Issue 1, April 2002

More Information about the Intellectual Property Group

 






© 2002 
Bose McKinney & Evans LLP

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 Welcome to the first issue of the Bose McKinney & Evans LLP Intellectual Property Update. This e-mail newsletter will be distributed quarterly in an effort to bring our clients up-to-date on the latest information in patent, trademark, and copyright law. This first issue is a short primer on the basics of patent, trademark, and copyright law. Future issues will address recent court opinions, rule changes, etc., that affect you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your intellectual property matters, please contact us. 

Patents: Guarding Your Borders
Today, more than ever, companies create competitive advantages by improving upon or creating new products or processes. However, if these innovations are not adequately protected, a competitor can simply copy the innovation to eliminate the competitive advantage. Thus, by leaving the borders of your innovations unprotected, your competitors can reap the advantages of your innovations without having to expend any time or expense in developing the innovations. However, by protecting your borders, you can block your competitors from borrowing from your efforts.  FULL STORY

On the MARK, Get Set, GO!!
Almost every business uses trademarks and/or service marks.  A slogan, a product name, or even a business name can be a trademark or service mark.  Going through the process of screening potential marks and protecting your marks is essential in today’s business environment.  FULL STORY

Copyright FAQs

  • What can be copyrighted?
  • How “creative” must a work be in order to be copyrighted
  • What are the benefits of copyright?
  • How is copyright protection obtained?
  • What is “fair use”?
  • Does a company own the copyrights in works created by its employees? FULL STORY
.US – Are you interested?
As many of our clients know, we keep on top of the latest Internet and domain name issues that affect your business and your trademarks. As many of you know, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has approved several new top-level domains (.info, .biz, .name, .museum, etc.) –many of which are now available for domain name registration. The latest introduction is dot US (.US), which is promoted as “America’s internet address.” There is a “sunrise” period through April 9, 2002 for those who have existing or pending trademarks on file at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. During this period you can apply for .US domain names on a priority basis. Open registration will begin April 24, 2002. After that date, all .US second-level domain names are available on a “first-come, first-served” basis. If you would like more information on .US go to www.neustar.us or contact us.
This Update, a service of Bose McKinney & Evans, provides information on the issues that affect your business. For more information about the materials presented, contact your primary Bose McKinney & Evans attorney, or email us comments.  The information in this Update should not be construed as legal advice.

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