It’s January, and you’re staring at your business like it’s a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. You know something needs attention, but where do you
The real power in protecting product design is in using design patents and trade dress trademarks together, strategically managing the different requirements and timelines. It’s
A design patent protects the ornamental appearance of a manufactured item. It provides a 15-year, non-renewable monopoly on that specific look. Trade dress protects elements
What Does Trade Dress Trademark Protection Have That Design Patents Don’t? The long-term protection is the key. Protection can last indefinitely, as long as you
The design patent is your initial security vault. It gives you a statutory monopoly to enforce the look of your product against direct copiers for
When you invent a product, you naturally think about how it works (utility). But the look and feel, the specific aesthetics that make your product
Sloppy security sinks secrets, though. Once the secret gets out, like through you posting about it online or someone blabbing about it because you didn’t
If you want patent rights, the scariest thing you can do is wait. Patents are generally a race to the filing line, and sometimes your
The biggest trademark mistake comes right at the beginning, and it’s not clearing your name before you start using it. If you don’t check, and
One of the cool things about copyright is that some copyright rights exist the instant you create the material. Who the author is and who
Did your business leave money on the table this year? Let’s look at whether you maximized the value of your intellectual property or let its
Many inventors file their own patents hoping to save time and money. This is often the costliest mistake of all. DIY filing often results in
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.