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Protecting Intellectual Property Before Obtaining a Patent - Top Dawg Labs
Technology Law

Protecting Intellectual Property Before Obtaining a Patent

For inventors, safeguarding their intellectual property is a crucial priority as they navigate the journey from conceptualization to commercialization. Prior to obtaining a patent, inventors must implement effective strategies to protect their innovations and inventions. With the support and expertise of a reputable invention assistance company like InventHelp invention company, inventors can explore a range of options for protecting their intellectual property and laying the foundation for future success in the competitive landscape of innovation.

Utilizing Non-Disclosure Agreements

One of the fundamental strategies for protecting intellectual property before obtaining a patent is the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). When engaging in discussions or collaborations with potential partners, investors, or collaborators, inventors can require the signing of NDAs to ensure that sensitive information about their inventions remains confidential.

Maintaining Detailed Records and Documentation

Thorough and meticulous record-keeping is essential for establishing a clear trail of documentation that demonstrates the process of invention and the evolution of innovative concepts. By maintaining detailed records of the development, testing, and refinement of their inventions, inventors can establish a timeline of creation and demonstrate the originality and novelty of their ideas. These records can serve as valuable evidence in potential legal disputes and patent applications, providing a foundation of authenticity and legitimacy for the intellectual property.

Protecting Intellectual Property Before Obtaining a Patent - Top Dawg Labs

Leveraging Provisional Patent Applications

Inventors can also explore the option of filing provisional patent applications as a means of securing a priority date for their inventions while they continue to refine and develop their concepts. A provisional patent application establishes an early filing date with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and provides inventors with a 12-month period to further develop their inventions and decide whether to pursue a non-provisional patent application. This approach effectively creates a placeholder for the invention, offering a level of protection while the inventor explores commercialization opportunities and engages in further refinement.

Engaging in Strategic Collaboration and Partnerships

Collaborating with reputable industry partners, research institutions, or seasoned professionals can provide inventors with valuable opportunities to protect their intellectual property. By engaging in strategic partnerships and collaborations, inventors can leverage the expertise and resources of established entities to bolster the protection and commercialization of their inventions. Aligning with a trusted invention assistance company like InventHelp can facilitate the exploration of potential collaborations, licensing opportunities, and strategic alliances that enhance the value and safeguard the integrity of the intellectual property.

Conclusion

With the support of a reputable invention assistance company like InventHelp, inventors can access a wealth of expertise, guidance, and resources to navigate the complexities of intellectual property protection and strategically position their inventions for success. By embracing the opportunities for safeguarding their intellectual property before obtaining a patent, inventors can lay the groundwork for future growth, commercialization, and impact in the dynamic landscape of innovation.

As inventors forge ahead with their innovative endeavors, the proactive protection of intellectual property serves as a critical ingredient in realizing the potential of their inventions and securing a pathway towards sustainable success in the marketplace.

Empowering New Inventors: How InventHelp Supports Innovation - Top Dawg Labs
Technology Law

Empowering New Inventors: How InventHelp Supports Innovation

Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, driving society forward and bringing about disruptive changes that shape the world we live in. For aspiring inventors, however, the journey from idea to invention can be daunting, with numerous obstacles to overcome along the way. This is where InventHelp, a renowned invention submission company, steps in to provide invaluable support and guidance to new inventors looking to bring their ideas to life. New inventors – key things you need to know about InventHelp.

Idea Development and Validation

One of the most crucial steps in the invention process is turning an idea into a viable invention. InventHelp assists new inventors in developing and validating their ideas through thorough evaluation and market research. The company’s team of experts helps inventors assess the feasibility and market potential of their concepts, guiding them towards refining their ideas into marketable inventions.

Professional Prototyping Services

Turning an idea into a tangible prototype is often a significant milestone for inventors, as it demonstrates the functionality and potential of their invention. InventHelp offers professional prototyping services to new inventors, helping them transform their ideas into physical prototypes that can be showcased to potential investors, manufacturers, and licensees. These prototypes play a crucial role in attracting interest and funding for further development.

Empowering New Inventors: How InventHelp Supports Innovation - Top Dawg Labs

Patent Assistance and Protection

Protecting intellectual property is paramount for inventors, as it ensures that their ideas are safeguarded from imitation or theft. InventHelp provides new inventors with guidance and assistance in navigating the complex world of patents. The company’s team of patent agents and attorneys helps inventors conduct patent searches, prepare and file patent applications, and secure the necessary protections for their inventions.

Marketing and Licensing Support

Bringing an invention to market is a challenging task that requires strategic planning and execution. InventHelp offers marketing and licensing support to new inventors, helping them connect with potential licensees, manufacturers, and investors who can help commercialize their inventions. The company leverages its network and expertise to promote inventors’ ideas and facilitate partnerships that can bring inventions to market successfully.

Community and Networking Opportunities

In addition to its services and resources, InventHelp creates a supportive community for new inventors to connect, collaborate, and share experiences. The company organizes networking events, innovation workshops, and invention showcases that bring together like-minded inventors, industry professionals, and investors. These networking opportunities provide new inventors with a platform to showcase their inventions, receive feedback, and forge valuable connections in the innovation ecosystem.

Conclusion

InventHelp invention company plays a crucial role in supporting and empowering new inventors on their journey towards innovation and invention. By offering a range of services, including idea development, prototyping, patent assistance, marketing support, educational resources, and community networking, InventHelp provides new inventors with the tools, guidance, and opportunities they need to turn their ideas into reality. Through its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, InventHelp is instrumental in nurturing the next generation of inventors and driving progress in the world of invention.

Steps to Take Once You Have an Invention Idea - Top Dawg Labs
Technology Law

Steps to Take Once You Have an Invention Idea

When inspiration strikes and an inventive idea forms in your mind, the possibilities seem limitless. However, transforming that spark of creativity into a tangible reality involves a series of methodical steps. Properly executing these steps increases the likelihood of your invention becoming a marketable success story. Here, we outline the essential actions to take once you have an invention idea, and how InventHelp can assist in turning your new invention idea into a marketable product.

Document Your Idea

The first crucial step is to document every aspect of your invention meticulously. This documentation not only serves as a reference but also plays a vital role in the patent application process. Include detailed descriptions, sketches, and diagrams. Consider keeping a dedicated invention journal where you can jot down:

  • The purpose and functionality of your invention
  • The potential market and target users
  • Any modifications and improvements made over time
  • Insights and brainstorms tied to the invention

A well-documented idea lays a solid foundation for the subsequent steps, providing clarity and coherence as you proceed.

Conduct a Preliminary Search

Before investing significant time and resources, it’s crucial to ensure that your invention is novel. Conduct a preliminary search to check whether similar inventions already exist. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database is a good place to start. Additionally, browse industry publications, scientific journals, and patent databases to ensure your invention is unique.

Engaging in this step helps you avoid potential legal issues and informs you about the competitive landscape. If your idea is not entirely unique, consider ways to improve or differentiate it to offer more value.

Develop a Prototype

Creating a prototype brings your invention to life, offering a tangible representation of your idea. Your prototype doesn’t have to be perfect. It can be a simple model that demonstrates the functionality of the invention. The prototype serves several purposes:

  • Allows you to identify and fix any design flaws
  • Provides a basis for further improvements
  • Acts as a visual aid when presenting your invention to potential investors or companies

Steps to Take Once You Have an Invention Idea - Top Dawg Labs

Protect Your Idea

Protecting your invention through a patent is critical to safeguard your intellectual property. A patent prevents others from making, using, or selling your invention without permission. Here’s how to proceed:

  • Choose the Right Patent: There are different types of patents, such as utility patents, design patents, and provisional patents. Determine which type best suits your invention.
  • File a Provisional Patent Application (PPA): A PPA provides a 12-month period to further develop your invention before filing a formal patent application.
  • File a Non-Provisional Patent Application: This is the formal application that begins the examination process by the patent office.

Seek Professional Help

Navigating the complexities of patents and commercialization requires expertise. This is where InventHelp comes in. InventHelp offers comprehensive services to support inventors at every stage:

  • Patent Services: InventHelp can assist in preparing and filing patent applications, ensuring that your invention is adequately protected.
  • Prototype Development: Collaborating with professionals at InventHelp can help you refine your prototype, making it more presentable and functional.
  • Market Research: InventHelp conducts thorough market research to identify potential opportunities and challenges related to your invention.
  • Pitch Strategy: Developing a compelling pitch is crucial for attracting investors or licensing partners. InventHelp guides you in crafting a foolproof strategy, highlighting your invention’s unique value proposition.

As you explore these steps, you might ask yourself, “Should I Use InventHelp To Get Started With My Invention Idea?” Given their extensive experience and comprehensive services, InventHelp can be a valuable partner throughout your invention journey.

Pitch Your Invention

Once your invention is protected, it’s time to present it to potential investors or companies. Your pitch should be concise, engaging, and informative. Highlight the problem your invention solves, its unique features, and its potential market impact. Visual aids, such as prototypes or demonstrative videos, can significantly enhance your pitch.

InventHelp’s Role in Pitching

InventHelp plays a pivotal role in this phase by leveraging its extensive network of industry contacts. They assist in arranging meetings, presentations, and negotiations with interested parties. Their expertise in the field ensures that your invention is showcased effectively, increasing the likelihood of securing funding or licensing agreements.

Conclusion

Taking a methodical approach once you have an invention idea significantly increases your chances of success. Document your idea thoroughly, ensure its novelty, develop a prototype, protect it through a patent, and seek professional assistance for market research and pitching. InventHelp stands as a valuable partner throughout this journey, providing the necessary support, resources, and expertise to bring your invention to fruition. With the right steps and guidance, your inventive idea can evolve into a groundbreaking product that makes a lasting impact in the market.

Is Every Invention Idea Eligible for a Patent? - Top Dawg Labs
Technology Law

Is Every Invention Idea Eligible for a Patent?

In the realm of innovation and creation, inventors often come up with groundbreaking ideas that they believe could revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with the world. However, not every invention idea automatically qualifies for a patent. The process of securing a patent involves a meticulous evaluation of whether the idea meets certain criteria set forth by patent laws. This is where InventHelp patent services come in, providing a range of patent-related services that can help inventors navigate the intricacies of the patent application process and determine whether their idea is eligible for a patent. To unravel the mystery of which invention ideas qualify for a patent, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the patent application process and the key factors that determine patent eligibility.

Understanding the Basics of Patents

Before diving into the eligibility criteria, it is crucial to grasp the fundamental concept of a patent. A patent is a legal document granted by the government that gives inventors the exclusive rights to their inventions. This exclusivity allows inventors to prevent others from making, using, or selling their invention without their permission for a designated period, typically 20 years from the date of filing the patent application.

Patent Eligibility Criteria

Not every invention idea will meet the criteria for patent eligibility. To qualify for a patent, an invention idea must meet the following key criteria:

  • Novelty: An invention must be new and not publicly disclosed or known before the filing date of the patent application. If an invention has been previously disclosed in a publication, presentation, or any other form of public disclosure, it may not be eligible for a patent.
  • Non-obviousness: The invention must not be obvious to someone with ordinary skill in the relevant field. In other words, the invention must involve an inventive step that is not simply a combination of existing ideas or technologies.
  • Utility: The invention must have a practical use or provide a tangible benefit. It must be capable of being used or implemented in some way to solve a specific problem or improve upon an existing technology.
  • Patentable Subject Matter: Not all types of inventions are eligible for patent protection. Patent laws typically exclude abstract ideas, laws of nature, natural phenomena, and certain types of algorithms from being patented.

Is Every Invention Idea Eligible for a Patent? - Top Dawg Labs

Working With InventHelp

Navigating the complex world of patents can be challenging for inventors, which is why many turn to professional services like InventHelp to help them through the patent application process. InventHelp offers a wide range of patent services, such as assisting with patenting an invention idea, conducting patent searches, analyzing patentability, and helping with patent application preparation and filing.

InventHelp’s team of experienced professionals can guide inventors through the intricacies of patent law, helping them determine whether their invention idea is eligible for a patent. By conducting a thorough patent search and analysis, InventHelp can assess the novelty and non-obviousness of an invention idea and provide valuable insights into its patentability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, not every invention idea is eligible for a patent. To secure a patent, an invention must meet certain criteria related to novelty, non-obviousness, utility, and patentable subject matter. By working with a reputable company like InventHelp, inventors can increase their chances of successfully obtaining a patent for their innovative ideas. Understanding the key factors that determine patent eligibility is crucial for inventors seeking to protect their intellectual property and bring their inventions to market.

How InventHelp Assists with New Invention Ideas - Top Dawg Labs
Technology Law

How InventHelp Assists with New Invention Ideas

Bringing a new invention to the market is a formidable task filled with various challenges, from securing patent protection to understanding market demands and creating a viable prototype. InventHelp, a leading service provider in the inventor services industry, aims to alleviate these challenges by offering comprehensive assistance to budding inventors.

Patent Protection

One of the first obstacles inventors face is protecting their intellectual property. InventHelp steps in to simplify this aspect by providing guidance on how to secure patent protection. Understanding the complexities of patent laws can be overwhelming for many inventors. InventHelp connects inventors with patent attorneys who can offer legal advice and help them file a patent application. This ensures that the inventor’s ideas are protected, which is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the market as you can read from https://buffalonews.com/brandavestudios/how-does-inventhelp-assist-inventors-when-inventing-a-new-invention-idea/article_c7edf803-ddc7-5ce0-aac5-f39db911597c.html.

Market Analysis

Understanding the market is vital for the success of any new product. InventHelp offers services that include conducting detailed market analysis to assess the viability and potential demand for an invention. This analysis provides critical data that helps inventors understand their target audience, the competition, and potential market size. With this information, inventors can make informed decisions about product development and marketing strategies, significantly increasing their chances of commercial success.

How InventHelp Assists with New Invention Ideas - Top Dawg Labs

Prototype Creation

Transitioning from an idea to a tangible product is perhaps the most exciting part of the invention process. However, it can also be the most challenging. InventHelp assists inventors in creating prototypes that bring their ideas to life. Whether it’s a simple proof of concept or a fully functioning model, having a prototype is essential for testing, showcasing to potential investors, and making improvements before mass production. InventHelp connects inventors with companies that specialize in prototype design and production, ensuring that the prototype meets industry standards and adequately represents the inventor’s vision.

Educational Resources and Support

InventHelp believes in empowering inventors through education. They provide a wealth of resources that help inventors gain a better understanding of the process from start to finish. These resources include seminars, webinars, and informational articles that cover a wide range of topics relevant to invention and innovation. Furthermore, InventHelp maintains a supportive community where inventors can connect, share ideas, and offer mutual support. This community aspect can be invaluable, as it provides a network of peers who understand the unique challenges of being an inventor.

Exposure to Potential Investors

Perhaps one of the most critical services provided by InventHelp is helping inventors find potential investors or buyers for their ideas. Through their extensive network and industry connections, InventHelp can assist inventors in getting their inventions in front of the right people. This includes presentations at trade shows, direct introductions to companies and investors, and exposure through InventHelp’s own virtual invention showcases.

In Conclusion

InventHelp proves to be an indispensable ally for inventors looking to navigate the intricate process of bringing a new invention to market. By providing expert advice on patent protection, conducting thorough market analyses, assisting in prototype creation, offering educational resources, and facilitating exposure to potential investors, InventHelp empowers inventors to turn their dreams into reality. Whether you’re a first-time inventor or seasoned innovator, partnering with InventHelp can provide the tools and support you need to succeed in the competitive world of invention.

The Spectrum of Inventions: Patents from Software to Hardware - Top Dawg Labs
Technology Law

The Spectrum of Inventions: Patents from Software to Hardware

The landscape of human innovation is breathtakingly vast, encompassing the digital realms of software to the tangible world of hardware. This spectrum of inventions reflects not just the diversity of human ingenuity but also the complexities involved in protecting such innovations through patents. Understanding the nuances of patenting across this spectrum is crucial for inventors seeking to safeguard their creations. InventHelp, with its comprehensive expertise, stands ready to guide inventors through the intricate maze of patenting both software algorithms and physical devices.

But, is InventHelp an established provider? InventHelp is a well-established provider of patent services. Founded in 1984, the company has been helping inventors protect their intellectual property for over 30 years. InventHelp offers a wide range of services, including patent searches and applications, trademark registrations, copyright registrations and more.

Software Inventions: Navigating the Digital Landscape

Software inventions, characterized by their intangible nature, often present unique challenges in the patent world. These range from algorithm-based innovations to user interface designs. The key to successfully patenting software lies in emphasizing the novel and non-obvious technical solutions it provides. For instance, a new algorithm that significantly improves data processing speeds can be patentable due to its technical contribution.

However, the patentability of software varies significantly across jurisdictions. In the United States, following the Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank International decision, software patents must pass a specific test to determine their eligibility, focusing on whether the invention adds something significantly more to the abstract idea. InventHelp is adept at navigating these legal nuances, ensuring that your software invention’s patent application is crafted to meet these stringent criteria, thereby enhancing its chances of approval.

The Spectrum of Inventions: Patents from Software to Hardware - Top Dawg Labs

Hardware Inventions: The Physical Realm

On the other end of the spectrum lie hardware inventions, which encompass everything from new electronic devices to groundbreaking mechanical structures. Patenting hardware inventions often involves detailed descriptions and drawings, illustrating the unique aspects of the design and its functional improvements over existing technologies. The tangible nature of hardware makes it essential to precisely define the invention’s boundaries through claims in the patent application.

InventHelp’s role in this domain is multifaceted, involving assistance in preparing clear, detailed drawings and descriptions that leave no ambiguity about the invention’s novelty and utility. Further, InventHelp helps inventors conduct thorough searches to ensure their creation does not inadvertently infringe on existing patents, a crucial step in the hardware patenting process.

Bridging the Spectrum

The journey from idea to patent is fraught with obstacles, whether your invention falls within the digital code of software or the physical mechanics of hardware. InventHelp facilitates this journey by offering services tailored to the unique demands of each domain. For software innovations, this might involve articulating the technical problem solved by the algorithm. For hardware, it could mean ensuring that every novel component of the device is meticulously documented and protected.

InventHelp invention services extend beyond mere documentation. The organization provides strategic advice on navigating post-filing obstacles, such as objections from patent offices, and offers insights into the commercialization of patented inventions. This comprehensive support is critical, given the different trajectories that software and hardware inventions may follow after patent approval, from licensing deals to full-scale production.

Conclusion

The spectrum of inventions from software to hardware represents the full breadth of human creativity and innovation. Each category, with its distinctive challenges and opportunities, requires a nuanced approach to patenting. InventHelp stands as a crucial ally for inventors traversing this spectrum, offering the expertise and support necessary to navigate the complexities of the patent landscape. Whether your invention revolutionizes the digital world or introduces a novel physical device, InventHelp can help ensure your creation receives the protection and recognition it deserves.

Exploring the Dangers of Acquiring and Using Fake IDs - Top Dawg Labs
Law Home

Exploring the Dangers of Acquiring and Using Fake IDs

The acquisition and use of fake identification cards (IDs) is a significant issue that extends well beyond youthful rebellion or pursuit of adult privileges. For many young people, a fake ID might seem like a golden ticket to freedom, but the underlying dangers and long-term consequences associated with their use are starker than they may realize.

Immediate Legal Consequences

Firstly, the legal implications of fake ID use are severe. Most jurisdictions classify possession, creation or use of a counterfeit ID as a criminal offense, with potential charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Penalties can include hefty fines, community service, or even incarceration.

Long-Term Legal Consequences

Moreover, once established, a permanent criminal record can have lasting implications. A conviction could impair future job prospects, as most employers conduct a background check and may hesitate to hire someone with a criminal history. It could also cause obstacles when applying for a professional license, or for further education, where admissions offices often take applicants’ criminal history into account.

Identity Theft and Personal Safety

The process of acquiring a fake ID itself often involves submitting personal information, including photos, names, addresses, and even sometimes social security numbers, to unregulated, illicit operations. This exposes individuals to the substantial risk of identity theft. Furthermore, visiting questionable online platforms or meeting with shady operators presents potential personal safety risks that should not be overlooked. It is easy to find fake ID sites by typing something like “Best website to get a fake id” into Google.

Exploring the Dangers of Acquiring and Using Fake IDs - Top Dawg Labs

Unintentional Fraud

With a fake ID often comes the lure of making adult purchases, such as opening a bank account or buying a car. However, these actions can lead to unintentional fraud, where legal agreements made under a false identity can lead to serious fraud charges.

Moral and Ethical Implications

Lastly, but certainly not least, using a fake ID presents significant moral and ethical challenges. Deceitful actions can lead to a breakdown in trust among family members, teachers, and employers, impairing important relationships. Additionally, the habit of bending rules and flouting law can set a dangerous precedent for one’s character development and future decision-making.

Conclusion

While the allure of early access to ‘adult’ privileges can make fake IDs seem appealing, the potential dangers and long-term consequences cannot be understated. What may seem like a harmless transgression or a practical joke can result in lifelong penalties and regrets.

Education, conversation, and providing knowledge about the risks involved can be the first step towards dissuading young people from acquiring and using fake IDs. It serves as a reminder that reaching adulthood and its associated privileges is a journey that can’t be bypassed without potential repercussions. The risks involved with fake IDs simply aren’t worth cutting corners on this rite of passage.

How To Apostille Criminal Record Check? - Top Dawg Labs
Law

How To Apostille Criminal Record Check?

Apostille is a term used to describe a specific type of certification for authenticating documents for use in foreign countries. The name comes from the French “apostille,” meaning “permission.” When a document is certified with an apostille, it means that the document has been authenticated by another government agency.

Criminal Record Checks

Criminal record checks are generally required as part of the application process when applying for jobs where there is regular contact with children, elderly people or vulnerable adults. These checks can also be required for volunteer positions and many other employment opportunities.

When you apply for a job that requires criminal record checks, you will usually be asked to provide information such as your full name, date of birth and contact details. You may also be asked to provide information about previous employment or education that you have had.

How To Apostille Criminal Record Check? - Top Dawg Labs

When you submit your application form, you will be asked to sign a consent form allowing your employer to request these records from various government agencies including the police force, probation service and prison service (in England and Wales). You will also be asked to sign a consent form allowing them to pass this information onto other organisations such as insurance companies if necessary.

How To Apostille Criminal Record Check?

Before you can get a criminal record check, you will need to have an apostille. This is a certificate that confirms the authenticity of your documents, and it’s important if you are applying for jobs in certain countries. The process can take anywhere between one and three weeks to complete depending on where you live.

However, if you need your criminal record check apostille fast, there are criminal background check apostille services that can help you out. These services will provide you with a certified copy of your record without the need to send it through the post. This means that you can receive it much sooner than if you were to use an official process.

What is an Apostille? - Top Dawg Labs
Business Law

What is an Apostille?

It is likely that you have been asked to get an apostille by an individual or organization from another country. They may have requested that you get an apostille attached to a particular document. The apostille is requested as a way of authenticating the document.

Consider the following point – If you were sent a document today from Spain, Germany or any other country for that matter, how would you know that it was a genuine document?

The apostille certificate is only attached to documents in Texas once they have been checked to be genuine from certain government bodies, specific organizations, certified by solicitors, or signed by a public official. If a document is not genuine, for example a degree certificate from a fictitious online university, then it will not be legalized with an apostille.

What is an Apostille? - Top Dawg Labs

What does the Apostille Certificate look like?

Approximately 15cm square the apostille certificate is always black text on white paper. It is normally fixed to the back of the document to avoid obscuring the document.

It includes up to 10 pieces of information depending on what document the certificate is being attached to.

Note: Not all documents are signed or sealed. An example of this is a birth certificate. There is no signature or seal/stamp. The apostille is only issued on genuine registry certificates. Therefore sections 2, 3 and 4 will be left blank. This does not invalidate the certificate, it is standard practice under the Hague Convention.

If you have any questions about apostille in San Antonio, Texas you should consult with the professional apostille San Antonio Texas legal firm.

Why Do I Need an Intellectual Property Lawyer? - Top Dawg Labs
Business Law

Why Do I Need an Intellectual Property Lawyer?

Intellectual Property is a valuable and much misunderstood area of law. Copyright, patents, trade marks, trade secrets and registered designs all fall into this category and though these are intangible, they form an important part of your branding and your business. An Intellectual Property lawyer will help your business from the very beginning, especially if he/she comes from a professional patenting agency, such as InventHelp. InventHelp patent attorney will advise you from day one to ensure your ideas, business name and intellectual property are protected. They can also help you when it comes to creating licensing agreements and exploring business relationships and franchising possibilities.

Without maximizing your IP potential, your business could be losing money.

What is Copyright?

Copyright is an automatic right that exists when work is written down or recorded in some way, such as original literary work (including computer code, marketing plans or a database), music or works of art, sound recordings, broadcasts or films, or even a typographical arrangement of a published edition. It lasts for a defined length of time, usually the life of the author plus 70 years. The creator of the work can control its reproduction – when and how it is used or performed, and by whom.

I came up with an idea and my company is claiming it as their own – is that allowed?

If you created the work as an employee as part of your duties, the company usually owns the IP rights. If it is unclear whether you produced the work during the course of your employments, contact an IP lawyer – factors taken into consideration include whether you made the work during office hours and on office equipment, and whether you were asked to make the work by your employer. It is always worth being clear in your employment or contract what counts as work during and outside your employment.

If you were commissioned to make the work then unless you have expressly agreed otherwise with the commissioner, or the work was created for a specific commercial purpose, the copyright remains with the original creator.

What is a Trademark?

A trademark is a symbol that identifies goods and services in the marketplace, such as a logo or a brand name. It can be anything from a word to a color, smell or sound, as long as it can be represented graphically. Words and pictures (logos) are the most usual type of trademarks, but other things can be trademarked if they can be graphically represented – for example if a sound is written as music, or a smell as a chemical formula.

Having a registered trademark will protect your brand and create brand awareness as you will be able to stop others from using either an identical or similar mark on identical or similar goods. Once registered, you can treat it as any other property and can mortgage it, sell it on or license it to someone else for royalties.

Why Do I Need an Intellectual Property Lawyer? - Top Dawg Labs

How do I register a trademark?

In the US, you must register your mark with the US Intellectual Property Office. They will not let you register the mark if someone else has already applied to register a similar trademark on similar goods or services. An Intellectual Property lawyer will conduct a search of the existing trademarks and file your application for you. If the Intellectual Property Office objects to your trademark, a good Intellectual Property lawyer will help you to find a way around the objections.

What is the difference between the “TM” sign and the “R” sign?

These signify unregistered and registered marks, respectively. The TM signifies an unregistered trademark, but . It is notification to the public that you claim your mark as a mark of origin for your business. R (said as ‘R in a circle’) is a notice that the mark has been registered and therefore benefits from the law relating to registered trademarks.

What is a Patent?

A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, such as a product or a process that gives a new way of doing something, or introduces a new technical solution to a problem. This means that nobody else can make, use or sell the invention without the permission of the inventor.

Can I patent my invention?

There are a few conditions that an invention must fulfil before a patent can be applied. It must be:

  • New – this means that it can’t have been released anywhere else in the world prior to the patent application date,
  • Inventive – it must show a characteristic that is unknown in its technical field when examined by an expert in the subject.
  • Practical – it must be able to be used in some kind of industry (this includes agriculture)

There are certain areas where patents do not apply; these include scientific theories or mathematical methods; aesthetic creation such as a dramatic, literary or artistic work; a computer program; a new species of animal or plant; a method for medical treatment; a method of diagnosis; discovery of a natural process or substance; commercial methods or schemes or methods for performing a mental act, playing a game or doing business. It would be best to get help from patent invention InventHelp agency with these.

What protection will a patent give me?

You will have a monopoly right over the product or process patented for 20 years. During this time, nobody else will be able to make, sell or use the product or process.