Patent, Copyright & Trademark

Intellectual Property Law consists of Patent Law (inventions), Copyright Law (creative works) and Trademark Law (brand recognition). Commonly abbreviated as "IP Law", it also covers the related fields of trade secret and Internet Law. Intellectual property is the process and the result from using one’s brain to think, create and invent something. The law only protects that which has a physical existence such as a book, movie, song or software application. The law protects only that which has a physical existence such as a book, movie, song or software application – but not a mere idea. Patent law governs new inventions and consists of utility patents (useful function) and design patents (unique appearance). Copyright law protects creative “works of authorship” such as books, photos, movies, software, music, video, visual art (paintings) and performance art (dance). Trademark law covers the exclusive right to use a trade name or service mark so that the public isn’t confused about which company is providing goods or services that uses a specific, recognizable brand.

Categories


Michael Wechsler
6 min read
5.00 star(s) 2 ratings
Views
216,364
Comments
9
Can popular song titles and music lyrics be used in the sale of merchandise, such as on a t-shirt or bumper sticker? This article will explore the legal rights associated with using movie titles, song titles and lyrics in connection with the sale of a product by someone other than the originator...
Michael Wechsler
7 min read
Views
10,006
This article discusses whether you can be fired for your posts on a blog or social network such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace or Linked In. While you may have your own blog, a Facebook or MySpace page, a Twitter account or a membership on another social network, you are ultimately responsible...
Michael Wechsler
4 min read
Views
5,491
If there are times when you are wondering whether an item you see or read is copyrighted, it is best to take the approach that it is unless you have good reason to believe that it is not copyrighted. This article will explore those times when exceptions can be made to this rule. Public Domain...
Michael Wechsler
4 min read
Views
4,853
This article will provide a summarized, basic understanding of copyright and provide you with steps on how to register a copyright from the U.S. Copyright Office. When does copyright protection begin for something you create? As soon as you create something original that is affixed in some...
Michael Wechsler
Updated
5 min read
Views
4,529
This article will provide you with a basic of what a copyright is and what works are protected by copyright, how long protection lasts and the limitations of what registration covers. This knowledge will help you when reading information on how to register a copyright. What is a copyright? Why...
Michael Wechsler
2 min read
Views
7,021
If you have been served with a DMCA takedown notice from your ISP or web host notifying you that you are hosting or have uploaded infringing materials, you will have an opportunity to reply. The Counter Notice is your formal disagreement with such a copyright infringement allegation and the...
Michael Wechsler
3 min read
Views
22,397
This article will provide you with the help and information you need to create your own DMCA takedown notice to expeditiously remove materials that are an infringement of your copyright. Problem: Finding your "Stuff" on Other Web Sites On the Internet, there are many wonderful and interesting...
Back
Top