Every year, hundreds of new businesses pop up in the Bay Area, and with that level of competition, it’s no surprise that the vast majority of them fold within the first two years. Entrepreneurs work hard to create their own unique goods and services, and too many of them fail to establish the legal protections they need to build a safe and sustainable future. In today’s digital and collaborative age, the poaching of intellectual property happens more often than we’d like to admit, and if you are going into business for yourself, it’s important to hire a qualified business attorney in San Francisco to help you safeguard what’s yours.
Depending on your industry and type of innovation you own, different legal documents may be in order. Intellectual property laws in California can be complicated to wade through on your own, so get in touch with us at Primum Law Firm for customized guidance for your situation. Here are the main forms of intellectual property that we work with:
- Copyright
A copyright protects an original piece that you’ve authored, such as music, literature, artwork, or computer software programs. You retain the right to reproduce, modify, and distribute this work, and the copyright registration lasts for your entire lifetime.
- Patent
A patent is designed to give you property rights for your invention, and prevents others from making, selling, or using it. There are three types of patents- utility, design, and plant, and the application process for each is quite complicated and can be expensive, so it’s best to hire legal counsel first.
- Trademark
A trademark is a way to distinguish the goods and services of your company from those offered by your competitors. These cover words, symbols, phrases, or other designs, and trademark registration is encouraged so you can enforce your rights in any future business law claims.
- Trade secret
A trade secret is any proprietary information pertaining to things like formulas, devices, or processes, that is kept within a company, to maintain an advantage over the competition. You can protect your trade secrets through continued documentation and legal agreements between management, staff, and employees, using forms that are drafted by a specialized trade secret attorney in San Francisco.
If you are launching a new business venture, or need help protecting one that you already have established, reach out to Primum Law Firm today and ask for your free consultation. We will put our business expertise to good use, and give you the peace of mind that you deserve.