We’re a boutique intellectual property and business law firm based in beautiful Portland, Oregon, with experience serving innovative companies and entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Pronunciation: rez 'noh-vuh | Origin: Latin | Definition: new thing; used by courts to describe an issue of new law or a case of first impression.
We practice both intellectual property and business law because these two areas are very much interconnected.
Our experienced intellectual property attorneys can help identify, manage, and protect your business's intellectual property assets; and enforce your intellectual property rights against infringers.
Just like real property and personal property, the legal system protects “intellectual” property. This includes inventions; business names and branding; secret formulas, processes, and production methods; and creative works such as illustrations, songs, photographs, poems, and sculptures.
Having experienced business lawyers on your team can help you preserve your legal rights, run your business more efficiently and enforce your rights through litigation when necessary.
Our experience includes entity formation, founding documents, fundraising, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, employment agreements and other contracts for small and mid-sized businesses. We also have deep experience representing business owners in disputes involving members, shareholders, vendors and investors.
We know your inventions (i.e., patents) can give your business a monopoly for a limited time; your branding (i.e., trademarks) sets your business apart in the marketplace; your creative assets (i.e., copyrights) generate value for your business; and your proprietary information (e.g., trade secrets) gives your business an edge against competitors.
Protect your new and useful inventions, including methods, devices, plants, designs, and software.
Protect your branding, including business and product names, designs, slogans, and logos.
Protect your creative works, including songs, illustrations, photographs, literature, and more.
Protect your proprietary information, including secret methods, formulas, and discoveries.
Start, run, and grow your business as smoothly and profitably as possible. Or, devise a smart exit strategy.
Know, protect, and enforce your rights when it comes to music, publishing, media, and the arts.
Resolve your intellectual property and business disputes efficiently, economically, and strategically.
Create a solid foundation of legal, insurance, financial, and tax systems for your business.
Give us a call at 503-388-3110. If we can't help with your legal issue, we'll refer you to someone who can.
“We started using Res Nova Law for legal matters surrounding our intellectual property needs, but evolved to use the law firm for all our legal matters. We have had great success with their counsel and can confidently recommend their services for businesses needing IP or general business-related legal advice. We consistently get very responsive service and are treated as a valued client, which is why we keep using them.”
— Compliance Forge
“Res Nova has been our go-to attorney since day one. They helped us secure our intellectual property, tighten up our client contracts, and even go the extra mile to help our clients and connect us in the community. I’m confident making business moves when Res Nova has my back.”
— Ciara Pressler, Owner of Pregame
“When the experience is exceptional and rates are reasonable, you want to have a long term professional relationship with a firm like Res Nova Law.”
— Linda S., Author & Consultant
“Susan delivered results that allowed me to continue operating my small business. She has a sharp mind with over 20 years of experience that shows in her work. I can’t recommend working with her enough!”
— Tamara Young, Owner of Consign Couture
“Working with Res Nova has been a great experience. They understand the nuances of my industry and have helped ensure that my legal contracts fully cover all the variables that come from working in a creative field. They are my go-to legal team.”
— B. Clark Interior Design
“Moving ahead, I have every intention of working with Susan again. She is a consummate professional, and truly kind person as well.”
— Jen T., Documentary Filmmaker
“Exactly what I was looking for. Love my lawyer!”
— Erica V., Business Owner
FREE GUIDE: Benefits of Intellectual Property Registration
Your intellectual property is one of your most important business assets. We’ve created our quick and easy guide to understanding the benefits of intellectual property registration to help your business exclude competitors from infringing on your valuable:
✓ Inventions ✓ Discoveries ✓ Branding
✓ Creative works ✓ Proprietary information
Get instant access to the guide
“I highly recommend Susan Ford! When an unexpected copyright issue came up for my company, Susan responded quickly. She prepared thoroughly and offered me guidance that helped me quickly resolve the issue with my best interests in mind.”
— Merna Skinner