Publication date: 13.07.2025
Experienced legal professional with over 15 years of expertise in Business Law, Litigation, and Sports Law. Holds an LL.M. degree. Founder of HelpChain – a Ukrainian Employment Integration Project. Currently serves as Director of Communications and Public Relations (Eastern Europe) at Wisdom Trust.
Intellectual Property Threats: Case of Attorney Solomiia Baranets
What began as a standard request to register intellectual property quickly escalated into a highly complex, multi-layered legal case. The client contacted Solomiia Baranets to register rights to a unique business concept, but within days the idea was unlawfully appropriated and used by third parties.
Case Background
It turned out that one of the main violators was a former employee of the client. This not only put company assets at risk but also triggered serious employment and criminal law consequences. There was an urgent need to halt further disclosure of confidential information and protect the company’s interests across several jurisdictions.
Stages of Legal Support
1. Crisis Response and Risk Analysis
- Conducted rapid assessment of the violation and identified the source of the leak
- Assessed legal risks across criminal, employment, and civil law
- Developed a comprehensive protection strategy
2. Criminal Law Measures
- Established cooperation with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service
- Filed complaints of fraud and unlawful appropriation
- Investigation completed; case prepared for submission to the Crown Court
3. Employment and Internal Measures
- Conducted an internal corporate investigation
- Identified labor law violations and conflicts of interest
- Implemented disciplinary and legal measures
4. Civil Proceedings
- Filed a claim for negligence against a financial institution
- Identified third parties involved in the fraud scheme
- Launched parallel efforts to recover assets and protect business reputation
Outcome
- The criminal case has been submitted to court
- Civil proceedings initiated against the financial organization
- Illegal actions concerning the client’s IP assets were successfully blocked
Customer feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
What should I do if my intellectual property has been stolen?
Answer
Contact a lawyer. It is important to document the violation and immediately begin protecting your rights through court or law enforcement.
Question
Can criminal and civil proceedings be combined?
Answer
Yes. This is often the only way to obtain compensation and stop illegal activity.
Question
Who should conduct the internal investigation within the company?
Answer
The legal team in collaboration with HR and corporate security — while ensuring compliance with labor law and confidentiality obligations.
This case demonstrates how even a seemingly routine legal task — registering intellectual property — can escalate into a high-stakes, multifaceted legal battle. Thanks to the swift and strategic response of attorney Solomiia Baranets, the client received comprehensive protection across multiple areas of law, including criminal, civil, and employment.
Her approach was proactive, risk-aware, and focused not only on stopping violations but also on preserving long-term business continuity. The client was able to stabilize internal operations, initiate legal recovery of stolen assets, and send a clear message about the company’s commitment to defending its rights.
This case highlights how intellectual property matters can touch every part of a company — from HR and finance to public image and investor trust. Solomiia’s leadership ensured that each component of the response was aligned and legally sound.
Today, our team continues to advise the client on systemic improvements, including the implementation of stronger confidentiality frameworks, internal compliance protocols, and advanced IP protection mechanisms — laying a foundation for sustainable growth, innovation, and legal resilience.
