A trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of a company from those of other companies. Trademarks date back to ancient times, when craftsmen used to put their signature or brand name on their products. Geographical indications and appellations of origin are signs used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation or characteristics that are essentially attributable to that place of origin. Most commonly, a geographical indication includes the name of the place of origin of the products.
Trade secrets are intellectual property rights over confidential information that can be sold or licensed. Unauthorized acquisition, use, or disclosure of such secret information in a manner contrary to honest business practices by others is considered an unfair practice and a violation of trade secret protection. In fact, companies often have more to worry about than the details of a patent or other intellectual property protection requirement. For example, the Nike symbol, which almost everyone could easily recognize and identify, is a type of trademark.
Intellectual property protection isn't as simple as declaring ownership of a particular product or asset. Because design patents and utility patents provide completely different areas of intellectual property protection, you can apply for utility and design patents for the same product. There are four types of intellectual property rights and protections (although there are several types of intellectual property per se). When a company or person has an idea that they want to protect from being used by others without their permission, it is best to seek legal protection for that intellectual property.
In addition, establishing intellectual property rights can help boost the economy and stimulate greater innovation. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), a patent is a type of limited-term protection that can be used to protect inventions (or discoveries) that are new, not obvious, and useful, such as a new process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter. Intellectual property rights are legal rights that provide creators with protection of original works, inventions, or the appearance of products, artistic works, scientific developments, etc. The impact of tracking the creation, use, and cost structure of intellectual property is greatly evident in the capabilities of different companies to launch products quickly and preserve revenues from existing assets.
We can also help your company take action if you believe that another party has infringed your intellectual property rights. In 1967, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) was established by the United Nations (UN) as the global forum for intellectual property services, policies, information and cooperation. Patents are the most common type of intellectual property rights that people can think of when they think about protecting intellectual property rights. Prototypes or drawings can be created to provide a more accurate description of the final product or process.
