{"id":358018,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:18","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/intellectual-property-law.html"},"modified":"2023-09-20T08:28:38","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T13:28:38","slug":"intellectual-property-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/intellectual-property-law.html","title":{"rendered":"What Do Intellectual Property Lawyers Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">What Do Intellectual Property Lawyers Do?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 20, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <div>\n<div role=\"article\" data-tabster=\"{&quot;groupper&quot;:{&quot;tabbability&quot;:2},&quot;focusable&quot;:{}}\" data-content=\"ai-message\" data-testid=\"ai-message\" aria-labelledby=\"UtM7nt1mrG2PRQyexiyYs-author UtM7nt1mrG2PRQyexiyYs-content-0\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"UtM7nt1mrG2PRQyexiyYs-content-0\">\n<p>When you need to register your intellectual property, enforce your rights, or defend against infringement, an intellectual property attorney can guide you through the process and help secure what you\u2019ve built.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Intellectual property law (IP law) protects the creations, inventions, and brand identities that businesses and individuals develop. Legal protections ensure others can\u2019t use or profit from them without permission. It covers copyrights, trademarks, patents, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/protecting-trade-secrets.html\">trade secrets<\/a>\u2014each designed to protect different types of creative or innovative work.<\/p>\n<p>Legal issues can arise when competitors try to steal trade secrets or use creative works without permission. Small businesses use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/intellectual-property-and-business.html\">intellectual property lawyers<\/a> for business legal services\u00a0and\u00a0intellectual property law.<\/p>\n<p>An IP attorney assists with a business&#8217;s intellectual property legal needs. These legal professionals can focus on several aspects of intellectual property, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/intellectual-property\/the-basics-of-copyright-law.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Copyright law<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/patents.html\">Patent law<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/trademarks.html\">Trademark applications<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/art-licensing-should-you-assign-or-license-your-work.html\">Licensing agreements<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This article overviews what an IP lawyer can do for you and what to look for when hiring one.<\/p>\n<h2>Types of Intellectual Property Law<\/h2>\n<p>Intellectual property law allows\u00a0artists, inventors, and creators to profit from their creative works or new products. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/what-is-copyright.html\">Copyrights<\/a> and patents allow artists and inventors to prevent others from selling their creations.<\/p>\n<p>There are four types of legal services an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/intellectual-property-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">intellectual property lawyer<\/a> gives legal advice on:<\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Copyrights<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Copyright protection happens at the creation of creative works in a fixed medium. Federal registration of the work happens through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.copyright.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">United States Copyright Office<\/a>. Intellectual property attorneys sue people or businesses for copyright infringement.<\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Trademarks<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Trademarks are symbols of vendors, such as brand names or logos, that allow consumers to easily distinguish one vendor from another. Service marks are unique <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/types-of-trademarks.html\">brand names or logos<\/a> that identify a service, not a product. Trademark infringement cases are legal actions brought under trademark law.<\/p>\n<p>Federal protection is granted only if the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspto.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">United States Patent and Trademark Office<\/a> (USPTO) approves the\u00a0application. These cases happen when a competing business or person uses the mark protected by trademark registration without permission.<\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Patents<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>The USPTO issues patents for new, novel, and non-obvious inventions, processes, or manufacturing. Only patent attorneys or patent agents submit patent applications to the USPTO.<\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Trade Secrets<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">These involve a manufacturing process kept<\/span>\u00a0secret from the rest of the world. Manufacturers work to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/theft-of-trade-secrets.html\">keep their operations secure<\/a> so that no one else can duplicate them.<\/p>\n<h2>What To Ask Before Hiring an IP Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>One size does not fit all when picking out your company&#8217;s lawyer. Here are some questions to consider before <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/what-does-it-mean-to-have-a-lawyer-on-retainer.html\">signing a retainer contract<\/a> with an attorney:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How are fees paid?\u00a0Some lawyers ask for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/how-much-will-it-cost-to-hire-a-lawyer.html\">payment in full<\/a> before they begin work. Others will accept payment plans with a deposit up front. Knowing what the attorney expects is essential so you can budget for it.<\/li>\n<li>Can you pay with cash, credit card, or online payments?\u00a0If your start-up is not flowing with cash, you can connect a credit card or Venmo to pay your invoices.<\/li>\n<li>Is the attorney <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/types-of-legal-fees.html\">billing hourly or at a flat rate<\/a>?<\/li>\n<li>What is the attorney&#8217;s hourly rate?<\/li>\n<li>Has the lawyer handled all types of intellectual property, or do they focus on one area, like patents?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Finding an Intellectual Property Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>It&#8217;s beneficial to meet with a lawyer to register trademarks, discuss <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/is-your-invention-patentable.html\">patenting new products<\/a>, or register copyright for social media content. They can help you understand your options and how to protect what you have worked to create.<\/p>\n<p>Do your due diligence and research potential lawyers who best fit your business needs. Patent lawyers, trademark attorneys, and copyright lawyers all fall under the umbrella of intellectual property attorneys. However, IP attorneys may have different specializations.<\/p>\n<p>Because state law is relevant, your attorney should be licensed in your state. FindLaw&#8217;s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/intellectual-property-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">intellectual property attorneys<\/a> can get you started. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals near you. Many law offices offer free case evaluations.<\/p>\n<h2>Intellectual Property Law: Related Practice Areas<\/h2>\n<p>Once you have a client relationship with an intellectual property lawyer, you can use them to protect your work. The following are common legal areas that IP often overlaps with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/entertainment-sports-and-leisure-law.html\">Entertainment, sports, and leisure law<\/a>: Nearly every artist, actor, or filmmaker must copyright their work or negotiate licensing or work-for-hire contracts.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/corporate-law.html\">Corporate and business law<\/a>: Many intellectual property owners are corporations or businesses that own rights to their employees&#8217; work.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/what-is-a-non-disclosure-agreement-nda.html\">A nondisclosure agreement<\/a>\u00a0is a contract that bars one party from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/a-nondisclosure-agreement.html\">disclosing trade secrets to anyone else<\/a>. These lawyers also negotiate work-for-hire clauses in employee or contractor agreements. A work made for hire is a creation that an artist made while\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/what-is-a-work-made-for-hire.html\">working for someone else<\/a>\u00a0and owned by the employer.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/internet-cyberspace-law.html\">Cyberlaw<\/a>: The internet&#8217;s ability to copy and distribute work raises new challenges to IP law.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/constitutional-law.html\">First Amendment law<\/a>: Copyrights and patents sometimes impede the free flow of information and ideas.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate.html\">Real estate law<\/a><b>: <\/b>You may buy land to build a warehouse or new corporate headquarters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n            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2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Consumer legal issues typically need an attorney\u2019s support\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Legal help is key for negotiating\u00a0 licensing agreements, nondisclosure agreements, or work\u2011for\u2011hire contracts\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Performing a preliminary trademark or copyright search can often be done on your own\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n<p>Most legal situations can benefit from an attorney\u2019s guidance. 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