What do intellectual property lawyers?

Intellectual property lawyers counsel their clients on establishing and protecting intellectual capital. Most IP law practices handle matters such as patents, copyright, trademark law, licensing, franchising, distribution, technology transfers, and trade secret projects.

How do I choose an IP lawyer?

Here are a few things to consider.

1. You need a “patent attorney.” Not just any attorney will do.
2. Don’t hesitate to shop around to find the right fit.
3. Find an attorney with expertise in your idea’s technical field.
4. Meet the attorney who will be drafting your patent.
5. Discuss billing arrangements.

Do IP lawyers go to court?

Litigation also plays a big part in the work intellectual property lawyers do because naturally, disputes will advise. Whether that’s objecting to new trademark applications that may damage your branding or suing those who are copying your intellectual property.

How long is intellectual property protected?

In general, the term of copyright is the life of the author plus 70 years after the author’s death (or last surviving author’s death if a joint work). For works made for hire and anonymous or pseudonymous works, the duration of copyright is 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.

Is IP Litigation hard?

It’s hard to over-emphasize the importance of intellectual property law, because it covers such a wide range of human effort and creativity. Developing intellectual property may take years of work and often involves a hefty financial investment. The result, if things go well, can often be worth big bucks.

What should I study for IP law?

Law: Candidate patent attorneys must obtain a law degree (LLB). If the candidate’s intention is to draft and prosecute patents, an LLB degree through UNISA is sufficient.

How do I get a free patent?

The Patent Pro Bono Program attempts to match inventors with registered patent agents or patent attorneys. These practitioners volunteer their time without charging the inventor. However, the inventor still must pay all fees that are required by the USPTO; these cannot be paid by the practitioner.