Intellectual Property

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

How to talk about your nonpatented invention without having your idea stolen
Until you've filed your application with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, you should be extra careful about who you talk to and how you share your ideas.
March 23, 2023 · 4 min read
The state of the 'fair use' defense in the art world
The great French Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin once said, 'Art is either plagiarism or revolution.' More than 100 years later, this statement is still up for debate among artists, some of whose work is being found to infringe others' copyrights.
March 23, 2023 · 4 min read
Copyright 101
Ever wonder what you can copyright? Or whether you really need to copyright your work to protect it? Copyright can be confusing, so we break it down and give you the basics you need to know.
March 22, 2023 · 3 min read
Get the most from your provisional application for patent
You've got an invention, but what an ordeal just to get it to 'patent pending' status. The reality is, filing a provisional application for patent is not as confusing or as intimidating as people think—especially if you know what to expect.
March 22, 2023 · 6 min read
What are derivative works under copyright law?
Find out what constitutes a derivative work and how it's protected by copyright law.
March 22, 2023 · 4 min read
Who owns the rights to your life story?
An unknown, down on his luck fighter gets a shot at the big time against the reigning, legendary champ. Although the endearing underdog eventually loses by technical knockout, he dances toe-to-toe with the champ for 15 rounds, even knocking down one of the greatest pugilists ever along the way.
March 22, 2023 · 5 min read
Appropriating copyrighted works: When is it legal?
When an artist uses a copyrighted work and creates something new, it can fall under a fair use exception in the law.
March 22, 2023 · 4 min read
The Copyright Commons: Works in the public domain
Many of us have looked at a piece of art, watched a movie, or listened to a popular song and thought of using it to create something new. Well…can you?
March 22, 2023 · 3 min read
When is unauthorized use not trademark infringement?
If you draw a Dallas Mavericks emblem on your husband's birthday cake or make a Shrek costume for your daughter, is it considered trademark infringement? That depends on if you're merely displaying the trademark or appear to be sponsoring it. But what's the difference?
March 22, 2023 · 5 min read
Taking your trademark overseas
With the Internet and globalization making the world smaller, businesses are increasingly expanding overseas—and that means they need to protect their trademarks outside the U.S. Doing business in other countries? See how you can get trademark protection.
March 22, 2023 · 4 min read