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Intellectual Property
Fundamentally, whether it refers to either real property or intellectual property, a property right is the right to exclude others from using something that you own. At this time, not everyone realizes the benefits of protecting their ideas. Registering your rights in intellectual property with the appropriate state and/or federal agency has many benefits. In most cases, the earlier an idea is registered, the greater the rights the individual has.
Copyrights
Copyrights give the author of an original work of art (or writing, recording, etc.) the ability to prohibit others from using or reproducing the author’s creation without the author’s permission. Copyrights are commonly thought of in the context of artwork, literature, and musical compositions. While these are common examples of copyrightable materials, other items such as blueprints, architectural drawings, computer databases, software and educational or promotional materials often qualify for protection.
Trademarks
A Trademark is a phrase, symbol or picture that is used by a person or entity to identify and distinguish the person’s goods or services from their competitors. Protecting and monitoring a company’s trademark is a very important part of a successful marketing and business development strategy. Without such protection, competitors could reap the benefits of the time and money you have spent on developing your brand.
Patents
A patent gives an inventor of a new and useful process or item the exclusive right to use, produce and distribute the item for a fixed period of time. Applying for a patent is a highly specialized area of the law. Commonly, an inventor works with a lawyer who has been licensed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Although this firm does not assist with the registration of patents, we would be happy to provide you with names of some lawyers who do.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and address any questions that you may have about intellectual property at no cost or obligation to you. Please contact me today.
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