IP Protection for Physical Products: What to File First
Patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyright, trade dress—physical products can need all of them. Here’s what each covers and the order that actually makes sense.
September 1, 2026
Formation
Selecting the right business entity (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc.) from the beginning helps ensure smooth operation and growth of your business.
There are many issues to consider when deciding which entity is best for your situation, including ownership, purpose of the business, taxes, and liability.
We know the right questions to ask you to make sure we create a great plan for your current needs, growth, and unexpected events.
We help you determine which type of business entity is best for your current needs and future plans.
Then we assist with the technicalities of formation and draft the important documents that protect you.
Transactions, Compliance, and Changes
Transactions
We can help draft, review, and negotiate contracts for most business situations, including
- sales,
- leases,
- negotiable interests,
- secured transactions,
- employment agreements,
- independent contractor agreements, and
- non-disclosure agreements / confidentiality agreements.
We can also draft and review company policy documents, such as
- bylaws,
- sexual harassment policies,
- data security policies,
- anti-retaliation policies,
- background check policies,
- vacation policies,
- leave policies,
- etc.
Compliance
We can help you with:
- Recordkeeping assistance
- Annual Report filing
- Registered Agent services
Changes
We can assist you with:
- buying, selling, or otherwise transferring ownership of all or part of a business;
- changing entity structure for an existing business, such as moving from a sole proprietorship to an LLC or C-corporation;
- amendments to operating agreements, bylaws, and stockholder agreements;
- assumed names; and
- registration and domestication of businesses from other states.
Intellectual Property Protection
You work hard to build your business and brand, so it’s important to protect the intellectual property you create, whether it’s the core material of your business, or whether it’s the logos and slogans you use for promotion.
We can help you
- register, maintain, license, and protect patents for your inventions;
- register, maintain, license, and protect trademarks that identify your brand;
- copyright material authored by you or your business; and
- protect your trade secrets and other confidential information.
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