Protection of trademark rights in the United States is only given to those products and services that are considered legal at the federal or state level. While individual states are allowing broader protection of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) products, protection at the federal level remains limited. The 2018 Farm Bill allowed for some goods containing […]
Unlike patents or copyrights, trademarks do not have fixed expiration dates. Instead, trademarks could last indefinitely as long as they continue to be used in commerce. If the mark is also registered with a government agency, it can be renewed again and again if certain maintenance documents and fees are filed. In the United States, […]
We find that clients are often aware of how to use patents, trademarks and copyrights to protect their intellectual property. However, they seem less confident about how to utilize trade secret law and how it might benefit them. Trade secrets can be a powerful tool and this form of IP protection should always be considered as part of a company’s “IP arsenal.”
Patents can be used to protect your innovations. There are different types of patents that can be obtained through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In particular, utility patents are used to protect new and useful processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof. Design patents can protect the shape and/or surface ornamentation of a manufactured article.
Intellectual property is an intangible asset, or a collection of intangible assets, created through the ingenuity of people in the form of their brands, innovations, original works of authorship, and confidential information. Intellectual property may serve as the foundation of many businesses and ventures. Thus, it is very important to protect your intellectual property as your business develops and grows.
A trademark can be any word, phrase, logo, or design that connects your business with its goods or services in the minds of consumers. This can include your business name, product name, or tagline. Trademarks are some of your company’s most valuable assets as they symbolize your reputation and good will. They are how consumers recognize your products or services among those of your competitors.