Intellectual property law and the details surrounding it can be complex to navigate, whether you are an inventor, business owner, or independent contractor innovating for others. Before choosing what type of intellectual property protection you need, understand what each of the following terms really mean and how they can help you upon consulting with an experienced attorney like Shane Coons.
- Copyright – this type of intellectual property is usually connected to original works or expressions of art. You are probably familiar with seeing items that are ‘protected by copyright,’ meaning that if you want to reproduce the work you would need permission. Typical works that are copyrighted would be books, movies, music and songs, video games, software, and other creations.
- Patent – a license is granted to an individual or a business, so they may produce a product exclusively. If you or someone within your business has created an invention that you are worried about being stolen, filing for a patent offers protection, prohibiting others from producing or selling that innovative item. You may have a patent for a device, an item you produce on site, a process for creating something, or even a chemical mixture that is unique.
- Trademark – a trademark can be an integral component for many businesses, setting you apart from others. In working with an experienced attorney, you will be able to see your trademark registered and licensed. Typical trademark concepts are logos, slogans, designs that are connected to your brand and goods and separate you from offerings of competitors. Service marks are meant to designate the services that your company offers.
Each of these types of intellectual property protection can be critical to a business, as well as to the work of an individual who has created something that is unique and useful. While it is easy to picture the typical inventor as looking like Da Vinci or Benjamin Franklin, people and businesses of all types around the US continue to create a vast number of works, inventions, and items connected to goods and services. All too often we hear about individuals who came up with an amazing idea, only to have it stolen forever by someone who actually put it all down on paper and applied for intellectual property protection—allowing them to own it exclusively. Upon expiration of intellectual property protection such as a copyright, patent, or trademark, it enters the public domain again and can be used without permission.
If you have questions about intellectual property, consult with an experienced attorney like Shane Coons to protect any inventions, products, services, logos or more. Call now at 949-333-0900 or email us at Shane.Coons@seclawoffices.com. We will be glad to meet with you to review your case and explain your legal options. Our office is here to help!