In this week's post, we see as social distancing throws unprepared businesses into remote work situations, business owners should take measures to help maintain business security as well as safeguarding intellectual property rights.

Also, in addition to having huge impacts on the global workforce and food supply, the coronavirus pandemic is also causing significant delays in patent drug cases that are stuck in the federal court system.

Maintain Business Security in a Remote Work Environment: An IP Checklist

It’s been said that virtual working and remote employees would steadily create the future era for businesses seeking lower overhead and flexibility.  However, in the abrupt change calling for social distancing amid the COVID-19 outbreak, many employers seeking to maintain business as usual have been thrown headfirst into virtual working without having put much thought into the process or the legal implications. For those without a prior plan in place, here is a remote work checklist of important intellectual property issues to consider for business security. 

As the general public focus goes to the unfolding global pandemic with many asking “what’s next?” it’s important for business owners to seek to preserve the integrity of the companies they have built by safeguarding business security and their intellectual property rights. Companies that have taken these measures will be in a better position to persevere through trying times:

1.     Address and Maintain Privacy Policies

2.     Protect Trade Secrets and Other Company Intellectual Property

3.     Implement and Maintain Cyber Security Safeguards

4.     Utilize Employee Agreements and Company Policies

Click here for details on the Intellectual Property (IP) checklist and the full article.

Social Distancing and Quarantine Shut Down Patent Cases

As more and more of the American population becomes subject to mandated quarantines and curfews, the new orders have had an unforeseen effect on patent cases involving generic and patented prescription drugs.  The Hatch-Waxman Act entitles certain drug patent owners a 30-month stay in which the FDA won’t grant final approval of a generic drug after a lawsuit if filed.

Read the full article here.

Click to read the previous Weekly IP Buzz on Thriving Attorney.

For more posts, see our Intellectual Property Law Blog.

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In addition to Thriving Attorney, Darin M. Klemchuk is founder of Klemchuk LLP, a litigation, intellectual property, and transactional law firm located in Dallas, Texas. Click to read more about Darin Klemchuk's practice as an intellectual property lawyer.