Intellectual property (IP) Law deals with the rules for securing and enforcing legal rights to inventions, designs, and artistic works. The purpose of these Laws is to give an incentive for people to develop creative works that benefit society, by ensuring they can profit from their works without fear of misappropriation by others.
Copyrights apply to writings, music, motion pictures, architecture, and other original intellectual and artistic expressions. Protection is not available for theories or ideas, or anything that has not been captured in a fixed medium. Most copyrights are valid for the creator’s lifetime, plus 70 years.
Trademarks protect symbols, names, and slogans used to identify goods and services. The purpose is to avoid confusion, deter misleading advertising, and help consumers distinguish one brand from another. Rights can potentially last forever, and they are obtained by simply using a mark.
Patents give inventors the right to use their product in the marketplace, or to profit by transferring that right to someone else. Depending on the type of invention, patent rights are valid for up to 20 years.
If you have created or obtained the rights to something unique, Lowenfeld Law can help you protect your interests. Conversely, if someone has accused you of infringement, you want legal counsel to help you fight back.