The ChessboardSM
A newsletter for people who want to protect their intellectual property and to make good deals that hold up.

August 2010
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From the Negotiation Pro
The Law Office of Philip L. Marcus
Columbia, Maryland 21046 USA
Toll free 877-934-4766 (Col. 301-498-4766)
plm HEADSHOTWelcome to my newsletter for clients and anyone else interested in intellectual property (IP) and negotiation skills.  Please let me know if there is a topic or question you would like me to talk about.  Write to chessboard[at] NegotiationPro.com.  And thank you for reading on.

The contents of this newsletter and the linked destinations are not legal advice but general information--in specific situations please seek legal advice from an experienced attorney.
 
Sincerely,
Philip L. Marcus, J.D.
The Negotiation Pro

PS: Please see this writeup in the [Community] Gazette
 
In This Issue
How do I deal with evil people?
Put your deal in writing.
Trademark basics.
Book Bargain
How can I deal with the evil people across the bargaining table?
Maybe by not thinking of them as evil.
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Like you, the people across the table have their own interests at heart.  If those interests are very different from yours, that makes them look evil to you.  Temporarily looking at the world from their POV can help.
 
Read more by clicking here for my Articles web page, and then clicking on "Evil people across the table."
 
Put your deal in writing.
A week or longer down the road, even the best of friends may not agree on what the deal was.
If there are any details in your deal, even if the law does not require it in writing, you may avoid future problems by agreeing on a writing. 

Click here for my Articles web page, and then click on "Put it in writing."

What are the basics of trademark law?
Use the trademark law to protect your brand from knockoffs.
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You can protect your brand without charge very simply; more protection will cost money but may be worth it.

Read more: Click here for my Articles web page, and then click on "Trademark Basics."
 
Previous Articles Online--a dozen and a half articles full of great ideas for your business.
"Don't get an attorney involved--lawyers are deal breakers."
Yes, sometimes your lawyer will break a deal that should be broken--it isn't ready for prime time.  A good lawyer, like the Negotiation Pro, will creatively  make the deal happen and protect you.
Great Virtual Assistant who built most of the mailing list for this newsletter:
About Us Law Office of Philip L. Marcus, The Negotiation Pro
Cherry Tree House, Columbia, Maryland 21046-1818
Toll-free 877-934-4766 (In Columbia 301-498-4766)
Fax 301-368-2464
35 Years' experience in law and business. MIT-trained. 
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Summer Swelter Book Deal
Zen coverThis recently published book teaches a new way to negotiate without fear and distraction, even if you have little or no experience.
Click here to order or learn more.
 
List Price: $21.95
Special Price: $18.95 with free additional book while they last.  S & H: Free

(Recently chosen for Spanish translation for Latin America.)
 
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In most cases your initial half-hour telephone consultation is Free