Intellectual property (IP) may be one of the most valuable assets a company can possess. However, navigating the complex world of intellectual property protection can be challenging, which is why businesses turn to intellectual property attorneys to safeguard their intangible assets. What Does an Intellectual Property Attorney Do? Intellectual property attorneys help businesses and individuals secure legal rights to their …
The Lifecycle of a Brand: From Inception to Use to Maintenance, How Marketing and Product Managers Can Work Together
Marketing and Product Managers both play crucial roles in the lifecycle of a brand. Effective collaboration is essential to ensure a brand evolves in line with market and business needs and is sufficiently protected along the way. The Lifecycle of a Brand The lifecycle of a brand spans several stages: development, growth, maturity, and decline or maintenance. During each of …
Best Practices for Minimizing Future Risks and Enforcing Trademark Rights
When adopting and using a new trademark, knowledge is power. Understanding and implementing best practices for trademark adoption, use and maintenance can help minimize future risks. Use and successful registration of a mark is only the beginning. A trademark owner has a duty to monitor and enforce its trademark or risk narrowing the scope of its rights to the mark. …
Descriptive Marks: Balancing Marketing Needs with Trademark Rights
A strong trademark can be a tremendous asset to a business. Trademarks are generally categorized as fanciful, arbitrary, suggestive, descriptive, or generic, from strongest to weakest. Descriptive marks fall on the weaker end of the spectrum but can be valuable when used after careful consideration of the risks and benefits. When selecting a trademark, one that conveys information about the …
What Does Patent Pending Mean?
The phrase “patent pending” seemingly carries significant weight, but its legal significance is often misunderstood. Patent Pending Defined The phrase “patent pending” may be used in relation to an invention from the date that a patent application disclosing that invention is submitted to the patent and trademark office. Misuse of the phrase can have serious ramifications. Under 35 U.S. Code …
The Role of Intellectual Property in Protecting Innovation
Intellectual property is often the most valuable asset of a business. Intellectual property laws play a significant role in promoting and protecting innovation by affording legal rights to creators, inventors, and businesses to their inventions, brands, works of authorship, and trade secrets. The Importance of Intellectual Property For Your Business Intellectual property protection can enhance a business’s valuation and attractiveness …
Do You Need a Copyright, Trademark, or Patent?
Copyrights, trademarks, and patents are different types of intellectual property. It is important to know the differences between them in developing a protection strategy. What is a Copyright? A copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects original creative works. A copyright owner has the exclusive right to reproduce, adapt, publish, perform, and display the original works, as well …
International IP Litigation and Navigating Cross-Border Disputes
Each country has its own intellectual property laws and requirements and, when facing a cross-border intellectual property dispute, each country’s laws should be carefully considered. Challenges in International IP Litigation Disputes Some of the key issues and challenges arising in international IP litigation disputes include: How to Navigate Cross-Border Intellectual Property Disputes In many situations, companies may begin to establish …
What is the Madrid Protocol?
An international treaty known as the Madrid Protocol makes it easier to register trademarks in numerous jurisdictions with a single application. The Madrid Protocol is managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and provides companies and individuals with a simple and affordable option to safeguard their trademarks across multiple countries. How Does the Madrid Protocol Work? The Madrid Protocol …
What’s in a Name? The Dos and Don’ts of Selecting a Trademark
Whether you are launching a new business or adding a new brand to your existing business, selecting the right trademark can have a great impact on its success. A trademark is not just the name of your business and brand, it is a source identifier. It has the potential to quickly convey to a customer information about what you are …