Intellectual Property

Protect your work from copycats. Learn the difference between trademarks, copyrights, and patents so you can safeguard your intellectual property.

How to sell your patent
Finding a way profit from your patent can be tricky if you're not sure how to do it. But with a little business savvy and a touch of marketing sense, you can find the companies that are looking for innovation. If you're ready to license or sell your patent, these tips and links can help you get started.
March 23, 2023 · 2 min read
Can you trademark 'You're fired!' and other sayings?
We've all heard them—signature sayings such as 'you're fired!' 'that's hot' or 'three peat'—made popular by the characters who uttered them. But did you also know they are trademarked? Find out more about signature sayings, the benefits of registering a signature saying as a trademark, the process of applying for a trademark, and more.
March 23, 2023 · 4 min read
How to talk about your nonpatented invention without having your idea stolen
Until you've filed your application with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, you should be extra careful about who you talk to and how you share your ideas.
March 23, 2023 · 4 min read
Registering green trademarks
While the USPTO is actively encouraging the development of 'green' technology, green trademark and patent seekers should be well-informed going into the process to increase the probability of success—because it's not enough to just have a catchy 'green' name anymore.
March 23, 2023 · 6 min read
The state of the 'fair use' defense in the art world
The great French Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin once said, 'Art is either plagiarism or revolution.' More than 100 years later, this statement is still up for debate among artists, some of whose work is being found to infringe others' copyrights.
March 23, 2023 · 4 min read
Copyright 101
Ever wonder what you can copyright? Or whether you really need to copyright your work to protect it? Copyright can be confusing, so we break it down and give you the basics you need to know.
March 22, 2023 · 3 min read
Get the most from your provisional application for patent
You've got an invention, but what an ordeal just to get it to 'patent pending' status. The reality is, filing a provisional application for patent is not as confusing or as intimidating as people think—especially if you know what to expect.
March 22, 2023 · 6 min read
Who owns the rights to your life story?
An unknown, down on his luck fighter gets a shot at the big time against the reigning, legendary champ. Although the endearing underdog eventually loses by technical knockout, he dances toe-to-toe with the champ for 15 rounds, even knocking down one of the greatest pugilists ever along the way.
March 22, 2023 · 5 min read
The Copyright Commons: Works in the public domain
Many of us have looked at a piece of art, watched a movie, or listened to a popular song and thought of using it to create something new. Well…can you?
March 22, 2023 · 3 min read
Taking your trademark overseas
With the Internet and globalization making the world smaller, businesses are increasingly expanding overseas—and that means they need to protect their trademarks outside the U.S. Doing business in other countries? See how you can get trademark protection.
March 22, 2023 · 4 min read

Intellectual Property

How to sell your patent

Can you trademark 'You're fired!' and other sayings?

How to talk about your nonpatented invention without having your idea stolen

Registering green trademarks

The state of the 'fair use' defense in the art world

Copyright 101

Get the most from your provisional application for patent

Who owns the rights to your life story?

The Copyright Commons: Works in the public domain

Taking your trademark overseas

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