Intellectual Property

The Basics of Intellectual Property Filings

Intellectual property laws provide exclusive rights in inventions, brand names and creative works. Names, logos, designs, machines and works of art are all examples of intellectual property. It is beneficial, and sometimes necessary, for businesses to secure these rights through filing with the appropriate government office. Such filings can often help to protect a company's valuable assets from infringement by competitors.

Types of Intellectual Property

There are three types of intellectual property filings: copyrights, patents and trademarks.

1. A copyright protects artistic and creative works such as music, books, movies, paintings, and software. The owner has certain exclusive right in the work, including the right to reproduce the work. Copyrights are filed at the federal level through the U.S. Copyright Office.

2. A patent protects an original invention or process that is considered new and useful. The three primary types of patents are utility (such as machines), design (such as clothing), and plant patents. These filings are completed at the federal level through the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

3. A trademark protects the products developed by a business so that competitors may not confuse the public by selling deceptively similar items. Trademarks are closely related to service marks, which associate a name or logo with a particular service offering rather than with a particular product. Federal trademark applications are registered with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

Intellectual Property Searches and Filings

CorpAmerica offers a five-day comprehensive search of federal, state, and common law trademarks or service marks for $550.00. To place an order, please contact one of our business specialists at 877-246-2462 or 302-636-5448.

CorpAmerica does not currently assist in copyright or patent searches or filings. Information regarding these filings can be obtained from the U.S. Copyright Office and U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, respectively.

Intellectual Property FAQs

1. What qualifies as intellectual property?

Intellectual property consists of unique works, products, services or ideas that are protected from public use and distribution. The three main types of intellectual property are copyrights, patents and trademarks.

2. Does The Company Corporation provide intellectual property services?

CorpAmerica offers a five-day comprehensive search of federal, state and common law trademarks or service marks for $550.00. We do not currently assist in copyright or patent searches or filings.

3. How important is it to protect intellectual property?

Failure to properly register intellectual property could allow someone to gain legal rights over your company's ideas or products. Registering a copyright, patent, or trademark can protect your business from unfair competition. There are fees associated with these filings, and most registrations involve renewal charges or other maintenance requirements. Small businesses should weigh the benefits of protecting intellectual property against the associated costs and responsibilities.