The term "intellectual property" describes a wide variety of creations by musicians, authors, artists, inventors, and innovators of all kinds. Intellectual property law offers protections for creative work through patents, trademarks, and copyrights. These protections allow artists and innovators to safeguard themselves from infringement or the unauthorized use and misuse of their creations. Learn more about each area of intellectual property law below.
What is a patent? A patent is a grant by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that allows the patent owner to maintain a monopoly for a limited period of time on the use and development of a new innovation. For more information click here.
What is a trademark? A trademark is a protection granted for a word, phrase, logo, graphic symbol, or other device that is used to identify or promote the source of a product that distinguishes it from competitors. A service mark is similar, but promotes a service instead of a specific product. For more information click here.
What is a copyright? A copyright is a bundle of exclusive rights granted to the author of a creative work such as book, movie, song, painting, photograph, design, computer software, or architecture. These rights include the right to make copies, authorize others to make copies, make derivative works, sell and market the work, and perform the work. For more information click here.
What is a franchise? A franchise is a privilege granted to use a name or to sell products or services owned by another person, company or entity. A franchise is a license from the owner of a trademark or trade name permitting another to sell a product or service under that name or mark. For more information click here.