Copyright
A copyright is a form
of legal protection for "original works of authorship." Screenplays,
music, employee handbooks and commercial brochures are examples of work that is
eligible for copyright protection, giving owners the exclusive right to
reproduce, distribute, publicly perform and display their work. Legal
protection is extended as soon as the work is created. Registration provides
the owner with establishing public awareness of its use.
Understanding Copyright Law
Need an answer that
can't be found on the U.S. Copyright Office Web site? Copyright information in
plain English can be found at Nolo.com. Visit the U.S. Copyright Office for
answers to frequently asked questions about copyright law and usage.
Copyrights Contact:
U.S. Library of
Congress
James Madison
Memorial Building
Washington, D.C.
20559
(202) 707-9100 -
Order Line
(202) 707-3000 -
Information Line
Trademarks
For businesses,
trademarks are one of the most valuable forms of intellectual property. A trademark
is any word, combination of words, or symbol attached to a product or service.
It is the chief means of identification for a product or service, which when
marketed, becomes a brand. Because success for most businesses depends on how
recognizable their brand becomes, taking the steps to protect trademarks from
imitators is critical.
Search, Registration and Filing
The U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office is the primary source of patent and trademark
registration
protection used by U.S. and international businesses.
To register a
trademark contact:
U.S. Department of
Commerce
Trademark Office
2021 Jefferson Davis
Highway
Arlington, Virginia
22202
(703) 305-8341 or
(800) 786-9199
Federal vs. State
Federal intellectual
property registration entitles the owner to use trademarks, patents and copyright
throughout the United States, and provides some protection internationally as well.
State governments also allow for the registration of intellectual property,
although the protection provided is comparatively limited. Furthermore, most
state governments will only register trademarks and will not allow the
registration of copyrights or patents.
Federal Registration
The U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office is the primary source of patent and trademark registration
protection used by U.S. and international businesses. The U.S. Copyright Office
is the authority concerning U.S. Copyright law and filing procedures.
State Registration.
In most states, intellectual property registrations are done through the
Secretary of State's Office. Use Firstgov.com to find the authority in your
state. Caution: Federally registered trademarks may conflict with and supersede
state registered business and product names. Businesses are encouraged to check
for conflicts with federal trademarks.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property
is often worth more to a business than its tangible assets. Consisting of
business strategies, images, concepts and ideas, lawful protection of
intellectual property predates the U.S. Constitution. Now protected by patents,
trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, businesses must take the appropriate
steps to ensure that their intellectual property is kept safe from competing
businesses, defecting partners and even employees. Intellectual property law
covers a very broad spectrum of legal issues involving contracts, patents,
trademarks, copyrights and more. The level of expertise of lawyers specializing
in these areas can vary from generalists in the field to experts in sub-specialties
that may range from information technology (“IT”) to entertainment law.
Patents
To register a patent,
contact:
Asst. Commissioner
for Trademarks, Patent Applications
Washington, D.C.
20231
(800) 786-9199
Also, visit their web
site at http://www.uspto.gov
New and useful
inventions can be protected by a U.S. patent. Professional assistance from a
patent attorney is strongly urged because patent procedures are detailed and technical.
A patent search is performed to see if a patent currently exists on the same or
nearly the same device and, if not, to make proper application with the Patent
Office.
Note: Only attorneys
and agents registered with the U.S. Patent Office may represent inventors. The
office has geographical and alphabetical listings of the more than 11,000 registered
agents. Only these agents may perform patent searches in the patent office. Inventors
or their attorneys can make arrangements with one of those agents. U.S. patents
are issued by the Assistant Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D.C. Additional
information is provided in the publication, General Information Concerning Patents
and other publications distributed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office.
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