Intellectual property law: what is it
Many people have heard, read, spoken, written or signed documents with the phrase “intellectual property”. But do you always know what intellectual property or IP implies? When starting with a new employer, there is often a confidentiality clause or document that includes an IP reference, usually to the effect that any mind creation resulting from employment or employment is the property of the employer. Most sign these documents and are not always sure what they are agreeing to.
Intellectual property law covers a wide variety of legal territories, from trademarks and copyrights to inventions, design, and creative aspects such as writing, music, and art. The practice of intellectual property law can protect those who are the creators of new ideas or designs or it can defend the company with the intellectual property clause in the contract. For example, an intellectual property lawyer can help an inventor or entrepreneur file a patent for a new invention or file the documents to register the logo for that invention. A singer or musician can work with an intellectual property attorney to register copyrights to protect their rights with respect to recorded performances and the sale of their works.
Because this area of legal practice is so broad and far-reaching, it is not uncommon for intellectual property attorneys to specialize in the practice of intellectual property. Some attorneys may have engineering degrees or experience that reinforce their understanding of the industrial side of intellectual property law and all the work they go into and technical understanding of those patents. Other attorneys may have strong work experience and education in the fields of business, banking, non-profit organizations, or the performing arts, again helping to better understand and practice the nuanced and specialized aspects of trademark law. registered, copyrights and patents.
Although many cases in intellectual property law involve individuals applying for patents and trademarks or copyrights, there are also many cases involving companies. Large corporations to sole proprietorships may find it necessary to file a trademark or copyright. Work with an intellectual property attorney, so that all potential conflicts or infringements are investigated and hopefully avoided. These attorneys can also work to assist with the actual paperwork and the trademark or copyright filing and administration process. It may be that in the future a competitor or a newly created company will knowingly or unknowingly infringe a trademark or copyright. Having a lawyer who knows the history can be very advantageous when it comes to protecting these identifiers.
For any individual or business looking for an intellectual property attorney, the first step is to find an attorney with the experience and expertise in the field. A performing artist working with an intellectual property attorney who specializes in technology may not be a good fit. But if that artist can find a firm with experience and expertise in the creative and performing arts, the next step is to make sure the firm works with individuals. Some firms only work with business entities, some only with individuals, and some with both. Of course, it is also important to work with a firm whose culture and personality match that of the client.