Intellectual Property

Intellectual property is an area of law involving the rights of ownership of ideas, inventions, trade secrets, processes, programs, data, formulas, patents, copyrights, trade secrets, service marks or trademarks.

A trademark can be a logo, name, symbol, or device used to differentiate a product or service. Trademark protection lasts for a ten year period after registration, and is renewable.

A patent is the grant of the exclusive right to make, use, or sell an invention or discovery, including new and improved products and processes. Patents can be registered in foreign countries. They last for twenty years and are renewable.

Trade secrets include formulas, patterns, devices or any compilation of data that gives the owner a competitive advantage in its industry.

A copyright is protection granted to authors of original authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, computer software, as well as performing artists in their performances and recordings, and broadcasters in their radio and television programs. Copyrights last for the life of an author plus 50 years.

If you are involved with any issues with regard to obtaining or licensing trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property, you should contact a Southern California intellectual property attorney.