Intellectual Property
Protect your work from copycats. Learn the difference between trademarks, copyrights, and patents so you can safeguard your intellectual property.
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Creating Work for the Public Domain
Creative works that are in the public domain are available for anyone to use. Learn how works can become public domain and how you can contribute your own works.
· 3 min read
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Finding the Right Fit: Comparing Intellectual Property Protections
Safeguard your ideas, inventions, and processes so others don't benefit from your genius unless you want them to.
· 4 min read
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Understanding Orphan Works and Copyrights
Whenever a person creates a work that is copyrightable, such as a book, poem, or song, they immediately own the copyright to the work. Use of that work without the owner's permission is called infringement. If it's not possible to determine the copyright holder for a work, that work is considered an orphan work, although it is still protected by copyright law.
· 3 min read
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The Pros and Cons of Using a Patent Pool
Do patent pools facilitate innovation or stifle it? It depends on a variety of factors. Learn more about the potential pros and cons of patent pools here.
· 3 min read
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What to Do if You Get a Copyright Infringement Notice
As copyright infringement becomes more common, owners are becoming more aggressive in protecting their rights by issuing copyright infringement notices.
· 3 min read
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What Happens When You Get a Patent Revocation?
Can the USPTO revoke a patent after granting it? The short answer is "yes." Learn more about patent re-examinations, the grounds for requesting one, and possible outcomes.
· 3 min read
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Tips for Protecting Your Trade Secrets
Adequately protecting trade secrets can mean the difference between the success and failure of your business.
· 3 min read
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The Problem of Genericide in Trademarks
Sometimes a company's branding can become so pervasive in our culture it goes beyond the traditional confines of its trademark. What seems like a good problem to have can actually create a new public relations headache known as genericide.
· 3 min read
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How to Buy Expired Patents
A patent gives an inventor a limited time of exclusive ownership. If the patent expires, it's possible for someone else to buy it. Find out how to buy an expired patent.
· 3 min read
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What a Business Method Patent Is
A business method patent allows an inventor to protect their new idea for a way of doing business that involves a specific use of technology. Find out what the requirements are and how to apply for a business method patent.
· 3 min read
