If you’re someone who has invented a new or useful product, created an artistic work, or developed a brand name or logo, you most likely need to seek out intellectual property protection. Protecting your ideas and inventions is crucial when it comes to preserving your livelihood, whether that’s through a single creative venture or an entire business.

Here are three of the most common types of intellectual property in the United States:

Copyrights
Copyrights are reserved for creative or artistic works. These can include music, written works, artistic works, and architectural designs. These are most often used by artists, and they are registered (in the U.S.) through the United States Copyright Office. While it is true that works are automatically granted copyright once they are created, it is best to have this form of intellectual property protection in order to fight potential infringement cases.

Patents
In the U.S., there are generally three different types of patents: utility patents, design patents, and plant patents. Utility patents are granted to any new or useful mechanism, process, or other creation. Design patents cover new or improved ornamental designs. Plant patents are for any new asexually reproduced plant. All of these are filed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In addition to paying for the filing, one of the most important patent process steps is to maintain or renew these patents after a certain amount of time.

Trademarks
Trademarks cover brand names, logos, or names of products, in addition to other branded marks. Trademarks, like patents, are filed through the USPTO. While individuals may have trademarks for their products and services, this type of intellectual property is typically used by businesses.

If you’re wondering what to do to complete the copyright, trademark, or patent process steps, be sure to speak with an intellectual property lawyer. He or she can answer your questions regarding intellectual property rights and trademark, copyright and patent laws. If you have any general questions, feel free to leave a comment below. More like this blog.