INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND YOUR BUSINESS
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY PROTECT YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
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’ 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.
More Than Jail Time
WHAT COCAINE POSSESSION MEANS
FAMILY It goes without saying that serving prison time can put a strain on you and your family’s relationship. But what you may not know is that upon your release, your crime may continue to severely impact your ability to build a stable home. In custody battles, for example, having a felony on record can weigh heavily in a court’s decision whether to let you care for your children. Similarly, adoption, while not off limits, can be made significantly harder by having a criminal history. YOUR FUTURE Last, but not least, felons struggle to find gainful employment. It’s hard to find companies that don’t see a criminal background as a liability even if you have a college education. A possession felony is something that will haunt you for the rest of your life.
understand is the risks they are taking when in possession of controlled substances like cocaine. Beyond the mandatory jail time you will face, a guilty verdict will hang around you long after your release. These are consequences it never hurts to be aware of. WHAT SECOND AMENDMENT? Georgia is home to many avid hunters and firearms enthusiasts, but with a felony, you can’t be one of them. Any firearms you own will be removed from your possession, and you will not be able to purchase one in the future. And this may not be the only constitutional right you’re giving up. In our state, you won’t be able to vote again until after your parole and probation period is up. While this is not a permanent loss, you will spend decades being unable to make your voice heard in American politics.
A favorite of movie icons like Scarface and Jordan Belfort, cocaine has been given quite the glamorous image by Hollywood studios. The message is clear: This is the drug of choice for people who have seized their own destinies — freebooters, rock stars, and Wall Street giants. But in stark contrast to these glorified symbols of freedom, a single cocaine charge can strip you of many of the rights and privileges an average, sober American can enjoy.
We aren’t here to moralize. That’s not our place. But what we do want people to
2
ATLANTADUILAWYER.COM
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker