Are you Protecting Your Business Assets? | Small Business ...

You have worked hard to set up your company, create a brand and image, but have you protected it? Let?s take a look at how you can protect your intellectual property and create a valuable asset to your company.

First, start with some basic research and see if your company has something that is protectable by going to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) website: www.uspto.gov for patents and trademarks. You can do all of the research and the filings yourself but it can be very complex. And, you find that you are infringing on someone?s existing patent, trademark or copyright. If the research looks positive then it is recommended that you seek the professional services of an intellectual property attorney. If you have taken the time to set your company up correctly, then spend the funds to protect your intellectual property. It also takes a long time to work through the process so get someone with experience that will make it easier for your company.

Patents: An easy way to look at whether you could get a patent is ask yourself if the idea is new, unique, useful and functional. Can you provide claims which describe all the essential features that distinguish a new invention? If yes, then go to www.uspto.gov and look in the searchable databases to see if there is an existing patent. There is additional information on the website for inventor assistance.

Trademarks: These are words, symbols, names, internet domain names, packaging and labeling that distinguish a product or service. If you want to protect any of these, visit www.uspto.gov for additional information.

Copyrights: Are forms of original writing, musical works, artistic designs and other works of expression. In reality, an author?s copyright is automatic when the work is created. If you want to copyright, this information can be found at the Library of Congress www.copyright.gov.

Want to meet with someone before talking to an intellectual property attorney? Contact the SBDC regional office at 813.905.5800 to set something up with one of our experts.

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Source: http://www.sbdctampabay.com/are-you-protecting-your-business-assets/

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