what kind of lawyer do i need for a cease and desist letter

by Dr. Ezekiel Strosin 9 min read

A civil or criminal attorney could prepare such a letter. It depends on the facts and circumstances of the case and practices / procedures of the particular attorney you contact. There should be a good faith base and merit in sending out the cease and desist letter.

Yes. You don't need a lawyer to prepare a cease and desist letter, although a lawyer will know how to write a letter that properly scares the recipient without going over an ethical line. Remember, a cease and desist letter is not legally binding like a cease and desist order from a court or government agency.

Full Answer

Can I Have my attorney serve a cease and desist?

May 13, 2019 · The short answer is no, you do not need to hire an attorney. Anyone (whether the complaint is well-founded or not) can send out a cease and desist letter. However, there are reasons why you may want an attorney who specializes in copyright laws at least review your letter before sending it out.

Can I send a cease and desist letter to someone?

Mar 20, 2016 · A civil or criminal attorney could prepare such a letter. It depends on the facts and circumstances of the case and practices / procedures of the particular attorney you contact. There should be a good faith base and merit in sending out the cease and desist letter.

Is it okay to ignore a cease and desist letter?

Oct 05, 2020 · The answer is no, a cease and desist letter does not need to be sent by a lawyer, but for reasons we will explain, using a lawyer is highly preferable. Writing and sending a cease and desist letter does not require a license to practice law – anyone can technically draft and send a cease and desist letter, but leaving it in the hands of a legal professional is usually a …

What happens if a cease and desist letter is ignored?

Mar 09, 2020 · March 9, 2020. competition, contractor, contracts, employee, employer, non compete, non solicit, non-competition. You may not have to hire an attorney to respond to a cease and desist letter you’ve received from a former employer. But it may be a good idea to at least consult with a lawyer that practices in the trade secret, employment restrictive covenants, non …

What type of lawyer writes a cease and desist letter?

The short answer is no, you do not need to hire an attorney. Anyone (whether the complaint is well-founded or not) can send out a cease and desist letter. However, there are reasons why you may want an attorney who specializes in copyright laws at least review your letter before sending it out.May 13, 2019

How much does it cost to send a cease and desist letter?

The final bill will also vary widely depending on where you live and the firm you hire. The cost of a cease and desist letter depends on many factors, but a single cease and desist letter can easily cost anywhere from $750 to $5,000. The services of a lawyer can indeed be very pricey.Sep 21, 2020

Do I need a lawyer to respond to a cease and desist letter?

When you receive a cease and desist letter, your first step is to show it to an attorney. Depending on whether the letter is about trademark infringement, harassment, or defamation, you'll need either an intellectual property attorney, a criminal attorney, or a personal injury attorney.Jul 19, 2019

Can you write your own cease and desist letter?

Can You Write Your Own Cease and Desist Letters? While a business owner can send this type of demand, generally it is a good idea to ask an attorney representing your business to draft and send this letter.

What justifies a cease and desist?

If someone is infringing your trademark or copyright, use a cease and desist letter to make a formal request for them to cease the infringing activities. This shows that you mean business and are prepared to pursue legal action if necessary.

Do cease and desist letters mean anything?

A cease and desist is a written notice demanding that the recipient immediately stop an illegal or allegedly illegal activity. It may be an order or injunction issued by a court or government agency or a letter from an attorney. A cease and desist order or injunction has legal power.

What happens if you ignore cease and desist?

Failing to comply with a cease and desist order means that the violator could pay civil fines or damages. In some cases, particularly those involving harassment, continuing harassing activities could result in jail time.

Can a cease and desist letter be considered harassment?

A cease and desist harassment letter is a written document that demands the recipient stop a certain behavior immediately. This behavior is constituted as harassment in some way.

How do you get past a cease and desist?

Contact an Attorney: Take or send the cease and desist letter to a business and intellectual property lawyer along with any related documentation. Many attorneys will review and interpret cease and desist letters at little to no cost. This can give you peace of mind and help you prepare for the next step.Feb 6, 2020

Can you send cease and desist?

Can anyone send a Cease and Desist Letter? Yes, anyone can send a Cease and Desist Letter. You do not need to hire an attorney to write one for you. An attorney, however, can help you determine whether your rights have been violated and if you have enough grounds to pursue legal action.

What is a cease and desist letter slander?

Description: A cease and desist letter to the offender to stop making defamatory statements, libel or slander against you or face legal action from you. It addresses the malicious, unsubstantiated and untrue defamatory statements made about the sender that has damaged their reputation.

How do I write a cease and desist letter for slander?

Every cease and desist letter should include language that accomplishes the following:Describe the defamatory statement or libelous written statement or statements that are being made and demand that the recipient stop making these statements.Provide the reason why these statements are defamatory.More items...

What kind of attorney should I hire for a potential infringement?

If it is for a potential infringement matter,you would hire an intellectual property attorney; if for a tort matter (like harassment) you would hire a tort attorney. It depends on what is at issue.

Can a civil attorney write a cease and desist letter?

A civil or criminal attorney could prepare such a letter. It depends on the facts and circumstances of the case and practices / procedures of the particular attorney you contact. There should be a good faith base and merit in sending out the cease and desist letter. Contact a local attorney to further discuss the issues and the reasoning for the request for a cease and desist letter. Good luck.

If I can send a cease and desist letter, why should I use an attorney?

Anyone can write and send out a cease and desist letter. There are a few reasons, however, why you should strongly consider using an attorney instead:

What is the difference between a cease and desist letter and a cease and desist order?

Some people confuse cease and desist letters with cease and desist orders. The primary difference is that a cease and desist letter does not have legal weight backed by a court – it is a notice and demand letter sent by someone or their attorney. A cease and desist letter is a measure used before resorting to more serious action such as a lawsuit.

Final thoughts

If someone is harassing you or infringing on your rights, having a legal professional send a cease and desist letter on your behalf can be a fast and cost-effective way to enforce your rights and put a stop to the offending activities. Demand Letters is your best option for finding a legal professional that will assist you for a low flat rate.

What does a cease and desist letter mean?

An employer sends a cease and desist letter if it thinks the former employee is working for a competitor, or stealing customers, or may inevitably disclose confidential information to their new employer. Often the letter arrives certified mail, or via federal express, or may even be served by a state marshal or process server.

Does Massachusetts have a non-compete agreement?

Just being a salesperson likely doesn’t meet that test, but research and development in a medical specialty probably does. Massachusetts has specific rules governing non-compete agreements, as does Connecticut governing physicians and, get this, security guards.

What is a cease and desist letter?

Cease and desist letters are a written warning sent to the party causing harm that notifies that if they do not stop the mentioned actions, further action and potential legal ramifications will be taken. These letters are not a legally binding order against another party.

What happens if you don't stop a cease and desist letter?

If the offender does not stop, the cease and desist letter sent may be used for evidentiary purposes in court. Slander, Social Media Slander, and Defamation. Slander and defamation are occurring when an opposing party is making statements against yourself or your business that are false and damaging.

What is a copyright letter?

Copyrights and trademarks give ownership of titles, names, logos, writings, books, music, etc. to the owner of the copyright or trademark. If a party is using your material without receiving your consent first, you may want to consider sending a cease and desist letter.

What happens if you are a victim of stalking?

If you have fallen victim to stalking, harassment, or invasion of privacy, it is understandable to be overwhelmed and in fear. Personal attacks should not be taken lightly. In certain circumstances, sending the offender a cease and desist letter can provoke them further.

What should a cease and desist letter include?

There are a few items every cease and desist letter should include. First, explain your rights. Second, detail how your rights are being violated. Finally, you must include a command to stop the actions you are being harmed by.

What happens if you send a cease and desist letter?

Issuing a cease and desist notice under the wrong circumstances can cause legal troubles for the sender. If there are threats involved in the letter, it can amount to extortion, blackmail or other crimes. In addition, if the violation turns out to be false, the party receiving the letter can sue for a judgement.

What is a cease and desist order?

A cease and desist order is granted by a court. It serves as a temporary injunction. The party that receives the order must stop what they're doing until a trial can be held. After the trial, a permanent injunction may be ordered. Reasons to request a cease and desist order include: Libel. Defamation.

What happens if you say the wrong thing?

If you say the wrong thing you can get yourself into more trouble. For example, a letter that you write directly can be used as evidence should the case go to court. A response drafted by a lawyer, on the other hand , is considered a part of settlement negotiations and becomes inadmissible as evidence.

What happens if you fail to abide by a contract?

The contract might require certain behavior from you. If you fail to abide by that behavior, you're in breach of contract. Say you agree, by contract, that you won't work for a competing business within a certain amount of time after you stop working with someone.

Is it illegal to say something out loud?

It is illegal to say, either out loud or in print, things about other people that are not true or can be harmful to their reputation or ability to engage in gainful activity. You can say your opinion about someone. However, any false accusations can result in legal repercussions under civil law.

What is cease and desist order?

A cease and desist order is the first step in obtaining legal action towards the noncompliant party. It is considered to be one of the cheapest and quickest ways to resolve a dispute because lawsuits can be time consuming and expensive.

What is the first step in a civil case?

First, The charges must be related to the civil matter at hand. If there is a criminal charge unrelated to the civil claim, it must be separate to avoid any deception. Next, the attorney must believe the civil claim and associated criminal charges are actually based on merit in relation to the law.

What are the rules of professional conduct?

Additionally, the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct require that a lawyer “shall not present, participate in presenting, or threaten to present a criminal charge solely to obtain an advantage in a civil matter.”. The threats should only be utilized for a negotiation tactic.

What is a temporary injunction?

This formal order is known as the “temporary injunction” as mentioned earlier. After a hearing is held and the judge concludes that the behavior is illegal then the temporary order turns into a “restraining order.”. However, the terminology and procedures may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

What is a legal warning?

The specific activity you need the person or company to cease; Describe why the activity it illegal; A clear warning that legal action will follow – such as a lawsuit if the activity does not end and; A statement of waving present and future rights to sue based on prior misconduct.

Can you write a cease and desist letter?

Although, anyone can write a cease and desist letter, an attorney can assist with determination which legal rights were violated and how you can pursue further legal action if necessary. Find the Right Commercial Lawyer. Hire the right lawyer near your location. Find My Lawyer Now!

What is a cease and desist letter?

A cease-and-desist letter has no legal standing. It is merely a warning and a request to stop the offending behavior before legal action is taken. If the party continues the offending activity, the letter may help you get a cease-and-desist order, which is granted by the court. The order requires the party to stop the offending behavior ...

What information should be included in a letter?

If you are writing the letter yourself, you should include the following information: Your name and contact information. Name and contact information of the person or business being asked to stop the behavior. Specifics about the activity you wish them to stop.

Is debt a demon?

Debt can be both a powerful tool and a horrible demon. While having some debt can be good - it allows you to live la vida loca - having too much debt can be disastrous. The following tips can help you maintain some sanity when the bill collectors come calling. While you will have to deal with the bills, these tips can help you avoid being harassed.