Intellectual Property for Your Business

There are many different types of intellectual property protections. These are used to protect creative works and can help creators gain the benefits they have put into them. In addition to protecting a work, intellectual property can also be used for branding and marketing purposes.

Trademarks   ®

You have come up with a catchy name for your invention or your business, how do you keep others from copying it or make sure that it isn’t already taken? Sounds like it’s time to see if you should apply for a trademark.  

Trademarks are another type of intellectual property protection. A trademark is a symbol that distinguishes the source of a product from others. It may be a name, logo, color, or other feature. If a product is branded, the owner of that mark has the right to stop others from using it without permission.

Think of any major brand name and their logo. Apple, Nike, Budweiser, Netflix, Game of Thrones, your favorite shampoo or makeup, any and all products and businesses we utilize every day…  All of these names and their logos mean something to us and help these brands stand out from their competition, and they all started somewhere. Trademark protection is a critical place to start for your business.

Patents

Who here has had a genius idea for a new product or way to do something? Think you will be on the next Shark Tank? The investors on the famous tv show generally always ask the inventors if there is a patent or patent pending. So, what is a patent and why is it such an important issue for inventors and investors?  

Patents are also another type of intellectual property protection. This type of patent protects inventive processes, new plant strains, and other useful inventions. The patent holder has the right to exclude others from manufacturing or selling the product.

The latest wonder drug on the market, every model of cell phone, medical devices, kid’s toys, kitchen gadgets, apps, new technologies, and everything in between are all patentable inventions.

Trade Secret

Ever wondered what the recipe for Dr. Pepper is? Or what is in your perfume that makes it your favorite scent? How one business maintains such an edge over the other?  Chances are that those critical elements are under lock and key. Trade secrets are an important form of intellectual property. Trade secrets are any information that a company or individual needs to maintain its competitive advantage. Trade secrets can be formulas, patterns, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, or processes. When the owner of a trade secret finds out that the secret has been leaked without authorization, they have the right to ask a court to prevent use of the trade secret. There are many ways to ensure your business’s secrets stay yours.

Copyrights ©

You have written a song or music, a poem, a book, created a painting or a piece of sculpture, posted a beautiful picture on Instagram, created a trending Tik Tok, or an NFT. Now, how do protect it from being copied by others?

Copyrights are another important type of intellectual property protection. Copyrights protect original works of authorship, including works in the arts, computer software, and movies. For the most part, copyrights are automatic once published or created, but they can be registered if desired.

Intellectual property is an essential part of today’s knowledge-based economy. In order to protect it, companies must be diligent and informed. Developing and producing it takes time and a substantial investment in brainpower. However, the investment can be worth it. Using intellectual property in the workplace can help stimulate innovation and generate long-term revenue.

The choice of which type of intellectual property protection to apply to your own work depends on your own personal preferences and business objectives.

The process of protecting intellectual property can be confusing. An attorney can help you to understand your rights and the options available. Knowing which intellectual property protections you need can be a crucial step toward gaining the financial and professional rewards that come from the hard work you have put into your creations.

With a little planning and preparation, you can protect your own creative work and reap the rewards of all your hard work.