How long does copyright protection last? The length of copyright protection depends on when a work was created. Under the current law, works created on or after January 1, 1978, have a copyright term of life of the author plus seventy years after the author’s death. If the work is a joint work, the term…
The inventive entity for a particular application is based on some contribution to at least one of the claims made by each of the named inventors. Inventors may apply for a patent jointly even though (1) they did not physically work together or at the same time, (2) each did not make the same type…
5 WAYS TO STOP YOUR INVENTION FROM BEING STOLEN File a provisional patent application Protect your idea before receiving a patent. A provisional patent application can be filed. A strong provisional patent application will include variations of the idea, manufacturing techniques that will be used to produce the idea, technical drawings, and a description of…
The journey from a creative spark to a signed licensing agreement begins with documenting and protecting your intellectual property. Before sharing your idea with anyone, you should maintain a detailed inventor log and consider filing for a provisional patent. This step provides you with a year of patent pending status at a relatively low cost,…
Securing your intellectual property is a critical step for any creator, whether you are a photographer, writer, musician, or developer. While copyright protection technically exists the moment an original work is fixed in a tangible form—such as an image file or a written page—this automatic right is often insufficient for robust legal defense. Formal registration…
For many inventors, the creation of the invention is quickly followed by a daunting realization: inventing a product is entirely different from building a business. The decision to license an invention by transferring the rights to a third party in exchange for royalty payments is often the most pragmatic path to commercial success. This strategy…
If you are in the early stages of building your brand, do not use different variations of the logo and word(s). Consistently utilize the exact version of the logo and word(s) when marketing your products and/or services. Consistent use will strengthen your trademark rights. Trademark infringement is easier to prove if your customers are accustomed…
It is critically important to maintain an updated and accurate address within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) trademark registry. The address on file serves as the official point of contact for all formal communications from the USPTO, making it the bedrock of effective communication between the trademark owner and the federal agency. The…
Chicago: The Modern Hub of Inventive Minds Chicago has transformed itself into a premier destination for innovation by fostering a collaborative ecosystem where ideas are not just born, but legally fortified. As of 2026, the city stands as a “multi-industry startup engine,” powered by a unique culture of relationship-building and expert legal guidance from leaders…
How do I challenge a trademark registration or application? Several options exist to challenge another party’s trademark registration or application, depending on the particular circumstances and grounds for challenging: You may challenge a trademark registration issued by the USPTO by filing a petition to cancel the registration with the Trademark Trial & Appeal Board (TTAB)….
THREE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR STARTUP IP You can effectively structure the protection of your startup’s intellectual property (IP) around three core strategies: legally binding agreements, formal government registrations, and internal security protocols. These three approaches create a multi-layered defense that manages both human risk and legal standing. The first critical strategy involves implementing…
Innovation Clinics A Pathway to Empower Inventors In an era where innovation drives economic growth and social change, many individuals with groundbreaking ideas face significant hurdles in bringing their inventions to market. This is especially true in underserved communities, where access to resources and expert guidance can be limited. One promising solution to this challenge…
How do I challenge a trademark registration or application? Several options exist to challenge another party’s trademark registration or application, depending on the particular circumstances and grounds for challenging: You may challenge a trademark registration issued by the USPTO by filing a petition to cancel the registration with the Trademark Trial & Appeal Board (TTAB)….
