Intellectual Property
Protect your work from copycats. Learn the difference between trademarks, copyrights, and patents so you can safeguard your intellectual property.
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Joint Ownership of Patents: A to Z
An invention's patent is considered personal property. Under patent law, each co-inventor named on a patent application owns that property. In the absence of any agreement, each co-inventor owns 100 percent of the patent, regardless of how much each individual contributed to the invention. Patent law gives co-owners of a patent the right to make, use, license, sell and import the patented invention within the U.S. in whatever way they please, without the consent of the other co-owners.
· 3 min read
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Should You Trademark Your Name?
In the always evolving electronic age, many famous celebrities are using trademark law to protect the use of their name over the Internet. Should you?
· 4 min read
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Patent Squatters: Is It Possible to Patent an Invention that Everyone's Been Using for Years?
Can you patent a new product that stems from an old favorite?
· 5 min read
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Health and the City: How Close Is Too Close in Trademarks?
Jennifer Cassetta was excited to apply for a trademark for her Manhattan fitness and martial arts center. Then HBO got word that her business is called Health and the City. The cable company thinks Cassetta's proposed name is too close to their hit television series.
· 3 min read
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What Is Creative Commons? 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to your Creative Commons questions here.
· 4 min read
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Disabled Inventors: Necessity Is the Mother of Invention
Inventors are known to tackle problems they encounter in their everyday lives. For disabled inventors solving these problems can have a life-changing impact, not just for themselves, but others who can benefit from their ingenuity.
· 2 min read
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Can Fashion Designs Be Copyrighted?
Recording artist Gwen Stefani recently filed an infringement suit against Forever 21, alleging that the 'fast-fashion' retailer improperly used the heart and heart/box trademarks from her upscale Harajuku line on its own merchandise in a 'virtually indistinguishable' way.
· 3 min read
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Attention Songwriters: Protect Your Valuable Assets with a Copyright
You must register a copyright for your song to assert your songwriter rights and prevent someone from copying or performing your music without your permission.
· 3 min read
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Top 5 Accidental Inventions & Discoveries
From a vengeful chef who created a classic treat to a scientist whose moldy Petri dishes became a life-saving medication, some of today's best-known inventions were the result of accidental discoveries.
· 3 min read
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8 Basic Facts Every Musician Should Know About Copyright Law
You've worked long and hard on your original music. How can you keep others from using and profiting from your music without your consent? Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.
· 3 min read
