Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Benny G. White
Nashville, TN Attorney with 8 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Personal Injury
Nashville School of Law
I was born in Franklin, Kentucky, and spent most of my childhood in Middle Tennessee. After getting married, I began working in construction, where I honed my skills as a form carpenter and concrete finisher for several years. My journey in the construction industry led me to start my own business, and I eventually succeeded in establishing a thriving contracting business.
I am proud to be an alumnus of Western Kentucky University and the Nashville School of Law. My passion for criminal defense was ignited by my personal life experiences and the chance to represent indigent defendants at the AA Birch...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial MediaResponsive Law
Cody Galaher
Nashville, TN Attorney
(615) 651-7393
Fifth Third Center | Suite 2000
424 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37219
Free ConsultationAgricultural, Appeals, Arbitration & Mediation and Business
Mississippi College School of Law
Cody Galaher represents companies and individuals in litigation of state and federal matters primarily involving family, business, and appellate issues. Cody has wide-ranging and specialized litigation experience, both at the trial court and appellate levels, which he utilizes to obtain the very best possible outcome for his clients. Cody is experienced and has a reputation for obtaining great results for clients in divorce and custody matters.
Cody frequently helps clients form, govern, and operate their businesses and his distinct litigation expertise allows him to advise clients in avoiding and resolving potential disputes. In addition, Cody is also uniquely experienced in the...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Lisa Millican Ewing
Nashville, TN Attorney with 17 years of experience
Free ConsultationDivorce, Domestic Violence, Family and Juvenile
Nashville School of Law
Lisa Millican Ewing is Of Counsel for McCarthy Law PLC in the Nashville, Tennessee office. She grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and graduated from the Fogelman College of Business at the University of Memphis, magna cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with an accounting major. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Nashville School of Law graduating in the top 10% of her law school class
Prior to pursuing a career in law, Lisa founded the medical practice management and medical billing firm, MedAccounts, Inc. Upon graduation from law school, she established Ewing Law Office LLC and where...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Marcus Shute Jr
Nashville, TN Attorney with 9 years of experience
Business, Cannabis Law, Criminal Defense and Entertainment & Sports
Nashville School of Law
Shute Law is a boutique law firm that utilizes a client-focused approach to create opportunities and procure sustainable contracts in the sports and entertainment industries. Our practice areas include contracts, litigation, consulting/business development, the cannabis & marijuana industry, as well as estate planning, criminal defense, and family law.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Ann-Douglas Tycer
Nashville, TN Attorney with 31 years of experience
Free ConsultationSocial Security Disability
Nashville School of Law
Ann has more than 20 years of work representing Tennesseans applying for Social Security Disability benefits. She previously worked for Attorney William M. Stephens and developed one of the earliest law firms in Middle Tennessee dedicated to helping people overcome the challenges of a Social Security disability application and appeal. Ann has tried hundreds of Social Security appeals. She is a compassionate and zealous advocate. Ann’s commitment to her clients is based on her desire to pursue a legal career so that she could help everyday people. She understands that serious medical conditions can lead to life changing disabilities...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Patrick Cruise
Chattanooga, TN Lawyer with 23 years of experience
Free ConsultationPersonal Injury
Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Louisiana State University
Patrick A. Cruise is licensed in Tennessee, Georgia, and Louisiana. Patrick has handled over one thousand cases, including jury trials in Tennessee, Georgia, and Louisiana. He has obtained millions of dollars in compensation for his clients, including numerous six and seven figure settlements, judgements, and verdicts. Patrick focuses primarily on serious injuries involving commercial motor vehicle wrecks, and is Board Certified in Truck Wreck Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Christopher Kim Thompson
Nashville, TN Attorney with 31 years of experience
Free ConsultationPersonal Injury and Workers' Comp
Nashville School of Law
A graduate of Nashville School of Law, Mr. Thompson has over 30 years experience in handling and litigating personal injury and workers compensation claims. Before practicing law, he handled claims for insurance companies for 15 years. He knows what to do and when to do it. He will get you results you should be satisfied with in your case.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
Carolanne R. King
Nashville, TN Attorney with 10 years of experience
Divorce, Family and Juvenile
The Nashville School of Law
Carolanne R. King was born and raised right here in Middle Tennessee. Carolanne resides in Marshall County, Tennessee (Lewisburg) with her husband and son.
Carolanne studied criminal justice administration and sociology at Middle Tennessee State University. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree Carolanne attended The Nashville School of Law. Carolanne is admitted to practice law in Tennessee and is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association and the Tennessee Young Lawyers Division.
Carolanne has been with Freeman and Fuson since January 2012. Since that time she has worked on many complex and challenging family law cases with both Mark and Joseph....
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Michael Justin Green
Sevierville, TN Lawyer
Free ConsultationPersonal Injury
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Michael Green is a personal injury lawyer serving clients throughout East Tennessee. He has experience with a wide range of personal injury cases. Michael is dedicated to helping his clients get the best possible outcome for their cases.
Michael was born and raised in Sevierville, Tennessee. Michael learned the value of hard work, fairness, determination, and helping others from a young age. He applies these same core values to his personal injury law practice.
Michael has enjoyed great success in helping families secure their financial future after an accident. His practice is focused on helping those injured in car accidents, motorcycle accidents,...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Byron L. Pugh
Nashville, TN Attorney with 12 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Byron Pugh is a criminal defense and family law attorney in Nashville, Tennessee. Byron represents individuals who are charged with a crime, the subject of a criminal investigation, seeking a divorce or engaged in a child custody dispute. He serves clients throughout Middle Tennessee including Williamson, Davidson, Rutherford and Sumner counties.
Byron began his legal career in the courtroom as an Assistant District Attorney in Davidson County. He was first assigned to the domestic violence team where he prosecuted domestic assault, stalking and harassment cases. There he earned a reputation as a dedicated and effective advocate for domestic violence victims. Byron...
Claimed Lawyer Profile
John R. Colvin
Winchester, TN Lawyer with 30 years of experience
Free ConsultationNursing Home, Personal Injury, Products Liability and Social Security Disability
Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
Tennessee personal injury lawyer, John R. Colvin, is a practicing trial lawyer who uses his legal training and experience to help individuals and families throughout the Tennessee Valley region, cope with and recover from the hardships brought on by disability, injury, or the loss of a loved one. His practice concentrates primarily in the areas of Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Premises Liability, and Social Security Disability.
In the specific areas that I focus my law practice, I have an opportunity to help individuals throughout Southern Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama who have suffered a tragic loss or have been injured through...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Nichole Dusche
Franklin, TN Attorney with 11 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence and Juvenile
Nashville School of Law
Nichole Dusché is a former prosecutor and experienced trial lawyer representing clients throughout Middle Tennessee.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
George Angelopoulos
Franklin, TN Attorney with 11 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Personal Injury
Nashville School of Law
George Angelopoulos is a dedicated Car Accident Lawyer located in Franklin Tennessee. The personal injury attorney focuses on car accidents, truck wrecks, dog bite injuries and premises liability. The accident attorney has offices across Middle Tennessee and accepts clients state wide. Text or Call 615-422-7171 for a free consultation. No fee until you win!
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Donna L. Green
Franklin, TN Lawyer with 27 years of experience
Divorce and Family
Vanderbilt University Law School
www.NashvilleDivorceLawyer.com
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Alyssa Castronovo
Brentwood, TN Lawyer
Divorce, Estate Planning, Family and Juvenile
Pennsylvania State University
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Julie Travis Moss
Brentwood, TN Lawyer with 27 years of experience
Business, Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate
Loyola University Chicago
Julie Travis Moss’ practice areas include estate planning, estate and trust administration, guardianships and special needs planning, as well as handling real estate and business needs for clients. Julie has more than 26 years of diverse legal experience, including ten years as a general practitioner in Michigan and teaching legal writing at Vanderbilt Law School. With her depth of experience, Julie provides comprehensive services to meet her clients’ diverse needs. And with her depth of understanding of family relationships and dynamics, Julie is able to work with our clients to resolve their most difficult and complex matters.
Julie earned her B.A....
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Travis Doyle McCarter
Sevierville, TN Lawyer
117 Court Avenue
Sevierville, TN 37862
Free ConsultationPersonal Injury
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Travis McCarter has been a lifelong resident of East Tennessee. He attended Sevier County High School before receiving his undergraduate degree and a law degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. During his academic career, Travis achieved a distinguished record, graduating cum laude from UT and making the Dean’s List while at UT College of Law. Mr. McCarter is one of the most successful trial attorneys in East Tennessee. He has gained invaluable experience handling cases of all types at all levels of state and federal court. In fact, he is one of the few attorneys in the area...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
Mark T. Freeman
Nashville, TN Lawyer with 32 years of experience
Business, Divorce, Family and Landlord Tenant
University of Tennessee College of Law
Mark Freeman is a board certified Civil Trial Specialist with almost 20 years of litigation experience located in the heart of Nashville Tennessee. He has tried nearly one hundred jury cases both in State and Federal Court in Middle Tennessee. Mark Freeman is a litigator who concentrates his practice in the areas of civil litigation, criminal defense, personal injury, domestic and family law matters. Additionally he is a chartered property casualty underwriter which is a designation indicating specialization in the insurance field.
Mark Freeman graduated from Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee School of Law. Client satisfaction is his number...
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Tony Duncan
Nashville, TN Lawyer with 25 years of experience
Free ConsultationMedical Malpractice and Personal Injury
Nashville School of Law
I founded my law firm, Tony Duncan Law, in 2003. My goal then and now is this: to obtain the best possible outcome for my clients. I focus my practice on wrongful death, medical malpractice (now known as health care liability actions in Tennessee), and serious personal injury, and motor-vehicle-collision cases (e.g., auto, tractor-trailer, and motorcycle crashes.). I can be reached at (615) 620-4471.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Sydney Eliza Weiskopf
Nashville, TN Attorney with 1 year of experience
Free ConsultationBusiness, Entertainment & Sports, IP and Trademarks
University of Arkansas School of Law
Sydney represents clients in Arkansas, New York, and Tennessee in the areas of Sports and Entertainment law, Intellectual Property, Business Law, Trademarks, and Estate Planning.
Sydney attended law school at the University of Arkansas, where she graduated cum laude with her J.D. in 2023. While in school, Sydney worked for two years in school in the Arkansas Razorback Athletic Department under the Associate General Counsel for Athletics where she gained experience working with contract review and negotiation; compliance and Title 9 issues; intellectual property; Freedom of Information Act requests; and Name, Image, and Likeness policies and procedures. Sydney wrote and...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Robb C. Bigelow
Nashville, TN Lawyer with 23 years of experience
Civil Rights and Employment
Vanderbilt University Law School
Robb Bigelow is a trial lawyer with over 20 years of experience in the legal community. Bigelow began his career working for the Honorable Juliet Griffin in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. After gaining three years of invaluable insight into the judicial process, Bigelow began working as an employment lawyer at Stewart, Estes & Donnell. When that firm merged with Dickinson Wright PLLC, Bigelow continued his employment practice, ultimately becoming a partner in the firm. In 2015, Bigelow left Dickinson Wright to form his own firm. Since 2015, Bigelow has focused on workers rights...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Douglas B. Janney III
Brentwood, TN Lawyer with 27 years of experience
Free ConsultationBusiness, Civil Rights and Employment
Ohio Northern University
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Bryan Stephenson
Nashville, TN Attorney with 20 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Domestic Violence
Pepperdine University School of Law
Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer Bryan Stephenson has been representing folks for about 10 years. He is a former Assistant District Attorney for Davidson County. He has had great success in helping clients through the hardest times of their lives, working to get them the best possible outcomes in their cases. He works all over middle Tennessee and represents clients charged with all types of crimes (Misdemeanor, Felony, DUI, Implied Consent, Drugs, Assault, Fraud, Public Intoxication, Probation Violations, and other offenses) in the State, Federal, and Juvenile Courts. Call 615-515-5110, or visit our website at www.MiddleTNLaw.com, to schedule a free consultation...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial MediaResponsive Law
Zachary Scott Gainous
Nashville, TN Attorney with 6 years of experience
Free ConsultationBusiness, Entertainment & Sports, IP and Trademarks
Nashville School of Law
Nashville attorney Zach Scott Gainous was born in Tallahassee, Florida. After graduating high school, Zach moved to Nashville to pursue his bachelor's degree at Middle Tennessee State University. Zach attended MTSU's College of Media & Entertainment and studied in the Recording Industry program where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Business.
While attending MTSU, Zach completed courses in artist management, music publishing, music production, concert promotion & touring, record label marketing, record label operations, A&R, copyright law, music business contracts and legal issues, and more. During his studies at MTSU, Zach also began working as an independent producer...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Brent Hessel
Nashville, TN Attorney
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, Divorce, Family and Immigration
American University
I am a great advocate of the essential place immigrants have in this country. Not only is immigration the foundation of our history, but it is the cornerstone of our future success. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee World Affairs Council. I have represented dozens of clients before the Immigration Courts, USCIS, the Department of Labor, and U.S. Consulates in many foreign countries before the full range of immigration matters. I approach every client creatively, finding solutions to their problems while making sure that each client and their families understand their options and the consequences...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Bernard McEvoy
Nashville, TN Lawyer with 35 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Domestic Violence
Vanderbilt University Law School
Have you been charged with a crime or criminal citation in Nashville, TN and/or Davidson County? You need to contact the Law Office of Bernie McEvoy, a Nashville criminal lawyer with over 25 years experience in criminal law. Bernie McEvoy has a true understanding of how the legal process in Davidson County can be flawed and how innocent people can be convicted for criminal acts. So if you've been charged with a DUI, Domestic Violence, Sex Crimes, or other criminal charges, call the Law Offices of Bernie McEvoy today for a free initial consultation about your case!
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Russell E. Freeman
Goodlettsville, TN Attorney with 37 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Family, Personal Injury and Probate
University of Memphis
Russell is a lifelong resident of Goodlettsville, Tennessee where he currently serves as the City Attorney. He has over thirty years of experience as a trial attorney litigating and trying numerous jury and bench trials involving a wide range of civil issues in Davidson, Sumner and Robertson County. Russell treats every client as though they are his biggest and maintains a reputation for helping individuals in times of hardship and holding others accountable for their wrongdoing. He has many years of experience representing clients in personal injury accidents, car wrecks, estate planning and probate, and estate litigation. Beyond that, he...
Claimed Lawyer Profile
John Buhrman
Chattanooga, TN Attorney with 24 years of experience
Free ConsultationBusiness, Elder, Estate Planning and Probate
Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
John was born and raised in Chattanooga. He was active in the Boy Scouts growing up and earned his Eagle Scout Award. In law school, John earned the Book Award in his estate planning class for the highest grade. Prior to joining his father's law practice in 2002, he worked for two years with UBS Trust Company (formerly Bradford Trust Company). John speaks on the areas of Chattanooga estate planning and probate to other attorneys and professionals, as well as the public. In the past, John served on local boards such as the Orange Grove Center, the Siskin...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Timothy M. McLaughlin
Knoxville, TN Attorney with 33 years of experience
Free ConsultationAsbestos, Criminal Defense, Insurance Claims and Medical Malpractice
University of Tennessee College of Law
Tim McLaughlin was born in North Dakota and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. Tim moved to Knoxville, Tennessee in 1989 and graduated from the University of Tennessee Law School in 1992. Tim immediately began working for the Knox County Public Defender's Office where he gained extensive trial experience. Shortly thereafter, Tim chose to work with the Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos, a nationally recognized plaintiff's law firm at the Knoxville, Tennessee branch office. In 2003, Tim and Mike Nassios established the law firm of Nassios & McLaughlin.
Mr. McLaughlin's practice involves representing people...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
David John Rausa
Mt. Juliet, TN Lawyer with 32 years of experience
Free ConsultationBankruptcy
Western Sierra Law School
Mr. Rausa is regionally known as a lecturer on bankruptcy and foreclosure law. His arguments in several courts have influenced case law, and he has been asked to speak on bankruptcy law topics on San Diego business radio talk shows and before consumer credit counselor and real estate professional groups.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial MediaResponsive Law
Mr. Edwin A. Anderson
Knoxville, TN Attorney with 29 years of experience
Free ConsultationSocial Security Disability
DePaul University
Edwin A. Anderson has handled Social Security Disability and SSI claims continuously since 1998. Originally from California, he earned his B.A. in Political Science from UCLA and his J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law in Chicago.
Mr. Anderson has been named a “Top Lawyer” by Knoxville’s CityView Magazine seven times. He is a past President of the Rotary Club of Knoxville, the City’s oldest and largest service organization. He is a past-Justice of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International’s Knoxville Alumni Chapter and serves as an alumni advisor for the Sanford Chapter at the University of Tennessee College of...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Andrew W. Varney
Knoxville, TN Attorney with 2 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Juvenile and Traffic Tickets
Lincoln Memorial University - John J. Duncan, Jr. School of Law and University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Scott A. Lanzon
Knoxville, TN Attorney with 21 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI and White Collar Crime
Vermont Law School
Scott A. Lanzon was born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where his father was serving in the United States Army, 101st Airborne. Raised in Detroit, Michigan, Scott graduated from the University of Montana in 1998. After working in New York City , Scott decided to pursue a career in law. He graduated from Vermont Law School in 2004, and immediately joined the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office in Columbus, Ohio. In 2007, Scott joined the law firm of Thomas and Company, where he served as an associate. Scott returned to Montana in 2008, and had a successful career as a prosecutor at...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Katie Jane Lamb
Knoxville, TN Attorney
Free ConsultationUniversity of Tennessee College of Law
Katie Lamb was born and raised in the small town of Newport, Tennessee, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. She went on to attend the University of Tennessee, where she graduated cum laude in 2011. During college, she was involved in several extracurricular activities, including Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, Dean’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Council, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and other honors societies.
Katie subsequently attended the University of Tennessee College of Law, where she served as a Law Student Ambassador, Law Student Advisor, and member of the Class Gift Committee. She received her Doctor of...
Claimed Lawyer Profile
David Alexander Burkhalter
Knoxville, TN Attorney with 49 years of experience
Free ConsultationAnimal, Employment and Personal Injury
University of Tennessee College of Law
Civil trial attorney in private practice since 1976. Mr. Burkhalter has extensive trial and appellate experience in both State and Federal courts. He is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Thomas Boyers V
Gallatin, TN Lawyer with 25 years of experience
(615) 206-8663
150 West Main Street
Citizens Bank Building, Suite 301
Gallatin, TN 37066
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, Divorce, Personal Injury and Probate
Nashville School of Law
Thomas Boyers continues a long tradition of legal and social advocacy, not only in Gallatin and Sumner County but throughout Tennessee in counties such as Wilson, Trousdale, Robertson and Macon. Thomas' Father and Grandfather were lawyers and Circuit Judges who practiced for decades in Gallatin as well as these other counties. Thomas Boyers V's namesake, Colonel Thomas Boyers established the local Newspaper and was the founding president of the Tennessee Press Association. Boyers concentrates on Criminal Defense, Divorce, Personal Injury and Probate cases. Additionally, Thomas Boyers is listed by The Tennessee Supreme Court as a Rule 31 Civil Mediator.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
Alexander J. Winston
Knoxville, TN Lawyer
Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Estate Planning and Traffic Tickets
University of South Carolina School of Law
Alex Winston has handled a variety of matters for the firm, including: Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney, etc.); Estate Administration (Probate); Business Transactions; Business Formation (LLC, Corporations, Partnerships, etc.); Debt Collection; Personal Injury; Landlord Tenant Disputes and Detainer Warrants; DUI; Simple Possession Casual Exchange; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Drugs: Manufacture, Sale, Delivery or Possession; Theft (misdemeanor and felony); Speeding; Texting While Driving; Seat Belt Violation; Lane Violation; Aggravated Assault; Domestic Assault; Vandalism; Shoplifting; Driving While Privilege Revoked or Suspended; Public Intoxication; Underage Consumption of Alcohol; Failure to Provide Evidence of Compliance with Financial Responsibility Law (Insurance Violation);...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
W. Scott Kimberly
Murfreesboro, TN Lawyer with 12 years of experience
(615) 890-1099
107 North Maple Street
Suite 100
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence and Family
Seattle University School of Law
I own and operate the Law Office of W. Scott Kimberly, located on the Murfreesboro Public Square. My practice currently focuses on criminal defense, family law, and personal injury.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Ashley Lauren Roberts
Knoxville, TN Attorney with 8 years of experience
Divorce, Family and Juvenile
Lincoln Memorial University - John J. Duncan, Jr. School of Law
Ashley Roberts focuses her practice on domestic relations and juvenile court matters in Knox and the surrounding counties. Ashley is compassionate and attentive to clients. She understands that resolving legal disputes through negotiation or litigation can present unpredictable and emotional obstacles.
Ashley handles both agreed and contested divorces including complex matters relating to child custody, child support, and military divorces where one or both parties is absent from the state. She also handles post-divorce proceedings, such as modification of parenting plans, modification of child support, and enforcement of final judgments through contempt.
Additionally, Ashley advocates for the rights of children as a...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Thomas Kulaga
Knoxville, TN Attorney with 25 years of experience
Free ConsultationIP and Patents
University of Tennessee College of Law
Tom Kulaga is a patent attorney who worked for 19 years as an electrical and instrumentation engineer before becoming an attorney. Tom focuses on helping inventors and businesses protect their intellectual property through patent protection.