I work with businesses and individuals to maximize the protection of their own intellectual property, and to minimize risk with regards to others’ intellectual property. Intellectual Property refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce. (World Intellectual Property Organization) Intellectual property law provides mechanisms through which some creative ideas can be protected and give their owners the exclusive right to use.
It is important for business owners to understand that intellectual property has value! Intellectual properties are assets that can generate revenue. Unprotected intellectual property can be stolen (infringed) by a competitor! Without the proper protections in place, there is no recourse in which to pursue infringers. And if their intellectual property is not reviewed beforehand, an unsuspecting business owner or individual may find themselves to be an infringer, and the recipient of a rather nasty cease and desist letter signaling the beginning of a legal nightmare.
Generally, intellectual property (IP) can be broken down into 4 categories:
- Literary and artistic works that include books, newsletters, blogs, website layout, music, images-hand drawn or digital, photographs, sculptures, movies, broadcasts, software code, and much more that can be protected by COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION.
- Product names and logos can be protected by TRADEMARK REGISTRATION.
- Inventions, whether simple or complicated, any new unique way to solve a problem or a new ornamental design can be protected by a PATENT.
- TRADE SECRETS are concepts or designs that are only known to you, that give you an advantage over your competitors, and that are of economic value. Trade secrets are protected by having a protocol in place to maintain secrecy and confidentiality.
Based on a company’s or an individual’s needs and goals, I implement intellectual property strategies under these four categories that maximize protection and minimize risk. I work with my clients to put the proper protections in place to fend off or to pursue infringers, and I work with my clients to minimize their risk of infringing another’s intellectual property.
Pittsburgh Intellectual Property Attorneys
Kathleen Kuznicki assists business owners, entrepreneurs, and inventors with all things related to intellectual property and brand protection, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and licensing. She can be reached via email at kkuznicki@lynchlaw-group.com or by calling our office at 724-776-8000.
