Intellectual property is the property that is created by the “sweat of your brow” and is one of the last remaining areas of the law that protects this type of Work. It is the intellectual product of your research, brainstorming, strategizing and other creative processes. Intellectual Property includes Trademarks, Copyrights and Patents.
What is a Trademark?
Trademarks otherwise known as Brands or Marks are the name and sometimes logos (art work) or slogans with which you wish the public and particularly potential customers to associate your company, product and/or service. For instance, when you think of Coca Cola® you usually think of a particular type of soda. You want this type of name association with your company, product and/or service to develop a strong, reputable brand to increase sales, promote new lines of products and/or services or develop new companies associated with the original company. The public will trust your brand, because they are aware of your reputation and/or have experience with your brand. Trademarks or brands have the potential and usually do become quite valuable in the marketplace, such that they actually add value to your company, product and/or service. You can license and/or franchise the brand and earn royalty fees, while protecting and expanding your brand. When you sell your business or a product or service line or expand your business and apply for a loan, the value of the brand is given an actual dollar figure. Imagine the value of the Coca Cola® brand. Therefore, it makes sense to put everyone on notice that the Trademark belongs to you by registering and protecting your valuable Mark or Brand.
What is a Copyright?
A copyright is an original tangible Work of authorship. The following are considered to be eligible for copyright registration (these are not limited to the literal meaning of the types of works and are often applied to works qualifying under these categories, e.g., Computer Software Source Code):
- literary works;
- musical works, including any accompanying words
- dramatic works, including any accompanying music
- pantomimes and choreographic works
- pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
- motion pictures and other audiovisual works
- sound recordings
- architectural works
What is a Patent? Our office does not handle Patent work and as such, no definition will be listed.
See the following link for more information: http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html#wwp
