Protecting Intellectual Property in New Jersey

 

 

Protecting Intellectual Property in New Jersey

People throughout the world come up with unique ideas every day. In doing so, they may find these ideas to be beneficial for their personal success or the success of their business. This may lead them to want to protect this so that others cannot use it. Even though an idea is not a physical property, it can still be protected. This is because it is known as intellectual property. When unique ideas come to fruition and are profitable, people can protect this intellectual possession in several ways.

If an individual wants to protect their intellectual property, they can do so through a patent, trademark, copyright, and more. This establishes the idea as their own as they gain legal possession of the concept. This protection ensures other people or entities cannot use this idea without going through the proper process to receive legal permission to do so.

Patents

A patent is a contract between the individual who created the idea and the government. This contract gives the individual permission to use the product. The contract will grant the individual these property rights to the patent for 20 years from the date of filing the patent application. The different types of patents available to people can include utility patents, design patents, and plant patents.

Trademark

A trademark is a symbol or word(s) that are legally registered with the government to represent a company or a product. To do so, the owner of the idea must file paperwork with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This may give them national coverage in the event that the trademark is not opposed.

Copyright

Copyright is a form of protection that is given to individuals for original works for both published and unpublished work. If an individual receives copyright protection for their idea, they can grant rights to print, publish, perform, film or record the concept.

Licensing Agreements

A licensing agreement allows an individual to have ownership of a concept while they are able to profit off it. This license gives a person the right to allow others to use, market, manufacture, distribute or sell their own work as long as they are compensated for it.

Contact our Firm

If you are looking to license an idea and wish to speak to an experienced attorney, contact The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC. today.

The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC has over 25 years of experience helping clients through tough times when they need it most. If you need assistance with any intellectual property, traffic violations, or business law matters, our firm is here to help. It is critical that you pick the right attorney who can protect your rights. Contact The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC for a consultation.