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FAQ

What are the different types of Intellectual Property?

Patents – protect new or improved inventions or innovations; (utility, plant, design)

Copyrights – protect the expression of ideas and concepts in a “fixed and tangible” medium

Trademarks – protect the public as to the source of goods and services

Trade Secrets – protect confidential information

PATENTS

  • What is a trademark?
    A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or logo that is used to brand, identify, and distinguish a product.
  • What can you trademark?
    You can trademark any product or service that has distinctive character and is distinguishable from other products and services.
  • How long does a trademark last?
    10 years, with 10-year renewal terms; but between the fifth and sixth year after the date of registration, the registrant must file an affidavit stating that the mark is still in use or the registration will be cancelled.
  • What are the five types of trademarks?
    Trademarks fall into one of five main categories: generic mark, descriptive mark, suggestive mark, fanciful, and arbitrary mark. These are listed from the weakest to the strongest with a generic and descriptive mark being weak and a fanciful and arbitrary mark being strong.
  • Can you use TM without registering trademark?
    You can use “TM” without a USPTO registration, but you can only use the ® after the USPTO has registered the trademark.
Patent Attorney Hollowell Patent Group
Trademark Attorney Hollowell Patent Group
TRADEMARKS
  • What is a trademark?
    A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or logo that is used to brand, identify, and distinguish a product.
  • What can you trademark?
    You can trademark any product or service that has distinctive character and is distinguishable from other products and services.
  • How long does a trademark last?
    10 years, with 10-year renewal terms; but between the fifth and sixth year after the date of registration, the registrant must file an affidavit stating that the mark is still in use or the registration will be cancelled.
  • What are the five types of trademarks?
    Trademarks fall into one of five main categories: generic mark, descriptive mark, suggestive mark, fanciful, and arbitrary mark. These are listed from the weakest to the strongest with a generic and descriptive mark being weak and a fanciful and arbitrary mark being strong.
  • Can you use TM without registering trademark?
    You can use “TM” without a USPTO registration, but you can only use the ® after the USPTO has registered the trademark.
Copyrights
  • What is a trademark?
    A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or logo that is used to brand, identify, and distinguish a product.
  • What can you trademark?
    You can trademark any product or service that has distinctive character and is distinguishable from other products and services.
  • How long does a trademark last?
    10 years, with 10-year renewal terms; but between the fifth and sixth year after the date of registration, the registrant must file an affidavit stating that the mark is still in use or the registration will be cancelled.
  • What are the five types of trademarks?
    Trademarks fall into one of five main categories: generic mark, descriptive mark, suggestive mark, fanciful, and arbitrary mark. These are listed from the weakest to the strongest with a generic and descriptive mark being weak and a fanciful and arbitrary mark being strong.
  • Can you use TM without registering trademark?
    You can use “TM” without a USPTO registration, but you can only use the ® after the USPTO has registered the trademark.
Copyright FAQ Hollowell Patent Group
Trade Secrets
  • What is a trademark?
    A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or logo that is used to brand, identify, and distinguish a product.
  • What can you trademark?
    You can trademark any product or service that has distinctive character and is distinguishable from other products and services.
  • How long does a trademark last?
    10 years, with 10-year renewal terms; but between the fifth and sixth year after the date of registration, the registrant must file an affidavit stating that the mark is still in use or the registration will be cancelled.
  • What are the five types of trademarks?
    Trademarks fall into one of five main categories: generic mark, descriptive mark, suggestive mark, fanciful, and arbitrary mark. These are listed from the weakest to the strongest with a generic and descriptive mark being weak and a fanciful and arbitrary mark being strong.
  • Can you use TM without registering trademark?
    You can use “TM” without a USPTO registration, but you can only use the ® after the USPTO has registered the trademark.
Trade Secrets FAQ Hollowell Patent Group
disclaimers

This is not Legal Advice and should not be construed as an engagement or offer of legal advice.  These are only sample Q&A related to patents and trademarks. Protection and enforcement of IP property rights is subject to the nuances of circumstance and complexity of the law.

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