by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmB C Killough named Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyer
CHARLESTON, SC – Kim Lahey & Killough law firm is pleased to announce that B.C. Killough has been named to the list of “Stand-out Lawyers” by Thomson Reuters. Each year, thousands of senior in-house legal counsels from around the world nominate the top three attorneys they have worked with during the past year.
Bill Killough has been recognized for decades by his peers in publications such as The Best Lawyers in America, South Carolina Super Lawyers and Charleston Business Magazine’s Legal Elite. Best Lawyers named him the “Corporate Lawyer of the Year” for the Charleston area in 2015. These client-nominated attorneys are “real stand-out lawyers [and] are distinctive because, in combination with their technical competence, they offer business savvy advice, deliver exceptional service, or integrate well with the client team,” according to Thomson Reuters.
Bill Killough practices law in the areas of intellectual property and business law, including commercial transactions. He is a registered patent attorney and has obtained more than 350 patents for clients and filed more than 1500 trademark applications on behalf of clients. He has experience as an intellectual property litigator, with at least one of his cases setting precedent. As a certified mediator, Killough assists parties in intellectual property and corporate disputes in coming to a resolution outside of a courtroom.
With offices in Greenville and Charleston, SC and Brevard, NC, the Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm is devoted to helping clients achieve their business goals and establish, enforce, and leverage their intellectual property rights from the Upstate, to the Lowcountry to across the globe.
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmContingency Planning and Disruptions: Preparing for a Typhoon
At the recent NEXT Upstate’s Founders Forum, our firm’s founder Attorney Doug Kim spoke to business owners about contingency planning and the crucial steps they should take to prepare for disruptions. He speaks from personal experience. In May 2023, during a diving expedition to Truk Lagoon Micronesia, unexpected challenges unfolded, leading to an extended stay due to flight delays caused by Typhoon Mawar.
Before the one-in-a-lifetime journey began, Doug and the rest of the firm prepared meticulously, including informing clients, designating a point of contact, and addressing administrative tasks. Despite facing unexpected delays and limited communication options during the trip that Mother Nature extended by two weeks, the firm’s established policies and procedures allowed for effective management of the disruption. We didn’t miss a beat!
The resilience of our firm’s operations, enabled by our SaaS tech stack, cloud storage, and VPN, allowed for continuous communication and work progress. The ability to triage and prioritize tasks ensured that essential work continued, even in the face of uncertainties. The experience highlighted the importance of having contingency plans in place, especially when unforeseen circumstances lead to an unexpectedly prolonged absence.
While the incident tested the firm’s resilience, it also provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of remote work capabilities. It underscores the need for businesses to not only anticipate disruptions but also to implement robust contingency plans that encompass various scenarios, ensuring continued functionality and adaptability in the face of the unexpected.
Key Takeaways:
Complete a Comprehensive Business Analysis Impact Report:
Doug emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough business analysis impact report. Scrutinize all business functions, applications, and services to identify vulnerabilities and potential areas of risk. By understanding how disruptions might impact different facets of the business, owners can proactively implement measures to mitigate risks.
Protect the Essentials for Revenue Generation:
Protecting what’s vital to revenue is paramount. Doug advised business owners to identify and secure the critical components that drive revenue. This includes safeguarding key assets, client relationships, and proprietary technologies. By prioritizing these elements, businesses can enhance their resilience against disruptions that may threaten their financial stability.
Cross-Train Teams and Establish Succession Plans:
Cross-training teams is a strategic move to ensure that no single person holds exclusive knowledge or skills critical to business operations. For solopreneurs, Doug recommended finding a trusted friend who can serve as a backup and hold a spare set of keys to the castle. This not only mitigates risks associated with personnel dependencies but also ensures a smoother transition in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Develop a Comprehensive Communications Plan:
Effective communication is key during times of disruption. Doug suggested creating both internal and external communications plans. Internally, it’s crucial to designate a person in charge and establish clear communication channels. Externally, keeping clients and vendors informed is essential for maintaining trust. Additionally, evaluating the need for public relations (PR) during crises ensures that the business’s image is carefully managed.
Data Recovery Strategies:
Doug outlined a robust data recovery strategy involving the maintenance of three copies, two backups, and one offsite storage. This ensures data redundancy and protection against data loss. Incorporating third-party solutions that are geographically untethered adds an extra layer of security.
Measures to Safeguard Property and Funds:
To protect property and funds, Doug recommended internal agreements such as employment and independent contractor agreements. Safeguarding intellectual capital (IP), having duplicate vendors, and establishing an incident response team, both internally and externally, further fortify the business against unforeseen events.
Insurance and Contract Clauses:
The importance of insurance in contingency planning cannot be overstated. Doug suggested considering insurance coverage tailored to the specific risks faced by the business. Additionally, including contract clauses that outline provisions for emergency use of electronic data processing equipment helps manage expectations in case of equipment failures.
By incorporating contingency planning strategies, entrepreneurs can build resilient businesses capable of withstanding disruptions and adapting to changing circumstances. As Judson L Moore aptly stated, “A bad plan is better than no plan,” emphasizing the significance of flexibility in adapting and refining strategies as circumstances evolve.
- Check out local news coverage of “Stuck in Truk”
- Learn more about NEXT Upstate’s Founders Forum series.
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmAFF Group Honored with Export Achievement Award
The Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm congratulates the AFF Group, formerly known as the American Foam & Fabric Company, for being honored with the Export Achievement Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding achievements of U.S. companies in the international market and their contributions to expanding U.S. exports.
The announcement was made in April during the International Trade Administration U.S. Commercial Service’s Building Bridges to Global Markets event in Greer, SC. This regional event included included the South Carolina District Export Council and special guest Arun Venkataraman, who is the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service.
Kim Lahey & Killough’s founding attorney Doug Kim serves on the SC District Export Council. He remarked, “It’s a pleasure to see clients recognized for their success. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to AFF’s efforts to expand their market and business reach internationally.”
The AFF Group has been a leading provider of high-quality foam and fabric products for over 60 years. The company operates several manufacturing facilities in the United States, including its headquarters in Lyman. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation for excellence in product quality and customer service.
In recent years, AFF Group has expanded its business into international markets, exporting its products to countries all over the world. The company’s success in the international market is a testament to its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
AFF Group CEO Ben Leinster commented, “We are incredibly honored to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce for the Export Achievement Award. Whether deciding which foreign markets to pursue or coordinating logistics of a trip, we are grateful for the assistance of the partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the SC District Export Council.”
In addition to AFF, Greenville-based IT company Blue Eye Soft was also recognized with an Export Achievement Award. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) presents the Export Achievement Award to companies that have demonstrated a commitment to exporting and increasing their international sales. The award recognizes companies that have shown exceptional progress in expanding their exports or penetrating new markets.
The ITA plays an important role in promoting U.S. exports and supporting U.S. companies in the international market. The agency works with U.S. businesses to identify new export opportunities, provide market intelligence, and develop export strategies. The ITA also provides technical assistance and funding to help companies expand their international sales.
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmKim, Lahey & Killough 2023 SC Super Lawyers
Kim, Lahey & Killough attorneys listed in
2023 South Carolina Super Lawyers
Kim, Lahey & Killough attorneys Doug Kim, Seann Lahey, and B.C. Killough have been named in the 2023 South Carolina Super Lawyers list as top-rated intellectual property attorneys and Casey Martens has been named in the 2023 South Carolina Rising Stars list as a top-rated employment and labor attorney in the Greenville and Charleston markets.
Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive the honor of inclusion on the Super Lawyers list and no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected to be listed as Rising Stars.
Greenville patent attorney Doug Kim, founder of Kim, Lahey & Killough, has been included in the South Carolina Super Lawyers list annually since 2017. Kim concentrates his law practice in the areas of brand protection, invention protection, licensing, contracts, company formation, Internet and domain name, data security and privacy, patents, trademarks, copyright, technology transfer, IP litigation, trade secrets, Internet & domain name pursuits, business disputes & resolutions. In addition to Super Lawyers, Doug Kim has previously been named the to the Greenville, SC Best Lawyers® list, named the Trademark Lawyer of The Year, the Best Lawyers® Patent Lawyer of The Year, an IP Star by Managing Intellectual Property magazine and a Legal Elite of the Upstate by Greenville Business Magazine.
Charleston patent attorney B.C. Killough adds his ninth year as a named attorney to the South Carolina Super Lawyers list in the area of intellectual property law. Killough’s practice areas include brand protection, invention protection, licensing, contracts, company formation, Internet and domain name, data security and privacy, patents, trademarks, copyright, technology transfer, IP litigation, trade secrets, Internet & domain name pursuits, business disputes & resolutions, commercial transactions, and mediations of intellectual property and commercial disputes. Killough has been honored as a Senior Fellow by the Litigation Counsel of America, holds an AV preeminent rating with Martindale-Hubbell, was previously named the Best Lawyers Corporate Lawyer of the Year for the Charleston market and has been recognized by Charleston Business Magazine as a Legal Elite in the area of Intellectual Property and Innovation.
Greenville patent attorney Seann Lahey joins colleagues Doug Kim and B.C. Killough on the Super Lawyers list for their work in intellectual property matters. Seann Lahey’s intellectual property law practice regularly includes work in trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets licensing matters, and he has extensive experience dealing with international and U.S. patent prosecution. He has also been recognized by Greenville Business Magazine as a Legal Elite of the Upstate for his work in intellectual property law.
Super Lawyers South Carolina Rising Star Casey Martens practices employment and business law in both the Greenville SC and Brevard NC offices of Kim, Lahey & Killough. Her law practice focuses in the areas of business disputes and litigation, state and federal employment law, corporate formation, drafting and enforcement of contracts, business disputes involving interference with client relations, individual and business defamation, collections, and enforcement of non-compete agreements. She has also been previously recognized by Greenville Business Magazine as a Legal Elite of the Upstate.
About Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area.
About Kim, Lahey & Killough
With offices in Greenville and Charleston, SC and Brevard, NC, the Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm is devoted to helping clients establish, enforce, and leverage their intellectual property rights from the Upstate, to the Lowcountry to across the globe.
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmWatch Kanga Compete on Shark Tank
Teddy Giard, Logan LeMance and Austin Maxwell set to pitch their product, the Kase Mate, on the Sunday, April 7, episode of “Shark Tank.”
Like many young people, Logan LaMance had a decision to make his freshman year in college. He could continue focusing on freedom and fun or get serious and shoot for the stars. He chose the latter and it paid off. This Sunday, Logan and his partners at Kanga, LLC, will appear on Shark Tank. Their pitch? Kanga’s Kase Mate is described as a “koozie for a case of beer.” Their marketing slogan is, “Kooler than a cooler and keeps drinks cold for up to 7 hours without ice.” You get the point, but how did they get to this point?
Logan was born and raised in Pickens, SC. He started taking classes at Clemson during fall 2014. Logan says it was the end of that first semester when he realized he needed a change in direction. The following semester he was part of an internship program lead by Young Entrepreneurs Across America, that teaches students how to start and run a business. It was a house painting business called Student Painters, LLC.
Logan worked harder over the next two years than he ever had before in his life. He put in between 30 – 40 hours per week on school work and every other waking moment was spent on his business. Logan said it was a tough place to be, both mentally and physically taxing, but he was driven and had a dream. He says, “The thing I am the proudest of is not that I brought the biggest business or made the most money, but that I fought through it, never quit and learned a lot of valuable lessons along the way.”
That’s when he caught the bug. After running a grueling, yet successful painting business with other students for two years, he was sick and tired of paint brushes, but he knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur. During the spring of 2017, Logan took an entrepreneur class that would change his life. The class project was to create a solution for a problem that people face. Logan says finding a good idea wasn’t easy.
Then came football season. Logan and his friends were on their way to tailgate. They stopped to grab a couple 12-packs on the way. They all had coolers back at their apartments, but they didn’t want the hassle of carrying a heavy, clunky cooler a mile from home to the tailgate and back, which meant they ended up drinking warm beer before long. Logan thought to himself, “Why are we drinking warm beer? That’s a problem.” He had to find the solution next.
Logan says he saw someone take a cold beer out of a cooler and put it into a koozie and that’s when it hit him. Logan wondered, “Why don’t we have the same thing for the whole case? We got it from the fridge (what made it cold), why don’t we have something to put it in to keep it cold for the whole time we’re actually going to enjoy it?”
That’s how Kanga was born. He pitched the idea to his class and convinced them it was bigger than a class project. They created a prototype and worked with mentors through the Spiro Institute to take their idea and turn it into a business.
Doug Kim, Kanga’s intellectual property attorney of the Kim and Lahey Law Firm, says, “I met the owners of Kanga, LLC through my work with the Clemson Venture Program and was immediately impressed with their inventions, marketing acumen and business decisions. To see these business owners accomplish so much while also attending college, should be inspiring for everyone.”
Kanga started with a short run of 100 units to test the market and see if people would actually buy it, and they did. From there, Kanga won a first-place prize of $8,000 at Clemson’s “The Pitch Smackdown,” which Logan describes as a mini shark tank where they also picked up their first investor.
Fast forward to when Kanga had a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2018, and now, as they’re only two days away from appearing on the real Shark Tank on ABC. Logan says, “If we can do it with a koozie for a case of beer, image what other ideas can do.”
The Shark Tank episode airs at 10pm EST, Sunday, April 7.
This article is for informational purposes only. Any result achieved for one client does not necessarily indicate that similar results can be achieved for any other client. Kim and Lahey Law Firm, LLC has designated Douglas W. Kim as the person to contact for information regarding this article. He may be contacted at 864-973-6688 or at [email protected].
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmDoug Kim Selected to 2019 SC Super Lawyers List
Douglas Kim, Partner, Kim and Lahey Law Firm, LLC
Douglas Kim, a longtime intellectual property attorney in the Upstate area, has been selected to the 2019 South Carolina Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.
Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Doug started his own law firm in March of 2018. Soon after, he partnered with longtime friend and colleague, Seann Lahey, in what is now the Kim and Lahey Law Firm, LLC. They assist clients, both domestically and internationally, who are looking to safeguard innovative ideas or inventions, secure their brand’s identity, or otherwise need to protect their business interests. They take a client-centric approach toward understanding a client’s needs in order to create customized legal solutions involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, enforcement, licensing, contracts, privacy policies, and website terms and conditions.
Doug also serves as the Chair of the South Carolina Bar Intellectual Property and Innovation Committee.
The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com.
