procurement and infringement disputes
File patent infringement cases against infringers
Defend against potential or threatened patent infringement lawsuits
Engage in due diligence investigations for mergers, acquisitions, or licensing programs
Evaluate potential infringement on behalf of the patent owner or a competitor
Providing trademark clearance and availability opinions
Registration for federal trademarks
Enforcement of trademarks in court
Defending against trademark infringement claims
Opposition proceedings
Cancellation proceedings
Breach of contracts involving trademark provisions
Unfair competition that includes trademarks
Dilution of trademarks
Cybersquatting
Cyber-piracy
Trademark counterfeiting
Determining who owns the copyright for works generated by AI systems
Assessing whether AI-generated content qualifies for copyright protection
Assessing the legality of using copyrighted material to train AI models
Establishing liability for copyright infringement by AI systems
Drafting and negotiating licensing agreements for AI software, datasets, and technology
Structuring technology transfer agreements for the commercialization of AI innovations
Advising on open-source licensing and compliance issues
Evaluating the copyright status and potential risks associated with third-party AI tools and datasets
Drafting terms of service and privacy policies for AI-driven products and services
Advising on contracts for outsourcing AI development and data processing services
Trading software
Leak detection and repair software
Musical arrangements
Registering copyrights with the United States Copyright Office
Evaluating ownership of copyrights based on work-made-for-hire principles
Preparing, evaluating, and negotiating copyright assignments
Implementing policies and agreements to prevent employees from taking trade secrets when they leave
Providing robust cybersecurity solutions and response plans to protect trade secrets from hackers
Advising on security measures for protecting trade secrets in a remote work environment
Drafting and enforcing confidentiality agreements with third-party vendors and contractors
Offering tools and expertise to detect and prove misappropriation of trade secrets.
Advising on the use of AI and ML to ensure proprietary information is safeguarded.
Conducting audits and ensuring compliance with trade secret policies
Providing legal support for trade secret litigation and enforcement
Business formation agreements
Operating agreements
Asset purchase agreements
Master service agreements
Non-competition, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure agreements
Equipment and Real Property leases
Sales and supply agreements
Employment contracts for employees
Contractor agreements
Buy-sell agreements and other agreements among business owners
Sale-leaseback transactions
Business operating agreements
Limited liability company and partnership agreements
Shareholder and equity owner agreements
Stock option, profits interest, and incentive compensation plans
Security agreements
Business and real estate loan agreement
Licensing and distribution agreements
Auction house negotiations and agreements
Authenticity and title disputes
Engaging experts
Negotiations with galleries
Fakes and forgeries
Art licensing agreements
Public art commissions
Insurance claims
Museum exhibitions
Art book publishing agreements
Resale royalties
Moral rights and Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA)
Business formation and operation
Joint ventures formation and operations
Artist agreements
Union and guild membership
Talent attachment
Sponsorship and distribution agreements
Appraisals
Art dealers’ duties and rights
Artists’ estates and foundations
Auctioneers’ duties and rights
Authentication committees and catalogues raisonnés
Bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, and security interests in works of art
Consignment agreements
Defamation and product defamation concerning works of art and their provenance
Donor restrictions on use or display of donated works
Gifts, acquisitions, dispositions, and loans
Internet sites concerning art and art sales
Joint ownership of works of art
Loans of artwork to museums and exhibition agreements
New media agreements
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
At WCIP, we are committed to understanding your business objectives and tailoring our legal strategies to achieve your goals effectively. Whether you need proactive IP management, strategic business advice, or vigorous courtroom representation, WCIP is your trusted partner in navigating the evolving landscape of intellectual property and business law.
A seasoned attorney with a robust background encompassing patent litigation, trade secrets litigation, and the drafting of purchase, lease, and licensing agreements. With extensive experience practicing in both state and federal courts, JP Costa has represented clients in complex legal matters across various industries. His career path includes pivotal roles at some of the nation’s largest law firms and Fortune 500 companies, where he honed his skills in navigating intricate legal landscapes and delivering strategic outcomes.
JP Costa unique blend of engineering, legal acumen, and business expertise equips him to handle multifaceted challenges with agility and precision. He has successfully managed high-stakes litigation, including patent disputes and trade secret misappropriation cases, employing a strategic approach that balances aggressive advocacy with client-centric solutions.
His background as Global Director of Business Development at Honeywell underscores his proficiency in negotiating agreements, managing risks, and fostering profitable partnerships. JP Costa ability to streamline internal processes and optimize resources reflects his commitment to delivering results while maintaining strict adherence to deadlines and budgetary constraints.
JP Costa holds a Doctor of Law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Michigan in chemical engineering. He is licensed to practice in Illinois.
Ready to protect and leverage your intellectual property assets?
Contact WCIP today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can empower your business through strategic legal solutions.
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