Maryland Civil Litigation Lawyer

What is Intellectual Property?

"Intellectual property" refers to a bundle of rights that exists to reserve to the owner the exclusive right to use and receive profits that are the result of the owner's industry and innovation. If you are an entrepreneur and you have a unique idea for a product, that idea may be reducible into a form of protectable intellectual property. If you are using a word, phrase, or graphic to distinguish your service or product from those of competitors, you may also have a protectable trademark. Or if you have written computer code that performs a unique function or solves a problem in a unique way, you may have intellectual property. Just as the law protects money and tangible property, the law also protects intellectual property.

While most people would never think of driving off with someone else's car or even helping themselves to the loose change in somebody else's desk drawer, many people feel free to use others' intellectual property. Whether it is because of ignorance, naiveté, or rationalization, many people do not think twice about copying customer lists, using confusingly similar product names, or adopting a competitor's unique business practices. In most cases, the owner of the intellectual property is responsible to protect his own interests; otherwise, valuable rights can be lost.

There are several ways to protect intellectual property depending on the type of property. For example, if you are seeking the exclusive right to use a word or phrase such as a slogan or company name, you may be able to obtain a trademark. Other ways to protect intellectual property include:

• Patents (for the protection of "inventions"--which include processes, systems, designs);
• Copyrights (for the protection of a work of authorship such as a song or a book); and
• Trade secrets (laws exist to protect know-how, techniques, and other information that gives the possessor of the secret a competitive advantage).

How We Can Help You

If you are seeking to protect your intellectual property, then it is vitally important that you speak with a representative from The Brennan Law Firm, LLC as soon as possible. A Maryland civil litigation attorney will be able to discuss your specific situation with you and will advise you of the best way to protect your intellectual property. We will also be able to help you prepare any necessary filings or to refer you to the appropriate professional.

If someone is violating your intellectual property rights, a qualified attorney will review the pertinent information and can help you make a demand to stop the violation and/or pursue a claim for money or an injunction against the violator in the appropriate tribunal. Contact The Brennan Law Firm, LLC today.