Let’s Define Intellectual Property

Welcome to the first part of our new series regarding intellectual property and the way that it is handled legally. For all individuals that are creative, this information is extremely beneficial and helpful when ensuring that your ideas remain your own.

We believe that the best way to start this series is from the foundation and base of it all: the definition. As a legal term, there is one very specific definition that we work off of, and it’s from this base definition that companies, and individuals create their own definition. So that you’re prepared with what’s to come following your intellectual property and litigation case, we’re going to provide you with the straightforward, legal definition of intellectual property.

A Legal Definition of Intellectual Property

At ADLI Law Group, we provide you with the most straightforward guidance that we can. Below is the definition of intellectual property defined by the Oxford Dictionary. This is the definition that is most widely accepted and is what we base our litigation assistance off of.

Who is intellectual property formed for?

Truth be told, intellectual property and the litigation process of it all affects everyone that is taking advantage of personal creativity. This is the legal process that makes it so that you can’t use Nike’s name to start  your own business, use the lyrics from a Queen song, print an exact replica of the Mona Lisa, or reinvent the light bulb. The ability to trademark an idea or piece of creative art that is entirely your own is what ensures that no one else benefits from an idea that is yours.

For example, if you were to paint a masterpiece that wound up online, the copyright laws make it so that no one else can take advantage of your art without paying for it. This also protects you from any instance where someone is trying to benefit from your creative works. If you are looking to put an idea, piece of creative work or concept out in society, it’s always a safe bet to make sure that your intellectual property is covered.

How do you protect intellectual property?

As the definition above mentioned, there are a few different ways that you can protect your intellectual property. From trademarks to copyright laws, there are a few different processes and documents that you can finalize so that your intellectual property is legally claimed as yours. While these processes may take time and require fees and working with legal professionals, the benefits that you see down the road are much more rewarding and will continue to provide you with the success, finances and credit that is rightfully yours. Again, it may be time consuming, but you won’t regret taking the time to take advantage of the rights that are justly yours because of the concepts and ideas that you’ve created.

This was a very general and all encompassing breakdown of what intellectual property is comprised of. In the following blog posts we will go over some of the fields where intellectual property is incredibly important and where we strongly suggest working with one our business litigation lawyers to protect your rights.

Stay tuned to learn more about intellectual property and the part that we play. For any immediate questions that you have, feel free to contact our office. We are more than happy to help you get the help that you need.