Blog

According to the U.S. Code, copyright protection applies to “original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression.” This means that almost any writing, sound recording, film, or photograph will be protected by copyright if there is any creativity whatsoever in its creation. Copyright protection exists as soon as a work is created, with no additional work necessary from the creator or owner. If the work has business importance, though, it is often [...]

Patents apply to most things we usually think of as “inventions,” including, in some cases, offerings incorporating software. In the U.S., patents are administered by the Patent and Trademark Office (often abbreviated as the USPTO). While just about every country in the world has its own patent system, and different subject matter may be patentable in different countries, here’s what the U.S. Code says about patentable subject matter: "Whoever invents or discovers any new and [...]

Whether you’re working within a business unit that turns out product and service ideas regularly or you came up with a great idea on your own that you are thinking about commercializing, you might be curious how to best prevent others from copying your idea or using it without your authorization. In lawyer speak, that means you want to know what type of intellectual property might apply to your idea. While there are, worldwide, probably [...]