Patent, Trademark and Copyright Protection

Protection for your products, processes or written words can be enhanced by securing a patent, trademark, or a copyright. Patent protection allows you to prevent others from making, using or selling the patented item, as set forth in the claims portion of the patent. Patents can be either a utility patent (covering a process, machine, manufacture or composition of matter, etc.) or a design patent (covering a new, original and ornamental design for an article of manufacture, etc.) , depending upon the item being covered.

Trademarks and service marks provide protection for words, names, symbols, logos and similar items. A copyright is used to cover books, articles, advertising copy, software, artwork and similar items.

If you believe you have a special product, process, name, written piece or other item that could be protected by the patent and copyright laws, you should seek a good patent attorney. You should secure the attorney’s advice BEFORE you market the item or the protection may not be available.

For a better understanding of this area of the law, register and attend our “Legal Issues & Asset Protection” workshop. Also gain a preliminary understanding of patents by downloading the article in Download Useful Articles & Spreadsheets.