Intellectual Property


Recent Intellectual Property Articles

The End of Stealth Mode for Patents

By Susan Greco |  Dec 1, 2000

A new patent law means that the mere fact that you've applied for a patent will become public record -- and quickly.  Read more


The Easy Way to " Patent Pending" Status

Nov 1, 2000

Filing a provisional patent application guards against rip-offs while buying time to file a regularpatent application.  Read more


When Copying Is OK -- the " Fair Use" Rule

Nov 1, 2000

In some situations, you may make limited use of another's work without asking permission.  Read more


A Trademark Tale

By Frederic Hron |  Jun 1, 2000

Getting the name for your business is one thing, protecting it can be quite another. One business owner offers a cautionary example of the tough lessons he l...  Read more


Copyright Law Changes that May Affect You

By Richard Stim |  May 17, 2000

Congress passed new copyright laws in 1998 that may surprise you.  Read more


What Web Site Builders Need to Know about Trademark Law

May 12, 2000

On the Web, there's no such thing as a local business.  Read more


Copyright Basics

Apr 24, 2000

These frequently asked questions explain what a copyright is and what exactly it protects.  Read more


What Laws Govern a Person's Right to Operate a Business from Home?

Mar 30, 2000

Municipalities have the legal right to establish rules about what types of activities can be carried out in different geographical areas.  Read more


Piggybacking to Market

Mar 13, 2000

A new survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers finds that when growth companies develop new products, they use others' intellectual property to get to market faster.  Read more


Protecting Your Intellectual Property the Affordable Way

By David E. Gumpert |  Nov 9, 1999

In Chapter 4 of the book <"How to Really Start Your Own Business," author David E. Gumpert offers some tips on maximizing the legal protection for your ideas...  Read more


Doing Away With a Bumbling Barrister

Oct 22, 1999

Auntie Nolo offers suggestions for righting wrongs in a failed patent application.  Read more


Conducting a Trademark Search

Oct 21, 1999

If you want to find out whether you're legally permitted to use the name you've chosen for your products and services, you must conduct a trademark search. H...  Read more


How Federal Trademark Registration Works

Oct 21, 1999

This article tells you what you need to know to secure protection for your trademark under federal law.  Read more


Qualifying for a Patent

Oct 21, 1999

These frequently asked questions tell you whether your invention is eligible for patent protection.  Read more


Obtaining Your Own Patent Should Be Easy

Oct 21, 1999

Frequently asked questions help you apply for and obtain a patent--without hiring a lawyer.  Read more


Steppenwolf's John Kay: My Biggest Mistake

By Mike Hofman |  Oct 1, 1999

The lead singer of Steppenwolf learned about the need to be hands-on with the business as well as the music.  Read more


An Introduction to Royalty, Patents and Inventions Article - Inc. Article

Jan 1, 1998

Royalty arrangements can be a viable alternative to hiring a sales force to sell your proprietary product.  Read more


The Laser's Edge

By Inc. staff |  Oct 15, 1996

One founder explains that he got around his competition's patent for one main reason--he wrote it.  Read more


Forget Patents, Says Stanford Prof

By Jerry Useem |  Oct 1, 1996

The author of The Entrepreneur's Guide to Business Law explains why patents may not protect you in the new economy.  Read more


Licensing: Rent a Brand

By Robina A. Gangemi |  Nov 1, 1995

The president of bird-feeder company that negotiated a license deal with Disney explains why it was a success.  Read more


Negotiating Better Licensing Deals

By Jill Andresky Fraser |  Dec 1, 1992

Pharmaceuticals company strikes international deals and negotiates supply, manufacturing, and licensing agreements.  Read more


Structuring a Global Licensing Deal

By Jill Andresky Fraser |  Nov 1, 1992

Structuring a U.S.-based deal with a foreign partner.  Read more


Marathon Man

By Joshua Hyatt |  Aug 1, 1989

After 16 inventions and years in the red, an inventor gives it another go with computerized foreign language translator.  Read more


License to Steal

By Paul B. Brown |  Dec 1, 1988

One start-up increased sales by using an already established name for mass marketing.  Read more


Licensing Agreements: The Basics

Here's what every small business needs to know in order to pursue a licensing arrangement  Read more