Florida Law Firm > Intellectual Property Frequently Asked Questions
Intellectual Property Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a patent attorney to file my patent application?
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) strongly recommends that all prospective applicants retain the services of a registered patent attorney to prepare and prosecute their applications.
What do the terms “patent pending” and “patent applied for” mean?
They are used by a manufacturer or seller of an article to inform the public that an application for patent on that article is on file in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The law imposes a fine on those who use these terms falsely to deceive the public.
How long is a patent valid?
Patents issuing prior to June 8, 1995 can last up to 17 years from the date of issuance. Patents resulting from applications that were pending on June 8, 1995 can last up to the longer of: 17 years from the date of issuance or 20 years from the date of filing. Patents resulting from applications filed after June 8, 1995 can last up to 20 years from the date of filing. Under the 2000 AIPA rules, patent terms may be adjusted.
What is protectable under trademark law?
A trademark is anything that indicates source, sponsorship, affiliation, or other relation of a product or service to a business. The specific identity of the business does not need to be known.
What are trade secrets?
Trade secrets is the legal term for confidential business information. A good non-legal definition of a trade secret is a secret belonging to a business. This information allows your company to compete effectively.
What is a trademark?
A trademark includes any word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination used, or intended to be used, in commerce to identify and distinguish the goods of one manufacturer or seller from goods manufactured or sold by others, and to indicate the source of the goods. In short, a trademark is a brand name.
What is a copyright?
A copyright is a form of protection provided to the authors of “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works, both published and unpublished.
Can I copyright my domain name?
Copyright law does not protect domain names. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a nonprofit organization that has assumed the responsibility for domain name system management, administers the assignation of domain names through accredited registers.
Contact our Intellectual Property rights lawyers today, they know the IP laws and your rights
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