Design and brand protection are frequent topics of debate in the home furnishings industry. For furniture companies and designers who introduce innovative stylings, intellectual property is critical for business success. For companies who intend merely to participate in a trend, avoiding encroachment upon the patent, copyright and trademark rights of others is essential to turning a profit. 

Womble Carlyle is highly experienced in distinguishing between innovation and commodity products. Our team members are recognized international leaders in furniture and design-related intellectual property issues, and regularly counsel clients on the various forms of applicable legal protection. For the innovations, we have established the intellectual property rights in hundreds and hundreds of designs, so we understand the specific challenges and opportunities of the home furnishings industry. We prepare, file, prosecute, enforce and defend furniture-related patent, trademark and copyright applications on a nearly daily basis.