Intellectual Property

Protect your work from copycats. Learn the difference between trademarks, copyrights, and patents so you can safeguard your intellectual property.

Christmas carols & IP rights
This holiday season, many of us download and play Christmas carols to our heart's content without any thought to copyright ownership. By downloading and playing these songs, are we infringing on the author's copyright protection? Check out this primer on intellectual property rights, including what's protected, how long it's protected for.
March 24, 2023 · 4 min read
Honoring George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver rose from slavery to become one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century.
March 23, 2023 · 3 min read
Blogging and intellectual property law
Following these guidelines can help you stay on the right side of the law and understand your own rights.
March 23, 2023 · 6 min read
5 things you can't copyright
In order to qualify for copyright protection, an original creative work must exist in tangible form—in other words, written down or in a form you can touch.
March 23, 2023 · 3 min read
Does your U.S. patent, trademark, or copyright protect you overseas?
Your intellectual property is protected here at home—but what about abroad?
March 23, 2023 · 2 min read
E-publishing and the importance of copyright
With the popularity of e-books and growth of the technology to support them, electronic publishing has become a lot easier. Yet with that ease and a wide open marketplace, it becomes even more important you take the necessary steps to protect your creative work with a copyright.
March 23, 2023 · 2 min read
Royalties for cover songs
Performing cover songs can be a lucrative gig—especially if you're good. But if you haven't paid royalties or secured the rights to perform them, you could be in trouble.
March 23, 2023 · 3 min read
Estate plans and intellectual property: What to consider
Intellectual property is a valuable asset that often gets forgotten in the estate planning process.
March 23, 2023 · 4 min read
How to sell your patent
Finding a way profit from your patent can be tricky if you're not sure how to do it. But with a little business savvy and a touch of marketing sense, you can find the companies that are looking for innovation. If you're ready to license or sell your patent, these tips and links can help you get started.
March 23, 2023 · 2 min read
Can you trademark 'You're fired!' and other sayings?
We've all heard them—signature sayings such as 'you're fired!' 'that's hot' or 'three peat'—made popular by the characters who uttered them. But did you also know they are trademarked? Find out more about signature sayings, the benefits of registering a signature saying as a trademark, the process of applying for a trademark, and more.
March 23, 2023 · 4 min read