In This Issue

How an Intellectual Property Audit
Benefits Your Business
Businesses today are often unaware of the Intellectual Property (IP) within their business. Your IP may include patents, trademarks, copyrights, licenses, trade secrets, non-compete agreements, non-disclosure agreements, your customer list, your internal processes, your training manuals, the names of your suppliers, the compensation of your employees and more.

An IP Audit will identify all of your Intellectual Property, determine whether it is being properly protected and enforced, and propose steps which should be taken to maintain and enforce your IP in the best possible way. This includes prioritizing and budgeting IP maintenance expenses. In addition, the IP Audit will attempt to identify potential IP liabilities such as patent, trademark, and copyright infringement issues that you should be aware of and propose steps which should be taken to eliminate or at least minimize liability.
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Things You Need to Know About
Same-Sex Marriage in CT
The recognition of civil unions and same-sex marriage in Connecticut has been a powerful moment for same-sex couples throughout the state. Yet it is critical that same-sex couples understand that, while their marriage is legal in Connecticut, it may not be recognized elsewhere in the United States. Currently, there are only five states that will fully recognize a Connecticut same-sex marriage: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and Iowa. New York, New Jersey and California extend some recognition but it is limited in nature.

This limited recognition means that the issue of the portability is very important, particularly when it comes to relocation and traveling. For example, if a couple relocates from Connecticut to a state that does not recognize the marriage and loses their Connecticut residency; they will be without the benefits of marriage, legal status, protection and the availability of the Court systems for issues such as divorce.
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CASE STUDY: Motorcycle Repair Shop Owner Awarded $756,000 for Personal Injury Due To Auto Accident
Attorney Dave Compagnone, an avid motorcyclist, recently settled a case for a friend and client, who, for over 20 years, ran a Waterbury motorcycle repair and high performance modification business. The client was in a motor vehicle accident in June 2007, when he was in his truck and swerved to avoid a collision with a vehicle that was pulling out directly onto the road from a private lot. The maneuver caused the client to head straight into a large tree through no fault of his own.

At the time of the accident, the client sustained injuries which appeared to be limited to a broken leg and a slight concussion.

The client needed round the clock care for the first few weeks after the accident. The motorcycle shop was virtually at a standstill as he was rehabilitating. With this in mind, Attorney Compagnone worked diligently to quickly prepare a lengthy and detailed demand letter for the $300,000 insurance policy that was available from the at-fault driver's insurance company. The insurance adjuster made no offer to settle, stating that when his insured pulled out of the private lot, her line of sight was obstructed because of the high bushes on the property next door.
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Announcement
Moynahan & Minnella is pleased to announce Attorney Matthew DeVito has joined the firm. As a recent graduate of Notre Dame Law, his practice will focus on criminal defense and personal injury.

Interested In An IP Audit For Your Business
  • Most businesses can benefit from an IP Audit
  • Company owners may be unaware of what constitutes intellectual property
  • Your Intellectual property needs to be protected
IP Audits can be conducted in our office, your office, by teleconference or video conference with Attorney Tom Gallagher. Contact Morgan Kelly (morgank@moynahanlawfirm.com) to make an appointment.

Key Issues To Remember For Same Sex Marriages
  • Only 5 States Plus CT recognize a same-sex marriage
  • Same-sex marriages are not portable
  • Protect yourself when relocating or traveling
  • Federal government spouse benefits are not applicable to same-sex couples
Who We Are
At Moynahan & Minnella, we pride ourselves on offering our clients personal, professional and affordable services to individuals, family and companies of all sizes; to provide the value of a full-service law firm; to be committed to being accessible and responsive to our clients needs.

Practice Areas
Appellate Law
Commercial and Corporate Law
Criminal Defense
Employment & Labor
Estate & Probate
Family Law & Domestic Relations
Immigration
Intellectual Property
International Law
Personal Injury
Real Estate
Workers' Compensation