what does a trademark and copyright law attorney do

by Prof. Rene Kilback 10 min read

A copyright lawyer can help you enforce your copyright protections and handle copyright infringement dispute resolutions A lawyer can also ensure you’re on the right path. The last thing you want is to do is file for a copyright when you should also be filing for a trademark or the item does not qualify in the first place.

Trademark attorneys help their clients create and defend trademarks. They help their clients understand when a phrase or slogan qualifies to have trademark protection. If a phrase qualifies for trademark protection, the attorney creates a plan for the client to claim trademark protection.

Full Answer

How much does a trademark attorney cost?

Trademark infringement attorneys defend companies against people who have breached trademark laws. In addition to defending trademarks, a trademark infringement attorney also advises clients on proprietary rights regarding licenses, copyrights, patents, branding, and other intellectual property.Prosecuting infringement cases is a large part of this type of attorney's …

Do I need a copyright lawyer?

Mar 22, 2017 · Becoming a trademark attorney. As noted above, U.S.-licensed attorneys need not apply for registration to practice trademark law before the USPTO. If you are a law student interested in becoming a trademark attorney, you may want to consider participating in the USPTO’s Law School Clinic Certification Program.

How much is a copyright lawyer?

An intellectual property lawyer can do a range of different things, but the job usually revolves around protecting, challenging, or analyzing patents, trademarks, and copyrights. These rights are intangible and are often though of as issues of “creative ownership.”. The field is a very broad one, encompassing everything from the rights to song lyrics and poems to Internet domain …

What is a trademark lawyer?

Sep 16, 2021 · This lets us determine the identity of the applicant or registrant and whether or not they must be represented by a U.S.-licensed attorney to file documents with us in trademark matters. If you are a foreign-domiciled trademark applicant or registrant, you must have a U.S.-licensed attorney represent you.

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Is a trademark attorney a lawyer?

A Chartered Trade Mark Attorney is a lawyer who is specifically qualified to advise on trade mark law and acts as an agent for the purposes of applying for and obtaining trade mark registrations.

What is copyright and trademark laws?

Trademarks and copyright laws both protect intellectual property, but what they protect is very different. ... Simply, a trademark protects the identifying mark of a particular line of goods or services, and copyright protects the authorship of creative work.

How do you become a trademark attorney?

One can enroll as an advocate in any of the State Bar Council, after obtaining their LLB degree. The attorney must be registered to practice trademark laws before the IPAB (Intellectual Property Appellate Board) of the Trademark office and must also be registered to practice law in at least one of the states in India.Sep 16, 2017

Who is a copyright lawyer?

exclusive rights to own, use, and prevent others from using their work without permission. Thus, a copyright lawyer is a specialized kind of intellectual property lawyer who helps individuals secure copyrights to protect their artistic works. Copyright lawyers serve two primary functions.

Are trademarks worth it?

First, trademarks are low in cost and appreciate in value over time. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) charges as low as $275 to acquire trademark registration and a similar small fee to have it renewed periodically. The more your business grows its reputation, the more your brand is worth.Oct 15, 2018

Which is better copyright or trademark?

Copyright protects original work, whereas a trademark protects items that distinguish or identify a particular business from another. Copyright is generated automatically upon the creation of original work, whereas a trademark is established through common use of a mark in the course of business.

Who can be a trademark attorney?

Who is qualified to become a Trademark Attorney in India? Anyone who is above 21 years of age, a graduate of any institute in India or has equivalent qualification. Such person must also clear the examination provided under Rule 148.

What type of lawyers make the most money?

Here Are The 5 Types Of Lawyers That Make The Most MoneyCorporate Lawyer – $98,822 annually. ... Tax Attorneys – $99,690 annually. ... Trial Attorneys – $101,086. ... IP Attorneys – $140,972 annually. ... Medical Lawyers – $150,881 annually.

Can a company secretary be a trademark attorney?

While on the other side those who have passed the exam of the trademarks agent the act follows the Trademark Rules, 2002 it indeed permits the advocates to register beneath the Advocates Act and Qualified Company Secretaries, members of the ICSI to serve the customers towards the Indian Trademarks Registry for ...Dec 28, 2021

What questions should I ask a copyright lawyer?

10 Questions for Your Intellectual Property LawyerDO I REALLY NEED AN IP LAWYER? ... PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, TRADEMARKS, TRADE SECRETS—WHAT DO I NEED AND WHEN? ... WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? ... ARE YOUR REGISTERED WITH THE USPTO? ... HAVE YOU LITIGATED IN PATENT-HEAVY DISTRICTS? ... I BELIEVE MY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HAS BEEN STOLEN.More items...•Aug 1, 2011

Why do I need a copyright?

A copyright protects an original artistic, literary, dramatic or musical work. This includes things like paintings, books, songs, movies, software and even advertising copy. Copyright law does not protect ideas. The work must be in a tangible medium.Feb 1, 2021

Is intellectual property law difficult?

Much of the work IP lawyers do is a far cry from the dramatic courtroom battles seen in movies and television. Rather, most spend time in offices and other locations where they review or produce important documents, conduct interviews, and complete painstaking analyses of often highly technical material.

Who can represent others in trademark matters?

Any individual who is an active member in good standing of the highest court of any U.S. state (including the District of Columbia, and any, commonwealth or territory of the U.S.) may represent others before the USPTO in trademark matters.

Can I practice trademark law before the USPTO?

As noted above, U.S.-licensed attorneys need not apply for registration to practice trademark law before the USPTO. If you are a law student interested in becoming a trademark attorney, you may want to consider participating in the USPTO’s Law School Clinic Certification Program. Only law students enrolled in the clinic program at a participating law school may receive limited recognition to practice in trademark matters.

What is trademark copyright?

A trademark and a copyright are types of property protection that afford a way to defend against unauthorized use. Each protects a different type of asset. 9 min read. 1.

What is the difference between copyright and trademark?

While trademarks and copyrights both relate to intellectual property, each protects a different type of asset.

Why do we use copyright?

The most important reason to use a trademark or copyright is to protect the intellectual property and assets of your business. Many companies underestimate the value of their intellectual property. This is a mistake.

How long is a trademark protected?

A copyright and a trademark are protected for different amounts of time. A trademark is protected forever as long as proper procedures are followed. It must be renewed every 10 years. During the renewal process, a fee must be paid and use must be shown. A copyright lasts for the life of the author, plus 75 years.

Where are trademarks registered?

Trademarks are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or USPTO. A registered trademark offers the owner more protection against improper use, but a trademark doesn't have to be registered to receive protection. However, enforcement is easier when the trademark is registered.

How long does copyright last?

A copyright lasts for the life of the author, plus 75 years. Material that doesn't have an author retains the copyright for 95 years from publishing or 120 years after creation, whichever is shorter. A copyright will eventually fall into the public domain. A trademark will not.

Can you copyright a trademark?

Intellectual property that can be trademarked cannot be copyrighted. Intellectual property that can be copyrighted cannot be trademarked. For example, a company can trademark its name and logo and copyright its videos and books. There are a few exceptions that can be protected by both a trademark and a copyright.

What is trademark prosecution?

Trademark prosecution and portfolio management requires experience, skill and acumen. Our attorneys have decades of experience with search, clearance, registration and portfolio management on an international scale. We represent global brands and manage portfolios for organizations headquartered throughout the world, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups. We work with our clients to understand their business in order to provide the most effective and strategic legal advice from the planning and launch of a brand through its implementation, growth and protection.

What are the most valuable assets in the entertainment industry?

For the entertainment and sports industries, names, brands, logos, likeness and published works are among the most valuable assets. Enabling their use in the most advantageous ways while simultaneously protecting against non-permitted uses is a constant balancing act.

What is Duane Morris?

We are a registered trademark agent of ICANN’s (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH), a global repository of validated trademarks that assists trademark holders with the launch of new top-level domains (TLDs) and to prevent infringement in the domain name system.

What are the benefits of hiring an attorney?

Benefits of hiring an attorney include: Providing you crucial legal advice about your trademark. Conducting your trademark clearance search before you file an application. Preparing your application accurately. Responding to legal correspondence from the USPTO. Enforcing and maintaining your trademark rights.

Does hiring an attorney save you money?

However, in the long run, hiring an attorney may save you money because an attorney will know how to best advise you on your trademark’s registrability, prepare your application, and respond to the USPTO on various issues that might arise throughout the process.

What are Some Factors Used When Determining Trademark Lawyer Fees?

In general, trademark lawyer fees depend on a number of the same factors that one would use to calculate attorney fees for a lawyer across many different fields of law. Some of these factors may potentially include the following:

What Services Do Trademark Lawyers Typically Provide?

Trademark lawyers typically provide specific legal services since this particular area of law is so specialized. Some common examples of the types of services that trademark lawyers usually provide include:

Are There Any Advantages to Hiring a Trademark Attorney?

Similar to patents, the process to register a trademark can be very difficult without the help of a trademark attorney. Unlike the average cost of patent lawyer, however, the good news is that the average cost of trademark attorney is typically less than the rate for a patent lawyer.

Should I Hire a Trademark Attorney?

If you need help with registering a trademark for your business or if you want to file a lawsuit against another party for infringing on an existing trademark, you should speak to a local trademark lawyer immediately for further legal advice.

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What Is A Trademark and What Is A Copyright?

  • A trademark and a copyright are both types of intellectual propertyprotection that afford a way to defend against unauthorized use. While trademarks and copyrights both relate to intellectual property, each protects a different type of asset. Trademark and copyright registrations and the associated laws vary internationally. For this article, all information is for the United States unles…
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Copyright

  • A copyrightprotects original, creative works fixed in a tangible medium. This includes books, movies, songs, photos, artistic creations, web content, choreography, poetry, and writing. This definition includes several important concepts. Original An original work is one that the author created through his or her own effort. An original work cannot be something that's copied or mo…
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Trademark

  • Trademarks protect names, terms, and symbols that identify and differentiate a company and its goods. A trademark gives the consumer the ability to distinguish one company's goods from another's. A trademark can include phrases, symbols, or designs, as well as images, colors, and even smells and sounds. Protection A registered trademarkoffers protection against improper u…
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Trademark and Copyright Differences

  • A trademark and a copyright have similarities and differences. Both are legal protections for intellectual property, but not of the same kind. Different Material Intellectual property that can be trademarked cannot be copyrighted. Intellectual property that can be copyrighted cannot be trademarked. For example, a company can trademark its name and logo and copyright its video…
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Trademark and Copyright Similarities

  • Even with all the differences, there are similarities between a trademark and a copyright. Intellectual Property Both a trademark and a copyright are intellectual property. Intellectual property is any creative work, including work in an intangible form. Patent: A patent is another type of intellectual property protection. A patent most often protects scientific inventions and industr…
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Which Do I Need?

  • Depending on what asset you are trying to protect, you might need a copyright, a trademark, both, or even some other type of intellectual property protection. There can be a significant overlap between trademarks and copyrights. It's better to have more protection than necessary than not enough. If you're not sure whether you need a copyright or a trademark, consider consulting wit…
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Why Are Trademarks and Copyrights Important?

  • Trademarks and copyrights are important because they give a company or person protection against unauthorized use of their intellectual property. Knowing the Difference Knowing the difference between a trademark and copyright gives your business an advantage over others. It allows you to protect your intellectual property, but it also keeps you from inadvertently infringin…
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Reasons to Use A Trademark Or Copyright

  • The most important reason to use a trademark or copyright is to protect the intellectual property and assets of your business. Many companies underestimate the value of their intellectual property. This is a mistake. Understanding trademarks and enforcing them is especially important for a new company because this is the way a company distinguishes itself from other companie…
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Trademark and Copyright Symbols Explained

  • Trademark ™ The ™ symbol denotes a trademark that has not been registered with the USPTO. This includes trademarks that are in the process of applying to the USPTO for registration. The ™ symbol denotes that the logo or image is being registered or used as a trademark. Unfortunately, the ™ symbol doesn't guarantee that the trademark will not be used by others. Unregistered trad…
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Trademark, Copyright and Portfolio Management

  • Trademarks
    Trademark prosecution and portfolio management requires experience, skill and acumen. Our attorneys have decades of experience with search, clearance, registration and portfolio management on an international scale. We represent global brands and manage portfolios for o…
  • Copyrights
    In the wake of rapid technological innovation, the complexity level of copyright issues has increased exponentially. Duane Morris’ lawyers are experienced in tackling these multifaceted issues and providing innovative solutions. In light of these advancements, copyrights are now cr…
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Trademark and Copyright Litigation

  • Our IP trial lawyerslitigate trademark claims in federal courts throughout the country, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and the International Trade Commission. We focus on protecting the goodwill and brand value that our clients have worked to develop through their trademarks and copyrights, and handle an array of disputes, including infringement, dilution, unf…
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IP Transactions

  • Our attorneys assist clients with IP rights in a multitude of corporate transactions, including intellectual property due diligence and audits in connection with M&A transactions, public offerings and financings, as well as to negotiate and draft corporate purchase, acquisition and financing agreements. We work with our employment attorneys to draft employment contracts t…
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Advertising, Internet and New Media

  • The Internet and the rise of new media has introduced new IP issues and implications. Duane Morris’ attorneys regularly counsel clients on a variety of online and traditional advertising and branding issues, including social media matters, clearance of advertising copy and content, comparative and false advertising, surveys, endorsements and testimonials, promotions (i.e., sw…
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Cybersecurity, Privacy and Data Protection

  • Cybersecurity concerns are becoming a daily occurrence. Duane Morris lawyers have more than a decade of experience preparing, protecting and responding to cyber-attacks to protect our clients and their valuable assets. Many cyber threats are perpetrated through a variety of means, such as phishing and fraudulent e-mail, misleading domain names, online auction sales of counterfeit/inf…
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Entertainment, Gaming and Sports

  • For the entertainmentand sportsindustries, names, brands, logos, likeness and published works are among the most valuable assets. Enabling their use in the most advantageous ways while simultaneously protecting against non-permitted uses is a constant balancing act. Our IP attorneys work with sports and entertainment clients, corporations, media companies, celebritie…
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Life Sciences, Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals

  • From major multinational corporations seeking to expand market share to startups with ideas growing in the laboratory, life sciences companies of all levels of development turn to Duane Morris for counsel and representation aimed at improving their organizational health. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating the challenges posed by the development, manufacture, …
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For More Information

  • For more information, please contact Nicole McLaughlin or any of the lawyers referenced in the Attorney Listing.
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