Intellectual Property Basics

Start here if you're new to intellectual property. Learn all about copyrights, trademarks, patents, and more.

Estate plans and intellectual property: What to consider
Intellectual property is a valuable asset that often gets forgotten in the estate planning process.
March 23, 2023 · 4 min read
Social media's new intellectual property challenges
Sharing your photos online can be problematic—especially if you are hoping to retain your rights to credit and royalties. Photographer Daniel Morel learned this the hard way when his dramatic photos of the Haitian earthquake went viral—credited to someone else.
March 21, 2023 · 3 min read
Your startup's most valuable asset is its intellectual property
As a company grows and expands, its most valuable intellectual property may not reside in any of the specific technical features but rather in the brand that users associate with the service: the company's trademarks.
March 21, 2023 · 3 min read
Lessons from her grandmother: Attorney Mary Beaghler Penn on life, IP, and branding
For the past five years, Mary Beaghler Penn has been helping LegalZoom customers protect and defend their brands, and register and maintain their trademarks and copyrights. We recently had the opportunity to talk with Mary about some of the major influences in her life, her focus on intellectual property issues, and why she feels business owners need to take steps to protect their brands.
March 20, 2023 · 6 min read
Who will inherit your intellectual property?
Intellectual property can be a valuable asset, yet many people don't include it in their estate planning. Find out about the types of intellectual property that should be incorporated in your estate plan, and how to get started.
March 20, 2023 · 3 min read
The right of publicity: Whose right is it?
Yes, you may have the right to protect your name, image, and likeness, even if you're not famous. Or alive.
March 17, 2023 · 5 min read
Navigating Creative Commons licensing
Creative Commons licenses work in conjunction with copyright law to make the sharing and tweaking of original works easier. Which license works best for you? Read on.
February 13, 2023 · 4 min read
Copyright infringement and substantial similarity
Unfortunately, copyright infringement is very real. If you think you've been a victim of copyright infringement, you should understand how the standard of substantial similarity could make or break your case.
February 9, 2023 · 3 min read
Understanding the difference between fair use and fair dealing
The fair use doctrine is part of U.S. copyright law, while fair dealing laws are present in other countries. Learn about these two concepts and when they apply to copyrighted works.
February 8, 2023 · 3 min read
Finding the right fit: Comparing intellectual property protections
Safeguard your ideas, inventions, and processes so others don't benefit from your genius unless you want them to.
February 7, 2023 · 3 min read