Intellectual property is an important part of any business venture. Intellectual property, or IP, refers to the creations of a human mind over which a person has certain rights. Business owners, artists, musicians, and inventors are examples of people who can have intellectual property rights over an idea, work of art, or product that they create and wish to profit from.
Below are different types of Intellectual Property:
- Copyrights. Copyrights are creative works that have been fixed in tangible form – for example, an audio recording, video, painting, or a writing. The work must be saved in some physical way, meaning that it can’t exist simply as an idea.
- Trademarks. Trademarks include slogans or symbols that are legally registered as representing a specific product or company. For example, the Nike swish and tagline “Just do it” are registered trademarks and can only be used by Nike.
- Patents. Patents give certain individuals exclusive rights over an invention for a certain amount of time in exchange for full disclosure of how it is made and how it works. Once the patent expires (after 20 years in the U.S.), others will be permitted to make generic versions of the product.
- Trade secrets. Trade secrets are pieces of information used by a business that have value because they are secret and which the business must protect. An oft-cited example would be the secret recipe for Coca-Cola.
Those who infringe upon any of these forms of intellectual property can face legal action. It is extremely important for individuals and businesses to protect what is most valuable to their business in order to ensure a profitable future. If you have an intellectual property issue that you need assistance with, a Dallas intellectual property lawyer at Deans & Lyons, LLP can review your case and help you take the appropriate action. Our Dallas & Houston litigation attorneys can help you enforce your patent, trademark, or copyright to ensure that infringers are held accountable for their unauthorized use of your property. These lawsuits can be highly complex, which is why it is essential to involve a seasoned team of lawyers to protect your interests.
Tell us about your case. Contact Lyons & Simmons, LLP today at (844) 297-8898.