Insightful Guidance On Trademark And Copyright Law
Intellectual property can be immensely valuable. In the marketplace, it’s what sets you apart from the competition. If you’re an artist, author, photographer or another creative type, it’s the very essence of your work. You deserve to safeguard it from misuse and misappropriation.
Attorney Carena Lemons at The Lemons Law Firm, PLLC, can help you protect your intellectual property and navigate any disputes. Based in Durham, North Carolina, she represents businesses, entrepreneurs and creators throughout the area. She is passionate about helping innovation thrive by putting the right legal safeguards into place.
Two Main Types Of Intellectual Property
Ms. Lemons handles two main categories of intellectual property:
- Trademarks are used to protect your brand. Trademarks can encompass logos, words and taglines. You must apply for a trademark and register it with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). To qualify for protection, it must be sufficiently unique from other registered marks. You must also ensure that it doesn’t get diluted through misuse.
- Copyrights automatically cover works of original authorship (including not only written works but anything in a fixed, tangible form). Even though copyrights are automatic, it still may be wise to register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office for added protection.
Talk to Ms. Lemons for additional guidance on each of these protections and how they might apply to your branding or creative works.
Tools For Protecting Your Intellectual Property
In addition to providing guidance on trademark and copyright registration, Ms. Lemons can help you take further steps to protect your intellectual property through tools such as:
- Well-drafted contracts for employees, vendors and independent contractors, specifying intellectual property ownership
- Nondisclosure agreements to protect sensitive intellectual property from inadvertent disclosure
- Licensing agreements to monetize your intellectual property in an advantageous and well-thought-out manner
Ms. Lemons can also address intellectual property disputes and infringement issues.
Benefit From 20-Plus Years Of Legal Experience
To discuss your concerns with an intellectual property lawyer, reach out to The Lemons Law Firm, PLLC, through the website or by phone at 919-679-5224.