This clear, no-nonsense guide presents critical coverage of cutting-edge issues related to international law, electronic data, the Internet, and more. It covers the definition and understanding of patents and trademarks, legal rights and obligations, and the correct procedures necessary for legal protection in each case. It answers dozens of legal and procedural questions, from how to find a good patent attorney and apply for a patent to how to select and use a trademark and protect trade secrets.

From the Preface: “I have tried to create a readable book written from the viewpoint of a registered patent attorney who enjoys an active patent and trademark practice...I have tried to avoid dwelling on complex legal issues and, instead, to concentrate on points of practical importance. This book began as a checklist of points to cover with new clients. As the list grew it provided an outline for the first edition. The second and third editions have brought updates that reflect important changes in the law and additions that treat areas of practice that are of increasing interest and importance...”

Target Audience: Inventors, business managers and entrepreneurs, and others engaged in the development, protection, and management of intellectual property.

Table of Contents:

The Patent Attorney's Bailiwick:

The Panorama of Intellectual Property

Working with a Patent Attorney

Patents:

Basic Features of Patents and Patent Systems

What Can Be Patented and by Whom

Preparing to Apply for a Patent

Prosecuting a Pending Patent Application

Using an Unissued Patent

Maintaining Proper Invention Records

Planning a Patent Program

Disclosing an Idea and Invention Marketing

Assignments, Shoprights, and Licenses

Patent Protections Available Abroad

Trademarks:

Basic Features of a Trademark

Selection and Proper Use of Trademarks

Trademark Registration

Assigning, Licensing, and Enforcing Trademark Rights

Copyrights:

Basic Features of Copyrights

Registration and Other Copyright Issues

Other Forms of Intellectual Property:

Design Patents

Plant Protection

Trade Secrets

Preserving and Protecting Specific Types of Intellectual Property Rights:

Computerware

Biotechnology

Appendix: Tables

Index