How to Effectively Protect Your Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property and Your Business
Intellectual property is defined by Merriam-Webster as “property (such as an idea, invention, or process) that derives from the work of the mind or intellect.” As you can no doubt glean from this definition, intellectual property can be a lot of things, so it’s important to identify and protect you and your business’s intellectual property. Here are the main categories and protections for your company’s creations. TRADE SECRETS A trade secret is any useful piece of information that the public doesn’t know about and the owner has taken steps to protect. If you have taken the steps necessary to protect your own trade practices, you may have a case if you ever discover your trade secret has been leaked. Having your employees sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) is a great way to initially establish your unique business practices as trade secrets. TRADEMARKS The name of your business, product, or service — anything a customer uses to identify a product — generally requires a trademark. This may include your company’s name, product name, etc. Think of the distinctive Nike “Swoosh” and the familiar ending sound of Dell’s commercials. To properly protect your trademark, file a trademark application to have it registered. COPYRIGHTS Most people seek protection under copyright law for a variety of things related to their product or business, like images, specific words on packaging, labeling, the actual product, and the
business webpage. The best thing about copyright registration is that it’s inexpensive. Plus, the
law allows you to demand attorney fees from those who infringe on your copyright. PATENTS Patents are a fantastic way to protect your designs, and companies have utilized patents to maintain their
competitive advantage. A great example of this strategy is when Sony Pictures patented their animation
style for “Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse” which grossed over $375,502,565. There are two types of patents: one for utility (function) and one for design (aesthetic). To apply for a patent, register with the United States Patent Office. Regardless of the type of intellectual property you have, it’s important you identify what type it is and which type of protection is most appropriate. Even a small amount of intellectual property is worth protecting, so start the process now to safeguard it.
WHY BOARDING SCHOOL WORKS FOR DIFFICULT KIDS
Set Up for Success
table mate. In addition, intentionally small class sizes give students individualized attention and teacher support.
SCHOOL CULTURE AND INDEPENDENCE A boarding school’s culture is contagious. When a student’s peers are all positively engaged, it tends to bring the outliers along, too. Because parents aren’t immediately accessible, boarding students rely on other adults and ultimately learn skills they may otherwise rely on their parents for. HIGH-INTEREST, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES At a boarding school, what happens after school is just as important as what happens in the classroom. Difficult children tend to have fewer issues when they are
The consultants at Elm Street Placements work with families seeking boarding schools and programs for students with special-learning, social, and/or emotional needs. Some of these students really struggle at home and can be difficult to parent. Our consultants have seen the benefit of boarding schools for these children and teens — and in some cases, they don’t need a therapeutic school. Elm Street Placements founder and consultant Lucy Pritzker says, “Boarding schools are an underutilized opportunity for families who have children who aren’t thriving in a typical family setting,” Pritzker explains. “Boarding schools inherently provide a lot of what difficult kids need.” PREDICTABILITY, TRANSITIONING, AND SMALL CLASSES The predictability of a boarding school helps difficult children thrive. The schools are organized to ensure a routine, and they don’t have the challenge of a family’s busy and changing schedule. Transitions that occur in boarding schools are easier for students because their dorm parent may also be their teacher and breakfast-
engaged in activities they enjoy, and boarding schools provide high-interest activities including wilderness survival classes, competitive and noncompetitive sports, fine arts, video game creation, and go-karting. Students remain physically active, outdoors, and engaged, which is beneficial for students with ADHD or dysregulated behaviors. In addition, related services are often integrated into the classroom.
Collaborate with our consultants to find a boarding school that fits your clients’ specific needs by calling 908-228-2212.
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