Copyright

Did you know that any original writing or piece of art that you author or create is protected by the U.S. government through a copyright?   General works covered by a copyright include literary, musical, dramatic, choreographic, graphical, sculptural, motion pictures, sound recordings, and architectural works.

One's work may either be published or unpublished, and he or she is still protected by a copyright.  One basically has the capability to do whatever he or she wishes with an original work of art.  Furthermore, one may obtain fully detailed information & officially register a copyright with the U.S. government at Copyright.gov.  Although officially registering is not necessarily required to be protected, it does have its distinct advantages over not filing a copyright.

Patent

Patent attorneys are required to take a separate Bar Exam before they are able to practice in patent law.  These laws are distinct, and a further distinction is necessary.  Patent law protects those who have invented a device, machine, etc.  It is usually a "must" for one to obtain a patent on his or her invention before using, manufacturing, or selling the invention. 

The three types of patents are utility patents, plant patents, and design patents.  It is common for inventors to seek a patent on items such as machines, new processes, new ways to manufacture an item, etc.  Filing a patent may be done through the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.  Generally, a patent lasts for 20 years.

Trademark attorneys are necessary when one is attempting to protect his or her goods or services from competitors or other unauthorized reproduction.  Items such as words, names, symbols, logos, sounds, or colors may be protected with a trademark.

Like a patent, a trademark is also obtained by filing a form with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.  However, unlike a patent, a trademark may generally be renewed forever. 

A trade secret, not to be confused with a trademark, refers to information that companies or individuals protect to keep a secret.  This is done to obtain or maintain any distinct advantage over one’s competitors.  An example of a trade secret would include a company with a homemade recipe that chooses to not give out the unique ingredients that differentiates its product.

Intellectual property attorneys handle very private and sensitive information.  Before filing official forms with one of the agencies above, it may be helpful to consult with a local intellectual property attorney.  He or she knows the ins and outs of the industry, and offers protective advice of which most people are unaware.