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Lawyers Top 10 Tricks for Managing IP

Written by: David M. Adler

Article Overview: Managing a firm’s intellectual property (patents, trademarks & copyrights) can be made easier by following some simple time-saving techniques.

Lawyers Top 10 Tricks for Managing IP

1. Identify: Simply put, think about what patents, trademarks and copyrights you might have and categorize them appropriately. This includes ideas in development.
2. Organize: Once categorized, review the relevant creation and publication/use dates. Determine registration status. File necessary maintenance documents as appropriate and create calendar/docket future due dates for supplemental filings.
3. Monitor: Review the USPTO and Copyright office databases periodically to ensure no junior users may weaken your rights.
4. USPTO.gov/trademarks: “Basic Search” Start your search here. Individual results pages will include direct links to the mark’s records in TARR (best way to check current status of application/mark), ASSIGN (bets way to see if the mark has been assigned), TDR (best way to retrieve relevant documents), TTAB (search and review board proceedings).
5. Uspto.gov:/TDR: Use this database to determine existence of and locate documents related to specific applications.
6. copyright.gov: best place to start with any copyright related questions. Includes searched for copies of registered works.
7. Google- search: Great secondary, broad-stroke search. Tends to return higher percentage of irrelevant results, but good at finding that needle-in-a-haystack type rip-off/con artist.
8. Google alerts: Use these to stay abreast of relevant changes in the database. Narrow alert criteria to specific keywords/phrases.
9. State TM databases: Don’t forget your own back yard. Search state databases for d/b/as, etc. (IL=cyberdriveillinois.com).
10. Ask you lawyer about specific concerns. Every situation is different and the only way to properly asses the risks/costs of any course of action is to discuss your matter with a competent attorney who practices in this area.

©David M. Adler, Esq. All Rights Reserved.

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Article Tags: back yard, board proceedings, competent attorney, con artist, copyright office, current status, cyberdriveillinois com, due dates, google, irrelevant results, necessary maintenance, needle in a haystack, office databases, patents trademarks, registration status, relevant changes, relevant documents, search state, state databases, uspto



Related Forum Posts
Re: About: product production! - At the end of the day, having a patent, copyright or trademark are pretty much useless because if the person who infringes on your legal rights and has more money than you... they'll bleed you dry (i.e. outlast you by being able to pay legal costs) long before you can finish the lawsuit. For instance, let's say the City of Toronto copied my artwork. Do you really think I can file a lawsuit and win against the City of Toronto?? Not a chance. Lawyers will try to tell you differently, but that's only because they want your business.
Re: HRPreneur - Evan, I am looking for new clients and to see if my business model resonates with Entrepreneurs. Thanks Joey Walters, CHRP, H.R.C.C.C. Managing Director HRPreneur Inc. C. 647-534-4774
Re: About: product production! - [quote:2mv0ur0r]Most importantly,with all that has been said...when is it absolutely appropriate to patent your idea? Why do people file for patents if it is not necessary? I would really like to know this please. I appreciate your helpful tips a lot! THANKS. [/quote:2mv0ur0r] Dear Fresh Goods, It is absolutely appropriate to patent your idea when your goal is to license your invention. When you license your invention you are selling rights to manufacture your patented invention. Without the patent you have nothing to sell. People file for patents because they believe it is the right thing to do. Lawyers are very quick to say "You need a patent." This is easy money for the lawyer.
Re: Hello from Bangladesh - Hello Kevin, Thank you for replying back to my message. There are many business goals for this year including but not limited to: 1. Managing long term partnership contracts from more clients. 2. Cross-border expansion - open our first overseas office at New York, USA. 3. Progressing smoothly to our road to CMMI certification. 4. Introduce a new service - call center operation. Best Regards Hasnaeen
Re: HRPreneur - Evan, I have a creative company designing my website. I provided all the content. I have developed a presentation I am using when I go see potential clients that has been working well. I have been using my network and LinkedIn to source clients. I have been targeting the industries that I have experience in, however HRPreneur can support any business from a strategic business HR perspective. Joey Walters, CHRP, H.R.C.C.C. Managing Director HRPreneur Inc. C. 647-534-4774


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