This introductory text explores the origins, sources, function, and values of the exciting world of Intellectual Property (IP). Topics covered include copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, domain names, and geographical indication, with primary attention given to IP law in the United States and ample coverage of key international laws. The history, development, and modern language is presented in an easy-to-absorb modular format. This book is designed as a text for classroom use.Text Outcomes: Paralegal and Legal Studies students using this text should be able to: 1. Identify and describe the basic types of protectable IP rights in the United States; 2. Differentiate between the different forms of IP and the specific common law and statutory rights secured under both United States and, to a more limited degree, foreign law; 3. Identify the limits of IP rights by duration and statutory interpretation of language like the ''fair use'' doctrine for copyrights, and constitutional boundaries under the First Amendment; 4. Understand the basic research process used to discover or locate existing protectable interest in IP in the United States; 5. Understand the basic application processes used in the United States to register certain types of IP in order to obtain greater protection, and be familiar with the scope of that greater protection; 6. Demonstrate a basic familiarity with some common government websites and online research tools used in IP legal practice; 7. Articulate causes of action to protect IP rights, and understand the common defenses to claims of infringement or unfair competition; 8. Understand the various remedies available to address IP infringement or unfair competition in the United States, including civil and criminal proceedings and monetary and non-monetary remedies; 9. Discuss the public policy and societal value considerations behind modern IP rights and their limits.

Completely revised and updated, this sixth edition of a well-received desk reference offers in one volume a comprehensive review of United States (US) copyright, patent, and trademark laws. Like its previous editions, the book’s thorough and sophisticated treatment of this complex material escapes the cumbersome overelaboration of a multivolume treatise on the one hand and a superficial “nutshell” on the other. Maintaining the systematic structure that makes it easy for users to zero in on any particular matter, the new edition incorporates the changes that have entered into force since the fifth edition and expertly examines their effects. The three major categories of copyright, patent, and trademark are covered in turn—along with a fourth section on chip protection—with detailed but concise examination and analysis of such issues and topics as the following and much more: • subject matter of protection; • conditions of protection; • registration procedures; • scope of exclusive rights; • transfer of interests; • fair use; • rights in unregistered marks; • protection of computer software, code, and databases; • remedies and defenses; and • procedural issues in infringement actions. The authors examine significant case law, updated for this edition, in the course of their analysis. With its detailed citations and readily accessible and complete subject coverage, this latest edition is sure to retain its usefulness as a quick reference or desk book for intellectual property practitioners, in-house counsel, patent agents, academics, and librarians, as well as for anyone interested in understanding US intellectual property law.

The definitive primer on intellectual property for business professionals, non-IP attorneys, entrepreneurs, and inventors Full of valuable tips, techniques, illustrative real-world examples, exhibits, and best practices, the Second Edition of this handy and concise paperback will help you stay up to date on the newest thinking, strategies, developments, and case law in intellectual property. Presents fundamentals of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and other less-know forms of IP, such as registered design and mask works Covers important concepts such as IP strategy, protection, audits, valuation, management, and competitive intelligence Offers an introduction to IP licensing and enforcement Now features discussion of critical precedent-setting recent IP cases and proposed patent reform Providing business professionals and IP owners with in-depth knowledge of this extremely important subject, this book helps those new to this field gain a better understanding and appreciation for the results of their creative abilities.

An excellent text for clients to read before meeting with attorneys so they'll understand the fundamentals of patent, copyright, trade secret, trademark, mask work, and unfair competition laws. This is not a "do-it-yourself" manual but rather a ready reference tool for inventors or creators that will generate maximum efficiencies in obtaining, preserving and enforcing their intellectual property rights. It explains why they need to secure the services of IPR attorneys. Coverage includes employment contracts, including the ability of engineers to take confidential and secret knowledge to a new job, shop rights and information to help an entrepreneur establish a non-conflicting enterprise when leaving their prior employment. Sample forms of contracts, contract clauses, and points to consider before signing employment agreements are included. Coverage of copyright, software protection, and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) as well as the procedural variances in international intellectual property laws and procedures.

"In this book, we attempt to cover some frequently asked questions on intellectual property and intangible assets and to engage in brief discussions on the subject of identifying value. We identify many of the main types of intellectual property and intangible assets. We also look at the primary, traditional, and not-so-traditional methods of valuing these assets and include case studies and various situations in which the valuation of these assets is required." -- from the Introduction, p. 3.

This "friendly introduction" to the legal complexities of intellectual property is an written especially for undergraduate students whose future careers will intersect with IP: an ideal resource for classes in business, engineering, technology students, computer design, biotechnology, design and computer graphics, architecture, and many more. The authors, both experienced law school professors, examine the fundamental pillars of copyrights, patents, and trademarks, along with more far-reaching topics, an use entertaining examples and provocative questions to explain the precepts and encourage more exploration. For ttudents and professionals whose career intersects with IP issues, this is an accessible, accurate, and thought-provoking introduction.