Know Intellectual Property Protection Details
Brilliant Ideas Need Protecting - 5 Ways People Can Protect Intellectual Property
Most people are creative, in their own way. Don’t think so? Think of it this way: each person has had a brilliant thought come to mind. And, some of these ideas are so brilliant that they can become commercially viable that allows a person to begin his/her own business. If you’re among the many that has had such an idea, it would be in your best interest to learn about how to protect intellectual property so nobody else can steal your ideas.
How To Know Whether Or Not To Protect Intellectual Property
There are things to consider before you consider the protection of your intellectual property. Some things to consider are:
- What are the costs to protect intellectual property?
- What is the practicality to protect intellectual property?
- Is your idea unique or is it another version of something already existing?
It’s important to look at the five very relevant areas of business to determine if an idea you have is worth getting protected or not.
1 - Copyright
What is copyright protection and how do I register? Copyright is considered to be protecting ideas, software, logos, punch lines, image, etc. One of the most common ways to protect intellectual rights is through copyright. Now, you might be wondering what copyright protection is and how can you register? Copyright is protection for images, writings, logos, punch lines, software, ideas, etc. Special attention must be given to photography and website code, as these are critical to establish businesses. Now, the creator of the work is the first natural owner. However, his/her rights may be transferred should he/she allocate a nominee and all the rights get transferred to that nominee. Even in these cases, though, the first owner has “Moral Rights” to the business.
2 – Trademarks
There are two types of trademarks: Registered and Non-Registered Trademarks. Should your idea be a brand and you believe it needs protect, you’ll need to get the Trademark.
3 – Law of Confidence
This protects confidential information of any person, organization or business. This confidential information includes any ideas, policies, designs, training manuals, etc., which need to be protected from persons using it without permission or from being misused.
4 – Domain Names
Modern businesses have trademarks for domain names. And, it’s more cost effective to attain registered domains than trying to obtain trademarks.
5 – Design Rights
Design rights are similar to trademarks, as they can be both registered and non-registered. Design rights are used to keep someone else from adapting or copying a design that’s been intellectualized by you, your business or organization. Design registrations are much easier than those of patents.
Once you’ve obtained the most needed protection from the list above, you can leave the idea and/or business by licensing some or all to third parties who are interested in the same. When you take steps to protect intellectual property, make sure you get a formal agreement with the license agreement so your ideas are properly protected.
If you visit to our site's other sections, you can find various legal resources and free legal forms that are completely free of charges, including Trademark Search and Trademark Forms that are popular for those who are interested in their intellectual property management.