FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Homepage: www.artzat.com
What are your areas of expertise?
What is the best way to contact Artzat Consulting?
How can you consult in such diverse situations?
What distinguishes Artzat Consulting from similar firms?
How can you work for Artzat and another company at the same time?
Can you be retained on contingency?
Is an engagement contract required?
Can you represent me at the Patent Office?
Is expert witness work privileged?
Are your services limited to engineering technology?
What are your areas of expertise?
Our professional experience includes several overlapping fields: industrial equipment & controls, computerized devices & equipment, and related manufacturing & construction. This expertise includes the technical aspects as well as and the commercial wrappers that transform technology into business.
What is the best way to contact Artzat Consulting?
A brief email or phone call describing your situation is the smoothest way to get a prompt response. Be sure to include your contact information. Check the Contacts page for email and phone info.
How can you consult in such diverse situations?
Expert consulting often focuses on specific details common to widely varying circumstances. Therefore, an expert in a specific field can accommodate generalized situations that share a particular expertise. A fictitious example would involve a printing press matter that requires an expert on microcomputer programming. This might be because the matter in dispute involves only the computer control portion of the printing press that is independent of the actual printing technology on which the consultant is not an expert.
What distinguishes Artzat Consulting from similar firms?
Artzat Consulting works closely with a small client base, providing fast and personal service when it's most needed. Clients are often pleasantly surprised by our performance, especially after disappointments from less reliable consultants. For Intellectual Property, we're already familiar with Daubert, Graham, and Markman. We focus on completing a project rather than simply "working on it." Our references are solid, our fees are competitive, and our reputation is untarnished. And we're always anxious to discuss your needs, even if our only service is to recommend a more appropriate consultant.
How can you work for Artzat and another company at the same time?
My 30+ years of industry experience affords considerable latitude in my work schedule. My dual career as an executive and consultant has worked well since 1997. My executive roles have enhanced my consulting capability, while my outside work has strengthened my corporate value. Of course, I carefully avoid conflicts of interest in both arenas, and arrange my schedule to accommodate all prior commitments.
How do we get started?
Following initial contact, we'll review your situation to 1) make certain there's a good fit, 2) estimate anticipated time and costs (if possible) and 3) prepare an engagement contract and retainer invoice. Work will commence immediately after the contract and retainer are in place.
What is a "P.E."?
A licensed Professional Engineer (PE) (also referred to as a "Registered Engineer") is someone having the education and experience required to legally offer engineering services to the public. Legal requirements vary slightly among the states, although most offer reciprocity or comity. Most states also require annual continuing education. Arthur Zatarain is registered as an Electrical Engineer in Louisiana, Alabama, California, and Alaska, and also as a Control Systems Engineer in Louisiana. Artzat Consulting is a licensed engineering firm in Louisiana. Note that registration in any particular state is not usually required when providing expert consulting services unless the matter pertains specifically to aspects of that state's professional registration.
Can you be retained on contingency?
No. All consulting services are provided by the hour, with a pre-paid retainer to cover anticipated charges. This is done for the usual commercial concerns as well as to protect the validity and sincerity of the consultant's opinions which are never tied to the outcome of any proceedings.
Is an engagement contract required?
Yes. It is not complicated, but the contract does outline the specific commercial and technical responsibilities of both the client and the consultant. Also, some work in California requires an additional disclosure document to outline the technical and commercial responsibilities for each specific project.
Can you prepare patents and/or represent me at the Patent Office?
No. Artzat Consulting's role is to support patent attorneys and agents in regard to a patent's underlying technology. In patent parlance, I am "skilled in the art" of industrial controls, computers, automation, and electrical/electronic engineering. If required, I can refer potential clients to a suitable professional for patent preparation, prosecution, and defense.
Is expert witness work privileged?
The work performed by a testifying expert witness is usually subject to discovery during litigation. Therefore, all communication with a client (that is not otherwise protected) can be seen by any authorized party. However, such disclosure applies only to consulting provided as a testifying expert witness. Any work performed outside of a legal setting, or as an investigative expert, can usually remain confidential.
Are your services limited to engineering technology?
Although technology is usually involved, we can assist clients with the commercial and management aspects of a product or business. We can help an investor evaluate a company's technology in terms of engineering, operations, manufacturing, support, marketing, and migration to newer technologies and processes. And we can help negotiate those contracts that are waiting on the table as well as those which have fallen apart. We are fluent in the language of Industry. And, more importantly, we speak it in plain English.
What is Computer Forensics?
Computer Forensics is the art and science of retrieving, validating, and analyzing information related to a computerized device. Artzat Consulting has certified training, software, and equipment to properly handle electronic data according to accepted forensic practices. These resources are important for situations involving computer damage, fraud, misuse, and data recovery, and are also useful for any matter involving computerized information. However, Artzat Consulting does not offer "first responder" or "data mining" services which are more efficiently provided by firms with specialized equipment.
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May 22, 2009