WE ARE COUNSELORS IN THE TRUEST SENSE

While “counselor” is often used as legal terminology for a lawyer, we take that title seriously. We take pride in guiding our clients through the legal hurdles they face today and help prepare them for the hurdles of the future. Above all, our job is to offer informed and practical counsel to organizations that need it.

To do that most effectively, we focus on advising our clients on publishing and intellectual property matters. Project responsibilities are spread among our team of professionals to maximize efficiency and leverage each member’s particular expertise.

However, we also know how important it is to maintain the flexibility necessary to efficiently address specialized matters when a project requires. To assist in matters outside of FLG’s core expertise, we maintain regular affiliate relationships with a carefully selected group of experienced attorneys across the country, who we involve on a project-by-project basis to handle areas such as tax, non-profit law, motion pictures, employment, bankruptcy, litigation, and other disciplines.  We also work with many of our clients’ local law firms to address state law and corporate matters as well as to comply with bar requirements.

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PUBLISHING SERVICES

CUSTOMIZED AGREEMENTS

Utilizing form agreements developed by our firm and updated to reflect best practices, we create customized templates commonly needed by a publishing company.

MANUSCRIPT REVIEW

We review manuscripts for libel and infringement and develop practical solutions to resolve those risks.

STRATEGIC PUBLISHING COUNSEL

We know the publishing business.  We understand the intricacies of outsourcing fulfillment, managing distribution, acquiring publishing assets, and even selling an entire company. We regularly advise CEOs on strategic options as well as negotiate and close transactions.

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARK

We advise on copyright questions, perform trademark clearance and manage brand portfolios, address infringement claims, draft and negotiate IP license agreements, and handle disputes before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

ANTITRUST GUIDANCE

Price discrimination and antitrust laws are complex.  We help publishers develop compliant policies and avoid landmines.

RIGHTS TRAINING WORKSHOPS

Clients regularly invite us to train staff on the rights issues they encounter every day, from individual questions to full-day workshops.

Digital publishing and eBooks
Text, image, and music permissions
Marketing and advertising clearance
Religious discrimination
Subsidiary rights
International publishing
Online privacy policies and terms of use
Outsourcing agreements
Intellectual property policies and usage guidelines
Software, web, and other IT agreements

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MINISTRY SERVICES

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICIES

We draft policies distinguishing IP owned by the organization from IP owned by pastors, ministry founders, professors, and employees.

PROTECTING YOUR BRANDS

We clear new brands used by the ministry, register them with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, police against infringement, and handle disputes before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

CONTENT DISTRIBUTION

Ministries are often publishers.  We advise ministries on the variety of content distribution models now available for books, curricula, and other content.

IT AGREEMENTS

Modern churches and other ministries leverage technology to connect with their membership and audience. We review and advise on all forms of technology arrangements.

PRIVACY POLICIES

Privacy and data security laws continue to expand. We advise ministries on applicable requirements and draft policies for their online properties.

RIGHTS TRAINING WORKSHOPS

We are regularly invited to train staff on the rights issues they encounter every day, from individual questions to full-day workshops.

Acquisition and sale of ministry assets
Copyright and trademark questions
Strategic counsel
Business as mission
Religious freedom
Intellectual property infringement