Experienced Saint Louis IP Lawyer Defends Intellectual Property Rights

Whether it is a new high-tech gadget or a compelling new book, intellectual property (IP) rights encourage innovation and creative expression.  Intellectual property law protects many kinds of innovators, including the following:

Intellectual property rights ensure these inventors and artists have exclusive rights to their own creative and marketing efforts so they can reap all of the financial rewards.  Some ways to protect intellectual property include:

Without intellectual property rights, the originators or creators of products and creative works stand to lose revenue as well as their competitive edge in the marketplace.

Have an experienced Saint Louis IP law firm by your side

With more than 35 years of legal experience, Saint Louis IP lawyer John Allan, of Allan & Summary, L.C., is dedicated to defending the rights and interests of businesses.  This includes providing solid legal advice regarding intellectual property rights management and enforcement, as well as litigation of intellectual property rights infringement.

A vital part of the intellectual property protection process is to prove that you are in fact the true inventor or originator of the intellectual property in question.  If you cannot prove you created the property first, then a competitor can challenge your intellectual property rights and authorization to use it.

While exclusive use of the intellectual property is protected, third parties can use and commercialize the protected property by entering into intellectual property licensing agreements or strategic alliances whereby they pay for its use.

Protecting trade secrets

Trade secrets, which can include special knowledge such as marketing strategies or customer contacts, can also be protected provided they remain secret.  Among the factors defining a trade secret are the following:

• The public does not know the information
• There is an economic benefit or value for its holder
• There are reasonable and consistent efforts to maintain its secrecy

Third parties can gain access to trade secrets and other intellectual property by signing non-compete and non-disclosure agreements that protect confidentiality.  While patents are in effect for 20 years and protected by federal law, trade secrets do not expire and are usually protected under state law.

Consult leading Saint Louis IP attorney John Allan today

If you are looking for a competent, dependable intellectual property law firm, Saint Louis IP attorney John Allan can help.  His law firm, Allan & Summary, L.C., bases payment rates and hours of availability on client needs and provides free initial consultations for all types of cases.   For experienced, personalized legal service, contact Allan & Summary today.