The ownership and use of technical data and computer software that may be created or delivered in connection with government contracts often present a conflict between the government's interests and those of contractors. As a result, we have considerable familiarity with the concepts of patents, copyrights, trademarks and licenses under government contracts. For example:

• We assisted an equipment manufacturer in persuading the Federal Railroad Administration that our client was entitled to exclusive patent rights permitting it to exploit certain new technology the company had developed.

• We advised a local utility in New England how to protect computer software rights in contracting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

• We represented an aircraft parts manufacturer in a dispute with the Air Force and the Navy over patent rights and the impact on contract pricing.