http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers-search/intellectual-property.html Avvo.com - Intellectual Property Legal Guides http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/intellectual-property-management-tips-for-the-new-venture Because so much of the intrinsic value of a new venture is often tied up in the intangible assets of a new business, it is imperative to: • Identify your intangible assets early • Protect your intangible assets through registration and contract • Leverage your intangible assets strategically Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:12:54 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-care-and-love-for-your-trademark-once-its-born Entrepreneurs often have a mindset like a bear trap when it comes to trademarks. Yet they often overlook the steps to "care and love" for their trademark after it is registered. And failing to tend to a registration can cost them their rights and competitive advantage. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:10:08 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/intellectual-property-considerations-in-divorce As with companies, the most valuable asset a couple may own is an intellectual property asset. In divorce agreements, it is important to include specific provisions to account for type of assets. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:46:43 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/intellectual-property-assests-in-divorce-proceedings Sometimes the most valuable asset a couple owns is the copyright on a book, a business trademark, or a patent application that has not issued. In divorce agreements, it is important to include specific provisions to address this type of assets. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:47:16 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/safely-choosing-a-tradename-for-your-business Choosing a tradename that conflicts with an existing tradename is expensive and disruptive. This nationally applicable guide will help you determine whether your chosen tradename is legally protectable, and provides research tools to determine whether your chosen tradename is available. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:41:07 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-register-a-trademark Trademark registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is essential to anyone seeking national or international protection for a trademark, company name, slogan, logo, design, or other element of branding. This guide is an overview of registration with the USPTO. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:50:27 PDT http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-select-a-trademark-and-file-for-federal-registration The term "trademark "usually means a word or phrase that identifies goods or services. Technically, a trademark identifies goods, while a servicemark designates a service. Also, marks may be a symbol, color or even a sound. Before choosing a mark, a few preliminary steps might prevent a headache. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:31:42 PDT http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-should-a-start-up-company-tread-with-respect-to-patents There are steps inventors and companies can take at various stages of product development, i.e., before being accused of infringement, and later if accused of patent infringement, to reduce risk. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:09:37 PDT http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/what-to-consider-when-seeking-patent-protection-for-your-invention-outside-the-us For individual inventors and companies of all sizes, the decision to seek patent protection outside the United States can involve some difficult choices. Knowing one's options and some cost-effective strategies can allow inventors and companies to protect and monetize their inventions worldwide. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:10:47 PDT http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/protect-your-website--gain-control-of-copycat-sites-inexpensively-without-going-to-court If someone has put up a web site confusingly similar to yours, you may be able to gain control of the site and the site's domain name through a quick and simple arbitration process. Filing a UDRP complaint costs much less and is faster than taking the infringer to court. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:40:24 PDT