Intellectual Property (“IP”) are creations of the mind.
IP often includes inventions, literary and artistic works, designs and symbols, and names and images used in commerce. Intellectual Property Law (“IP Law”) is the area of the law that deals with protecting the rights of those who create the original works.
In the United States, there are three ways for protecting IP: copyrights, patents and trademarks.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (“WIPO”), a copyright gives the creator of an original work exclusive rights to it, usually for a limited time. Copyright may apply to a wide range of creative, intellectual, or artistic forms or “works”; copyright does not cover ideas and information themselves, only the form or manner in which they are expressed. Also, according to WIPO, a trademark is a recognizable sign, design or expression which distinguishes products or services of a particular trader from the similar products or services of other traders.
IP and IP Law are the frequent subject of disputes, and as the internet and technology continue to expand and evolve, it is now more important than ever for creators of original works to protect their intellectual property rights and enforce those rights when necessary.
Our intellectual property attorneys (“IP attorneys”) have substantial experience in dealing with copyright and trademark issues and can evaluate your intellectual property rights and issues expeditiously. Intellectual property infringement claims are complex to litigate and require a solid grasp of IP Law and civil litigation at the same time. Our lawyers are experienced in litigating intellectual property infringement cases by utilizing the most recent legal tools and knowledge of the law. Intellectual property claims can lead to substantial damage awards that may include statutory or actual damages and attorney fees. Intellectual property lawsuits should not be taken lightly and need to be addressed promptly and aggressively.
Our office also assists IP owners in distributing and monetizing on their intellectual property, including intellectual property sales and assignments and licensing agreements. Intellectual property owners need to be very careful when they grant any type of rights in their IP to third parties, and our lawyers know how to legally grant the rights (limited or unlimited) that the IP owner wants to grant. For those individuals and businesses that are seeking to obtain an opinion as to how they can use a certain product, mark or work, our lawyers can evaluate your intended use before you inadvertently put yourself into a bad situation.
IP and IP law are complex, and our lawyers are ready and able to help you today.
