When legitimizing creative works and inventions, entrepreneurs must navigate a complex process in order to establish the intellectual property as theirs alone. Several systems of intellectual property protection exist to shield a work, brand, or invention from theft and infringement: copyright, patenting, and trademarking. While these terms seem synonymous to many, they each describe a different process and a different type of protection. At Larson and Larson, Trademark Attorneys serving Clearwater, we help our clients understand the differences and assist with completing the processes.
What’s the Difference?
Patents, Copyrights, and Trademarks, although similar in nature, have distinguishing features that make having an Intellectual Property Attorney beneficial to your success.
- Trademarks – A device (such as a word or logo) pointing distinctly to the origin or ownership of goods and services to which it is applied and legally reserved to the exclusive use of the owner as seller or provider.
- Patent – A legal document that grants property right to the inventor of a unique idea.
- Copyright – The exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, sell, display, or distribute the matter and form of a creative work (literature, art, music, etc.).
Trademarks are the distinguishing term or logo that ties the idea or product to the seller of the goods or the provider of the services. A few common examples of famous trademarks are the McDonald’s golden arches or the Apple logo. At Larson and Larson, our trademark attorneys can assist Clearwater clients to ensure that your intellectual property is fully protected by a unique trademark.
What a Trademark Can Do For You
Anybody can come up with an idea, but patenting the invention and trademarking the goods is a different story. In order to protect a brand that is exclusive to you, trademarking is a critical process. Not only does it link an image or word with your product or services, but it is crucial for marketing. Where would clothing brands such as Polo or Gucci be without their trademarks? Would the iPod be such a successful and integral product of American culture without the Apple logo? At Larson and Larson, our Trademark Attorneys assist Clearwater clients in registering trademarks to help market their products.
What Do Our Trademark Attorneys Do?
At Larson and Larson, our experienced attorneys will help you with every step of the process. With a full range of intellectual property protection Larson and Larson can:
- Conduct a Trademark Availability Search – We will search for any existing trademarks and that may pose a conflict.
- Preparation Filing – Wading through the patent and trademark filing process can be stressful and arduous. Our trademark attorneys are ready and willing to prepare and file your trademark application and be with you every step of the way.
- Prosecution of the Trademark Application – The trademark office requires that the goods and services be sold in commerce. Larson and Larson will help you understand what steps you need to take to register your trademark.
- Protecting your Intellectual Property Rights – The best offense is a good defense. Our Trademark Attorneys assisting Clearwater clients can also create a strategy for protecting your trademark from infringers or licensing your mark to other companies.
- We look forward to working with St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater clients to guide you through the trademarking process. Our experienced and professional trademark and patent attorneys protect your rights, your works, and your brands. For more information, give Larson & Larson a call today at (727) 546-0660.