Intellectual Property Survey – Make Sure You Know the Rules
Intellectual Property Survey?
Make sure you know the rules.
The following factors courts often consider when determining the admissibility of a Lanham Act survey, to guide its surveys and reports. Specifically, whether the:
- population was properly chosen and defined
- sample chosen was representative of that population
- data gathered were accurately reported
- data were analyzed in accordance with accepted statistical principles
- questions asked were clear and not leading
- survey was conducted by qualified persons following proper interview procedures
- process was conducted to ensure objectivity
Relevant Universe
Ms. Harper knows that if the right audience isn't surveyed the entire study can be disqualified. That's why she examines and measures the responses of purchasers and potential purchasers of the products or services at issue. She takes great care to ensure that the universe neither excludes potential purchasers (under-inclusive) nor is overbroad (over-inclusive).
Sample
Most of the time it would be impossible, or infeasible, to test all prospective purchasers in the relevant universe. We employ sampling procedures that statistically project results to the entire universe. Courts demand that such procedures be in accord with accepted, unbiased statistical principles.
Collection Method
Ms. Harper relies on online studies for its surveys. Now common due to household penetration rates, large panels, and cost, Harper Litigation Consulting and Research uses the leading, premier online platforms and sample companies.
Accuracy
With 30+ years of research experience, Ms. Harper knows how to accurately collect, analyze and report data in accordance with accepted statistical procedures. Among the many considerations, we deploy the right survey types, ensure not to use leading questions, and take great care to code and accurately represent the findings.
Controls
Ms. Harper understands that "noise" occurs within surveys. In most cases, courts require that a survey include a control in order to address possible noise among consumers. Using a control group or question, we can test directly the influence of the stimulus.
Rhonda Harper, Trademark Infringement Survey Expert, Expert Witness
Retained by 100+ law firms since 2005, Ms. Harper is courtroom proven. She has been engaged to provide 65+ surveys, 80+ reports, 30+ rebuttals, 45+ depositions, and serve in 20+ trials. She has provided services to both Plaintiffs (60%) and Defendants (40%) across trademark and trade dress, packaging, merchandising, defamation, licensing, breach of contract, advertising, and commercial reasonableness. She has provided services in virtually every Circuit as well as JAMS and TTAB.
Ms. Harper's 30+ year career includes serving as a Fortune 100 Chief Marketing Officer. Having authored two books, she is a former Adjunct MBA Marketing Professor.
Ms. Harper is routinely retained to formulate expert surveys, conduct rebuttal critiques, or construct rebuttal surveys to show the potential difference in results with properly designed and executed surveys. She has extensive experience and a deep understanding of survey design, sampling, question construction, data analysis, and methodological pitfalls that introduce bias or systematic error.
