Los Angeles Intellectual Property Attorney
Los Angeles Intellectual Property Lawyer
Intellectual property (IP) is defined as any creation of the mind, whether it’s a trade secret or a piece of music. IP processes can be very complex, which makes it easier for others to steal your work or claim ownership. Copyright law was enacted to keep your creations protected against anyone trying to steal your ideas. After all, these ideas are usually the beginning of successful businesses, pieces of art, and inventions. Even so, the law is far from simple, and it’s recommended to have an experienced IP attorney by your side in Los Angeles, CA.
It’s fine to share ideas with others, but if you’re launching a startup company, for instance, you must make sure your original ideas are protected. It can be discouraging when you have an idea you believe can be successful, only for another party to steal it and claim that it originated from them.
Fortunately, you have options available to ensure your IPs are protected under the law. No matter what your idea is, and no matter how it is protected, having the most efficient legal help by your side can ensure no one else gets their hands on something you created.
The Kinder Law Group: Intellectual Property Experts in Los Angeles
At The Kinder Law Group, we’ve worked with several clients who struggled to navigate the complicated legal system. We work diligently with our clients to protect their IPs and prevent other parties from claiming ownership. For the past decade, we’ve been responsible for helping clients with patent protection, litigation, and many more services, and we continue to assist clients, both old and new. We know everything there is to know about IP law, and we’re prepared to help you with any concerns you have.
Our team of attorneys can help you fill out the proper paperwork for your IP, and should someone attempt to steal or profit from your IP, we can defend you in court. Our mission is to ensure you’re fully protected under California’s copyright laws while building a strong relationship with you that lasts for years to come.
How Intellectual Property Law Is Defined
IP can be complex to understand at first, but in a general sense, IP is considered anything specific that is created in the mind. IPs can include:
- Films
- Music
- Inventions
- Ideas
- Symbols
- Software
- Logos
- Trade Secrets
- Phrases
- Books
- Art
- And more
IP law is intended to protect all of the above from other parties who may try to claim they were their own creations. For example, if someone claims a painting was their own, but you protected your work with the proper copyright procedure, that party cannot profit from or use that work. No matter how simple or complex your IP is, you can protect it through copyright law.
The Four Types of IP
Per California law, there are four main types of IPs:
- Trademarks. These are used to protect logos, phrases, and designs. Trademarks are typically used to protect a company’s aesthetic and branding. Also, trademarks aren’t limited to only one idea, as they can protect multiple designs at once.
- Patents. This is one of the most common types of IP protection, but it only protects one invention for a limited time. Patents give full ownership of the work to the person who made it, which prevents others from trying to get their hands on it. There are three types of patents that are recognized, which are utility, design, and plant. Utility patents are typically used for works that have more practical uses, such as medical equipment or software. Design patents, while uncommon, protect any company’s designs, such as how a beverage is packaged. Plant patents grant ownership of a plant to the person who found or created it.
- Copyrights. While similar to patents, copyrights can protect many different IPs. However, these can only be used for “tangible” creations. For example, poems, books, and songs can be copyrighted, but the ideas behind them cannot be. If you file for copyright, you will receive full ownership of the work, preventing others from using your works illegally.
- Trade Secrets. Trade secrets can still be protected, even though they are not available to the public. Trade secrets have to have some sort of economic value to a company, and if they were to be shared outside the company, it has to have a large effect. Trade secrets can include recipes, formulas, and business strategies, and all can be protected.
No matter what it is you’d like to protect; you have options available. For example, if you have a recipe you’d like to protect and keep in the hands of your new startup business, you can protect your recipe legally. If you have logos, designs, and other aesthetics in mind for your business, these can be trademarked, preventing other businesses from using these specific designs themselves. A big advantage of IP law is that you can use multiple types of IP protection for your single business.
IP law can seem daunting at first, especially if you’re just starting your business. However, it’s important to remember that you have strategies available to keep your ideas your own. Even so, you may run into difficulties in filing for a trademark. You may also have someone who is attempting to take your idea for their own gain. In any case, it’s important you speak with an IP attorney who can address any concerns you have.
Why Hire IP Attorneys?
You may have created an idea or invention that you believe could earn you money, and that’s a great feeling. However, if you don’t do what’s recommended and protect your ideas, someone could steal your idea and claim that they created it. In order to protect your ideas from others who may want to steal them, you’ll need an experienced IP attorney who can help you navigate the complicated legal system.
While there are general aspects of IP law that are easy to understand, the law goes deeper than this. Many individuals have their own interpretation of IP law, and it’s crucial that you hire someone who is fully knowledgeable about it all should you need defense in court. Also, if you were to make a mistake in filing paperwork, another individual or business could use your work without any legal ramifications. Having an attorney walk you through the process can prevent any mistakes in paperwork from appearing.
Another reason having an IP attorney is beneficial is if you can’t defend yourself in court. IP law is complicated, and if you’re struggling to defend yourself and claim your ideas are your own, an attorney can examine your case and use their knowledge to benefit you. Should another party infringe on your IP, an experienced attorney can gather all of the information they need to protect your rights.
Legally, you do not need an attorney to file for copyright, trademark, and patents. You also don’t need one to review anything related to your IP, such as paperwork. However, many clients we’ve met in the past told us how beneficial it was to have us by their side as their job became easier and their work became safer. No matter how big or experienced your business is, it’s crucial you know where to go for IP legal assistance.
What to Do if Your IP Is Infringed
There are several laws that protect you should someone attempt to steal your IP for their own use. Unfortunately, IP theft is very common, especially with new technology consistently hitting shelves. However, there are some key points to remember if someone is indeed attempting to infringe on your work.
- Request the party to stop using your work. Sometimes, companies accidentally infringe on your work. If so, let them know you have IP protection, and they may stop after they’re made aware. Some companies are fully aware that they’re using protected material, but if they are caught by the owners, they may stop to avoid legal action.
- Pursue legal action. If a company doesn’t stop using your works without permission, you can take legal action. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible so they can gather all of the necessary information. It is not recommended to pursue this case on your own, primarily because of the difficulty and complexity of IP law.
This can be a scary time for your business if another party attempts to use your original ideas without permission. However, you have options in place that can protect you, and you don’t have to navigate this situation alone.
The Kinder Law Group Can Help
Intellectual property can protect your creations if used properly, but the law itself can be challenging to understand fully. This is where our experience and knowledge can help you. If you own a business in Los Angeles and need IP protection, our team can help. We’ve spent over ten years defending our clients and helping them seek the proper protection they need, and we’re ready to assist you as well.
For more information about IP law and how we can help you, contact us today to get started.
