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PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS TRADEMARKS AND SERVICE MARKS TRADE
SECRETS AND UNFAIR COMPETITION
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY --
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Intellectual property
law protects creations of the human mind. These laws protect intangible
concepts in the early stages of development.And, with the advancement of
the technology and the world economy, it is increasingly important to take
steps early in the development stages of an idea to protect that idea for
future use. The degree to which an idea, process, product or artistic work
is protected can mean the difference for an individual or company between
years of market leadership and distinction, and wasted development dollars
due to overnight replicas produced by competitors.
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PATENTS -- A right granted by the governments
of most countries to individuals and/or companies to exclude others from
making using or selling an article, machine, process or composition in that
country for a limited time. Innovations which are protectable include
mechanical, electronic, chemical, computer, plant, bio technological and
ornamental design improvements and processes.
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TRADEMARKS AND SERVICE MARKS -- The protection
of newly selected or previously used trademarks and service marks under
federal, state and foreign trademark law.This protection includes words or
designs that signify a commercial origin of goods and services and
distinguish those goods or services from those of a competitor.
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COPYRIGHTS -- Rights granted by governments to
protect the exclusive rights of authors and artists in various media,
including books, recordings, photographs, graphics, sculptures, video
recordings, music, choreography, games, dolls, technical drawings, computer
programs, movies, software and drama.
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TRADE SECRETS -- The protection of
confidential technology and business information developed by individuals
and companies.If reasonable steps are taken to maintain such information in
confidence, the information is frequently granted judicial protection from
misuse and theft.
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COMPUTER LAW -- The use of intellectual
property to protect computer systems and software.The development of
effective contracts and licensing agreements is particularly important in
computer law.
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LICENSING -- The preparation and negotiation
of licenses, assignments and similar agreements concerning intellectual
property law rights.
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UNFAIR COMPETITION -- The judicial and
legislative rights created to protect individuals and companies from unfair
or deceptive trade practices or acts.
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PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION -- The protection of
newly developed plant varieties.Some types of plants are protected under
Plant Patents, and others are protected under the Plant Variety Protection
Act.
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Within the bounds of law, we provide legal services to
assist our clients in recognizing, defining and safeguarding intellectual
property. The process of protecting intellectual property is an intricate
one requiring not only expertise but diligence, patience and understanding.
Our assistance often begins with your conception of an idea and extends
through the many stages of idea and product development so that we become a
vital part of your team in the development of business strategies to
protect property rights in daily manufacturing and marketing activities.
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FURRER & TEZAK