What Is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual property is an overarching term for creations of the mind that can be protected under the law. Inventions, company logos, and written works are examples of intellectual property. The Denver business transaction and commercial litigation lawyers at Lantz Law Group can help your company in two areas:
Trademarks
A trademark helps to distinguish your brand. It is a logo, symbol, word, phrase, design, or combination of these things that makes your product or service recognizable from others. Trademarks can be established through their use, but this method offers only limited protections in specific geographic areas. For nationwide rights and protections, trademarks must be registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”). Our Denver trademark lawyers are experienced in intellectual property law and can help you ensure your trademark is protected.
Copyrights
Copyright law protects written works, software, art, and music from unauthorized duplication or use. The U.S. Copyright Office registers copyrighted work.
Our Denver copyright lawyers are well-versed in copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets from creation to litigation. They can assist you in determining what needs protecting via applicable contracts and registrations.
What is a Trade Secret?
A trade secret is any information that gives your business a competitive advantage over its rivals and is unknown to the public. While trade secrets fall outside of formal intellectual property such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks, it is similar in the sense that trade secrets can include formulas, processes, methods, techniques, designs, customer lists, marketing strategies, or any other confidential data that is valuable to the owner and is kept secret.
Unlike patents, copyrights, and trademarks, intellectual property laws do not protect trade secrets. Instead, trade secrets are protected by contract, tort, and state laws that vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Trade secrets are essential for businesses because they can provide a significant competitive edge, increase the value of the business, and foster innovation and creativity. Talk with our business and contract lawyers in Denver to learn more and get protection for your trade secrets.
Intellectual Property FAQs
How can I find out if a trademark is registered?
You can search for free at the USPTO website. However, many trademarks can be similar looking but not exact. Or they may use similar wording or phrasing. To conduct a more effective and thorough search that reduces your chances of infringing on another party’s rights, consider enlisting assistance from Lantz Law Group.
How are IP disputes resolved?
Trademarks, copyrights, and trade secret disputes may be resolved through negotiations, arbitration, or litigation. How a particular issue is resolved depends on the type of rights violation, the parties involved in the dispute, the contract terms, and additional factors. Our lawyers are effective negotiators and litigators who work hard to achieve beneficial outcomes for their clients.
