Intellectual Property

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

Trademark registration: An overview
Trademarks protect your business name and strengthen your brand identity. When you register your trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, you gain valuable rights, but the registration process takes some time and consideration.
March 20, 2023 · 3 min read
What is a trade secret?
Intellectual property protection exists so creators have control over their work after they share it. Learn what's at stake and how to safeguard your intellectual property and your success.
March 20, 2023 · 3 min read
The utility patent: What is it and what does it protect?
Utility patents are among the valuable assets in the world. Unlike other forms of intellectual property protection, they have numerous formal requirements and can be very expensive to get. For new inventors, pursuing a utility patent can be daunting. If, however, you take it one step at a time, you too can receive an issued patent for your invention.
March 17, 2023 · 4 min read
The right of publicity: Whose right is it?
Yes, you may have the right to protect your name, image, and likeness, even if you're not famous. Or alive.
March 17, 2023 · 4 min read
How long does a copyright last?
There are a lot of complicated parts to copyright law; determining how long a copyright lasts is not one of them. It doesn't matter if you create computer code, abstract sculpture or technical writing: the terms of copyrights are all the same. With three simple facts, you will be able to know how long a copyright will last.
March 17, 2023 · 3 min read
Get it right the first time: Avoiding trademark pitfalls with an appropriate strategy
Trademark registration can be complicated and expensive. Start with a strategy and apply these three steps to make sure your filing matches your need. You can avoid mistakes and save money with some careful planning and a sound strategy.
March 17, 2023 · 4 min read
How long does a trademark last?
A trademark can last as long as it is used, if the owner is on the ball. The nature of trademark protection is complicated. In order for businesses to know how long a trademark lasts, they need to understand what a trademark really is. After that, a business owner can track with precision how long they can expect a trademark to last.
March 17, 2023 · 2 min read
How to register a service mark
A service mark protects the words and symbols you use to identify your business, including names, logos and slogans. Service marks are identical to trademarks, except that service marks are used to identify services you provide, while trademarks are used for products. Learn more about service marks and the specific steps required by the registration process.
March 16, 2023 · 3 min read
How to avoid trademark infringement
Should you move forward with using your new logo or slogan? Not so fast, what if someone else is already using a similar mark? Learn about trademark infringement and how to avoid it.
March 15, 2023 · 4 min read
Provisional vs. non-provisional patent application: What is the difference?
Did you know you can file a provisional patent application to help you get more time to complete the patent process? Learn more about provisional patents, used to ‘reserve’ a spot in line for your patent application.
March 15, 2023 · 4 min read