Top 5 Intellectual Property Disputes

Intellectual property disputes are incredibly common. Find out what intellectual property is and what your rights are.

Find out more about intellectual property basics

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top 5 intellectual property disputes

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Updated on: April 5, 2024
Read time: 3 min

Intellectual property disputes have become increasingly common in the digital age. We are all exposed to more content than ever before, and sourcing is often murky.

Although intellectual-property infringement can be unintentional, it still unacceptable under the eyes of the law. The most common examples of intellectual property disputes include using another's words, images, or logo without the property owner's permission.

graphic designer working on a project

Types of intellectual property

There are four main types of intellectual property: copyright, trademark, patent, and trade secret. The term "intellectual property (sometimes called “IP" for short) covers all types of intangible creations, but the type of protection that applies depends on the specific type of work:

  • Copyrights protect creative works that are either printed or digital. Common examples that fall under copyright are literary works, images or photographs, and movies.
  • Trademarks protect a word, phrase, mark, symbol, or logo used to identify the source of goods as a particular company — essentially, any branding. Think, for example, of the apple on Apple computers.
  • Patents protect inventions. Inventors may patent a process or method, a machine, a manufactured article, or a new pharmaceutical.
  • Trade secrets are just what they sound like—the inner workings of a business, often protected by nondisclosure agreements signed by employees. Trade secrets are common in the research and development industry and may include formulas, client lists, and processes and methods. The recipe for Coca-Cola is the classic example of a trade secret.

Note that some creations may be protected by more than one type of intellectual property. A musical artist's body of work, for example, may included copyrighted musical works as well as a trademark logo or design.

Examples of intellectual property disputes

The most common types of intellectual property disputes are likely to be related to either copyright infringement, trademark infringement, or patent infringement. These arise when individuals or businesses, including small businesses, discover that others are using their intellectual property without permission:

  • Copyright infringement: Someone has used your creative work—words or images, most likely—without your permission. In this case, if you haven't already registered your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office, you should consider doing so in order to recover damages in the federal court system.
  • Trademark infringement: Someone is using the same word, phrase, mark, symbol, or logo as you are using to sell similar products, potentially confusing consumers. If you haven't registered your trademark yet, you would gain additional legal protection by doing so. Forms and other information on registering a trademark are available on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's website.
  • Patent infringement: Someone is making, using, selling, or offering to sell something that contains every element of your patented claims. Because patented inventions often contain several different parts and give rise to more than one patent, an infringement claim could become complicated. To file a patent or search for one, use the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's website.

Trade secrets may also be the subject of an intellectual property dispute, although these tend to arise in corporate contexts. That said, even small businesses can keep trade secrets, so you shouldn't ignore this possibility if you are a business owner.

If you are concerned that someone is infringing on your intellectual property, address it as soon as possible. While you don't necessarily need a lawyer to do so, legal advice can be extremely helpful to ensure you are protecting your intellectual property rights effectively. Remedies for intellectual property infringement may include injunctions (stopping the infringer's behavior) and monetary damages.

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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

80 days ago
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Jose is the best.

Jose was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was able to answer my questions and provide me information of next steps to secure my trademark.

Cheryl Cooper
83 days ago
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The knowledge the agent possessed was…

The knowledge the agent possessed was super beneficial to rectify the situation I was having with my trademark. Very professional!

Craig Schsrfman
99 days ago
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Trademark work is great and effecient

Edit from my previous feedback and why i decided to give them 5stars they deserved: LegalZoom's support team was excellent—they addressed my concerns promptly and delivered a great outcome. I truly appreciate their help and want to give a shout-out for an outstanding customer service experience.

Trademark
98 days ago
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Thanks for being so helpful in the…

Thanks for being so helpful in the assist of getting my Trademark filed. -Patrick

Patrick Thompson
105 days ago
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Kevin was able to help me understand…

Kevin was able to help me understand the process needed for filing a trademark. He was clear in his answers and stayed on the phone to help walk through the onboarding.

Asiyah Lites-Rasheed
123 days ago
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Excellent Serviceed them for a trademark application

Used them for a trademark application. Excellent service. Knowledgeable staff. I would absolutely use them again. Probably save thousands by going through them.

Eric Hertz
150 days ago
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Estee was super helpful!

Estee helped me navigate the tricky trademark process. Highly recommend her!

Greg
150 days ago
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Very good and focused answers

I got a very good and focused answer to my trademark questions. Definitely makes me see LZ as the place to go with my legal questions. A+

Chip Humitz
154 days ago
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Help with trademark

Got exactly what I needed to register my trademark

Luci Bromberg
160 days ago
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I had a consultation with an attorney…

I had a consultation with an attorney through LegalZoom concerning the trademark process. and she was very patient and professional. She answered my questions and helped with the ones I had difficulty asking. I appreciated that

Isiah Jones ,jr.
179 days ago
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Strong support for trademark

The trademard support by Nick Belcastro has been excellent.

John Kirk Boyd
186 days ago
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Excellent service

Excellent service! Extremely knowledgeable and helpful in reviewing all the next steps in the process for filing the trademark with LegalZoom.

Brian Mayer
221 days ago
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Excellent Staff/Services

"LegalZoom made trademark filing for my company a breeze. Their system was incredibly user-friendly, and I was impressed by the professionalism of the staff. My attorney was not only knowledgeable but also took the time to answer all my questions and clearly explain the entire process. I felt confident every step of the way. I will definitely use their services again!"

Hedda
217 days ago
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Register Trademark using LegalZoom

The attorney assign to us did an amazing job by answer all our question in a friendly, timely and professional way. The attorney helps by giving us information to mange our account to register our Trademark.

wiltrey sanders
226 days ago
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Excellent experience with Legal Zoom

I have been looking to get my business trademark for a while now and I finally decided to try out Legal Zoom. I had an excellent experience with customer service ready to assist me through the process. The price is much more affordable than going through law offices. I highly recommend to anyone looking to get a trademark.

TheAlphabetshop
228 days ago
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Legally create your trademark with LegalZoom in 2025 and The Years to Come

The lawyer that assigned to me was not only professional and friendly, but patience beyond measure. All questions answered and additional information given to me as well for future services. This call gave me the reassurance I wanted and needed to continue using LegalZoom for future endeavors, and referring my community/platform to do the same.

Kali Harris
245 days ago
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Trademark Process Made Easy

My LegalZoom Trademark attorney, Asha was extremely professional, friendly and knowledgeable. She answered all my Trademark questions and made this process so easy. I felt like I was in good hands.

Virtually Debbie
252 days ago
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Trademark

Right now I use everything Legal Zoom has to offer and I'm so very happy with everything, especially the Trademark process. They were absolutely the best! Highly recommend!!

NicoleK
55 days ago
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Obtaining a Copyright

I had some questions about copyright, and he answered all of them. He was pleasant to talk to very professional. I was very pleased. I've been using legalzoom for many years, and I love you guys. Thank you.

NORINA PURRO
56 days ago
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Happy customer

Ms. Green, was very helpful in assisting me step-by-step in guiding through the process in getting my copyright application. She was patient and very polite. She offered to follow-up on my completed, make sure the process was successful.

Ayesha
62 days ago
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Superior Customer Service

Superior customer service and expertise from Patti Green. I have a urgent need for an attorney consultation regarding state level copyright law. Ms. Green quickly and seamlessly steered me to the plan which affords this service. The consult was immediately scheduled for the next day. To say the least, this experience was exemplary.

Guy Hampson
67 days ago
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Copyright registration

Karen helped me immensely during my copyright registration. Very patient. Carrie was alos very good over there.

rjparadee
111 days ago
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So far whenever I have tried to work…

So far whenever I have tried to work with Legal Zoom it has been a great experience. Both Holly and Denise have helped to make my tour of the legal process for a copyright excellent and I now have my copyright in my hands. I might add that I am amazed I got it under the oligarchy at all after doge got done.

Connie Lednum
105 days ago
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Great Copyright Registration Experience

Walked me through the process to register my copyright. Made everything quick and easy!

Cheryl C
124 days ago
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Your expertise and knowledge of my…

Your expertise and knowledge of my questions regarding my copyright I applied for was nothing less than stellar!

Lorenzo Vito
151 days ago
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Time and clarity

Thank you for your time and clarity explaining items from my behalf in regards to Copyright material. I also appreciate the no queue waiting on line when I called. I do recommend you.

Adriant Sanchez
159 days ago
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Elizabeth was AMAZING!!!

Elizabeth was AMAZING!!!, She walk me thru the whole copyright process. Thank you

Adewale Agboke Jr
167 days ago
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Very responsive and was able to answer…

Very responsive and was able to answer my questions about Copyright options quickly and professionally.

Daniel White
322 days ago
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Great customer service

Great customer service! The LegalZoom representative showed genuine care. She followed up on my Copyright Order, and remembered me and my name from the previous Copyright phone call. She was very helpful and represented LegalZoom with excellence. Thank you for hiring, and retaining such a talented energetic representative.

Joshua Earl
563 days ago
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Legal Zoom Delivers On Their Promises!

Legal Zoom is professional, accommodating, and gracious. We went to them for copyright help, and true to their promise, we accomplished this endeavor in 30 minutes. EASY!! What a fresh breath of air to find a company that delivers exactly what they say they will! We'll be a Legal Zoomers for life!

Alice Osborne
1201 days ago
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Better than "Uncle Sam"

I had to get a copyright done and got nowhere with the U.S. Government Copyright Office, it was a joke! Legal Zoom took care of it and had me "fixed up" in 5 minutes. Thank You, Legal Zoom!

Padu
1308 days ago
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Legal Zoom performance is exceptional

Legal Zoom his handled four copyright applications for me and they are exceptional.

C Robert Cales
1585 days ago
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Copyright application

I am a new author and am filing copyright for my manuscript. My experience with LegalZoom has been very successful and a pleasure. The associate was knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend this service.

DJS
1745 days ago
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LegalZoom's Guidance is the best

I'm applying for a copyright for the first time and I was very nervous. My status page told me there was a problem and I should call LegalZoom. Kirk explained it was just a simple confirmation that was needed and he took the time to explain why its needed and talked me through what happens next. LegalZoom is just the best thing for a first time business owner like myslef.

rjlog
140 days ago
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This is my 2nd provisional patent with…

This is my 2nd provisional patent with Legal ZOOM. This time I dealt with Mak Champ he was Great, went out of his way to make it as easy as possible. Thank You

JoeSnook
166 days ago
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Great Experience with LegalZoom

My experience in submitting a Provisional Patent Application has gone very smoothly so far. Customer Service and Support was very prompt and answered all my questions very quickly. I highly recommend Legal Zoom.

Viki Mann
224 days ago
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Sandra helped me make the additional…

Sandra helped me make the additional orders on my account for the patent information. She helped me on everything I asked for. Thank you for making a difficult process much easier. thnx.

Rodney Kreinbrink
285 days ago
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Tiffany was patient,professional and thoughtfully thorough!

Tiffany was patient, professional and thoughtfully thorough in her assisting me through procedures involving my patent processing!!

Valued Customer DT
285 days ago
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Professional and Kind

Carrie was extremely helpful in answering my general questions regarding the trademark and provisional patent application process and fees. She was clear and succinct while maintaining a level of kindness and understanding of my needs. She provided the exact information I needed, saving me time and effort in researching via other routes. Thank you!

Teresa
880 days ago
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Did a provisional patent application…

Did a provisional patent application (PPA). Streamlined and professional. Very helpful if ever needed. Always a pleasure to work with.

Bill K
928 days ago
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Wes is always great to talk to

Wes is always great to talk to. He seems just as excited as we are about the next step in our patent process

Ann
930 days ago
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LegalZoom is a great resource for…

LegalZoom is a great resource for anyone needing legal advice and in my case patent applications.

Patrick Walker
944 days ago
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Great service

Great service, easy to understand each step in the patent journey. Wes my account manger was great and extremely helpful. I firmly recommend this service to anyone who has an invention they need protecting.

Tony Cooper
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,827+ reviewson

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