Eileen Mathews, an attorney at Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP, was the guest speaker for the "Going Global" International Trade Forum on Friday July 10, 2009. Attendees included several exporters: Allied Machine and Marlite from Dover, Precision Air from Carrollton, and Superior Tank from Beach City. These are businesses created by people seeking out success on their own terms, learning as they go. The Trade Forums offer these business men and women the opportunity to network and enhance their skills and practices. Others in attendance included resource people for exporters including: Nick Perez of the Attorney General's Office in Canton, Trade Advisor Mitch Steiner of Dalton, Brett Fulesday of KPMG Pittsburgh and Tim Sisler of Resolve Management Advisors from Canton.

Eileen discussed the basics of Intellectual Property such as: trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and copyrights. She presented the 31 guests with a thorough and helpful guide along with sample copies of proper documentation. This event was the perfect setting for small business owners who are beginning, as well as for those who are established, to learn the basics of receiving a trademark or patent on their services, titles, logos and products. This insightful, interactive forum used examples relatable to all areas of expertise to offer insight to inquiring business minds seeking to reach out into international trade. The Q&A session allowed the attendees to receive consultation with a lawyer free of charge. While many of the business people may have anticipated a boring legal lecture, all left satisfied with the knowledge of the processes of obtaining legal rights for their businesses and products, as well as problems which could arise. One attendee commented, "The workshop was effective in answering questions that were specific to companies' issues with the patent process." If anyone missed this opportunity, they can contact Eileen via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 216.363.4451.