Four different legal tools, four different jobs. Here’s how to tell which one you actually need. Even aspiring lawyers get mixed up about copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual property concepts. Once, in law school, I told a classmate that I needed to “patent a blog post” I’d written. He pushed his glasses up the bridgeContinue reading “Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents, and Trade Secrets: What Kind of Intellectual Property Rights Apply?”
Tag Archives: intellectual property
Beware of Trademark-Related Scams
The USPTO has improved online trademark processes, enabling users to file applications conveniently. However, this accessibility has led to scams, where companies exploit applicants’ data to send misleading official-looking letters. The U.S. Department of Commerce has registered key USPTO trademarks to combat these fraudulent activities and protect applicants from scams.
Corporate Names vs. Trade Names vs. Trademarks vs. Domain Names: What’s the Difference?
Business owners often want to “protect their business name,” but there’s more to it than that. Corporate names, trade names, trademarks, and domain names all play different roles. They might sound similar but are distinct. Aligning these identities is key for branding and legal protection, especially in the digital world.
You Can Negotiate Intellectual Property Rights
Did you know that you can negotiate intellectual property rights with your clients or contractors? Many people assume intellectual property, or IP, rights are binary — either one party holds them or the other does. They may feel backed up against a wall when they read a contract with provisions about work-for-hire, exclusivity, “perpetual throughout theContinue reading “You Can Negotiate Intellectual Property Rights”
Little Known Tips for Using Images from the Web Legally
Lawyers emphasize the importance of understanding the legal aspects of using online images. Best practices include discussing image sourcing with third-party service providers, maintaining copyright management information, and being cautious with identifiable subjects. Taking screenshots and ensuring compliance minimizes risks related to copyright infringement, right of publicity, and privacy concerns.
Life Rights: Should You or Shouldn’t You Seek Them?
Independent filmmakers face dilemmas regarding whether to secure life rights for individuals’ stories or proceed without them. While copyright law allows for creative freedom in using real-life events, risks like defamation remain. Consulting the subject can enhance accuracy and quality, but independent creators often weigh their budget against potential legal pitfalls.