Intellectual Property Attorney Overview
Lawyer Assistance With Disputes Over Trade Secrets
The laws of the United States protect the property ownership rights of both individuals and organizations. In today's digital age, the assets owned by people or businesses include not only physical property, but also non-tangible forms of intellectual property (IP). Protecting these assets is essential, ensuring that owners are able to benefit from the intellectual property they own.
If you become involved in a dispute over intellectual property, it is important to work with a skilled attorney who understands state and federal laws. An experienced intellectual property lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and help you resolve these issues in a manner that ensures you are able to continue to benefit from the assets you own.
Types of Intellectual Property
Owners of intellectual property should be sure to take steps to protect their assets, which can help avoid future disputes over ownership and licensing rights. Intellectual property can include:
- Copyrights - Artistic or intellectual works such as books, music, movies, photographs, sculptures, architecture, or other forms of expression are protected by copyright laws, which give the creator of these works the exclusive rights to sell, distribute, reproduce, perform, or display their works for a certain period of time.
- Patents - Inventors of products, processes, or designs may apply for a patent for their invention, which will give them exclusive rights to make, sell, or license their invention for a limited time period. They also have the right to sell a patent to another party.
- Trademarks - Certain words, phrases, or symbols used to identify a product or company and distinguish it from other goods or services may be registered as a trademark, preventing others from using similar identifying marks.
- Trade secrets - The processes a company uses to conduct business may provide them with an advantage in the marketplace, and the disclosure of these trade secrets to competitors can cause harm to the business. Businesses can protect their trade secrets by including non-disclosure or non-compete agreements in contracts with employees, vendors, distributors, or suppliers.
Any person or business that relies on intellectual property to earn an income should be sure to work with an experienced attorney to ensure that their rights are protected. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist with the registration of copyrights, patents, and trademarks and the creation of enforceable contracts. They can also provide representation in cases involving infringement of intellectual property rights and work to resolve disputes through mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
