Patents, Copyrights & Trademarks for Dummies (For Dummies)

This book is for anyone who is intrigued by those three not-so-little words: patents, copyrights, and trademarks. That means you, if

• You think you might be the next Thomas Edison or maybe another J.K. Rowling
• Your company has recently developed a bold new corporate logo or eye-catching trademark
• You’re thinking of a new concept in software, one that can revolutionize the entire manufacturing process
• You’ve just dreamed up the latest in “latest things”

Patents, Copyrights & Trademarks For Dummies explains, in layman’s terms, the basic nature, function, and application of intellectual property (IP) rights, including how you can acquire those rights, wield them effectively against your competitors, or exploit them lucratively through licensing agreements and other rewarding adventures. This book covers all of these critical concepts, and more:

• Working with IP professionals
• Presenting a patent explanation
• Determining what is copyrighted and what isn’t
• Protecting your commercial identity
• Inspecting the basic elements of a license
• Determining infringement
• Avoiding the ten worst naming blunders

With this book at you side, you’ll have a solid grasp of the processes involved in acquiring, registering, maintaining, and protecting the intellectual property rights due you and/or your company. You’ll be able to make informed decisions and speak confidently with the IP professionals you meet along the way. And you’ll have the tools and knowledge to take care of much of the work involved in the various research and registration processes.

• Includes detailed examples for each type of patent application
• Step-by-step guidance on protecting your intellectual property

Do you have a great idea for the next big thing? Worriedabout competitors stealing your hot new business concept? Don't worry! Patents,Copyrights & Trademarks For Dummies covers all the fundamentals ofintellectual property — including acquiring, registering, maintaining, andprotecting your intellectual property rights. Make sure you're the only personprofiting from your hard work!

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Discover how to:

• Understand the paperwork
• Determine if your intellectual property is worth protecting
• Register trademarks and copyrights
• Hire an intellectual property professional to help you
• Meet patent requirements
• Protect your rights abroad

Acquire and protect your share of this major business asset

Want to secure and exploit the intellectual property rights due you or your company? This easy-to-follow guide shows you how — helping you to evaluate your idea's commercial potential, conduct patent and trademark searches, document the invention process, license your IP rights, and comply with international laws. Plus, you get detailed examples of each patent application type!

• The entire body of U.S. patent laws

• Example office actions and amendments

• Sample forms

• Trademark registration certificates

• Application worksheets

• See the CD appendix for details and complete system requirements.

• Avoid application blunders

• Register trademarks and copyrights

• Meet patent requirements

• Navigate complex legal issues

• Protect your rights abroad

Part I: Covering Your Assets: Intellectual Property Basics.

Chapter 1: Examining the Tools in Your IP Box.

Chapter 2: Protecting Your Intellectual Property.

Chapter 3: Dealing with Professionals and Picking Up the Tab.

Part II: If You Build It, They Will Come: Patenting Your Product.

Chapter 4: Understanding Patents and How They Work.

Chapter 5: Testing the Water Before You File for a Patent.

Chapter 6: The Quest for the Unholy Grail: The Patent Search.

Chapter 7: Preparing Your Patent Application.

Chapter 8: Filing Your Patent Application.

Chapter 9: Wrestling with the Patent Examiner.

Chapter 10: Entering the Home Stretch: Getting Your Patent Issued.

Part III: Knowing Your Copyrights.

Chapter 11: Entering the Whimsical World of Copyrights.

Chapter 12: Untangling Ownership Issues.

Chapter 13: Giving Your Copyright Fangs.

Part IV: Making Your Mark: Protecting Your Commercial Identity.

Chapter 14: Solving Your Identity Crisis.

Chapter 15: Creating the Next Household Name.

Chapter 16: Conducting an Availability Search.

Chapter 17: Establishing and Registering Your Commercial Identifier.

Part V: Exploiting and Enforcing Your IP Rights.

Chapter 18: All Abroad: Protecting Your IP Rights in Other Countries.

Chapter 19: Making ’Em Pay: Licensing Your IP Rights.

Chapter 20: Nailing the Bad Guys (The Infringers).

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 21: Top Ten Patent Application Pitfalls.

Chapter 22: Ten Common Copyright Questions.

Chapter 23: The Ten Worst Naming Blunders.

Chapter 24: More Than Ten Great IP Resources.

Appendix.

Index.