When you think about the type of security your business needs, your first thoughts may turn to installing surveillance cameras or an identification card entry system. Of course, these kinds of physical measures can help you protect your company, particularly if you own a retail outlet or run an office that works with sensitive information. What about your more intangible security concerns? How can you protect ideas, works, designs, symbols, logos, and other intellectual property?

In my practice as a business law attorney, I have helped many entrepreneurs and business owners register for trademarks, copyrights, and other forms of legal protection. To be sure your efforts are focused in the right direction, it is important to know the role of each type, and how they may be used to your advantages.

Government Organizations

Ownership of intellectual property and enforcement of the rights to use such property fall under the auspices of one of two government entities. Depending on the particular property that you need to protect, you will need to work through either the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office.

What Are Trademarks?

According to United States Patent and Trademark Office, trademark protection offers security for words, phrases, symbols, designs, or any combination of them that identifies the source of goods or services and distinguishes that source from others. For your business, you make seek to register a trademark for your company’s name, logo, slogan, and other types of brand-specific intellectual property. You will likely need to register each of your intended trademarks separately, and an experienced attorney can help you overcome any obstacles that may arise.

What is a Copyright?

While a trademark can help secure your company’s public image, a copyright can safeguard the rights to “literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works.” Unlike a trademark, a copyright is presumed automatically as soon as you create the work, whether or not it is actually published. In order for protection to be enforceable, however, you will need to register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office, following its appropriate processes.

Speak With a DuPage County Intellectual Property Lawyer

If your business creates any type of copyrighted material, you will probably need both trademarks and registered copyright protection. Contact an experienced Naperville business law attorney today to discuss your plan for securing your intellectual property. Call 630-756-1160 to schedule a consultation with The Gierach Law Firm. Let us help you pursue the security and peace of mind you need.

 

Sources:

Chron.com

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

U.S. Copyright Office

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