Introduction to U.S. Intellectual Property Law
In the United States, intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, images, and designs. The concept of IP is essential to the country's economy and innovation.
Patents: Protecting Innovative Ideas
A patent is a exclusive right granted to an inventor for a new and useful product, process, or invention. To qualify as patentable, an idea must be novel, non-obvious, and useful.
Trademarks: Protecting Brand Identity
A trademark is a distinctive sign, symbol, or phrase used by a business to identify its products or services. To qualify as trademarkable, the mark must be distinctive and not too similar to another mark.
Copyrights: Protecting Original Works
A copyright is a exclusive right granted to an author or creator for their original literary, dramatic, musical, or artistic work. To qualify as copyrightable, the work must be fixed in a tangible medium of expression.
Trade Secrets: Protecting Confidential Information
A trade secret is any information that is not publicly known and which has been kept confidential by the owner of the information. To qualify as trade secret, the information must be capable of being reduced to a tangible form.