- Identify the intellectual property (IP) you have. Remember, patents protect inventions. Trademarks protects brands that act as source identifiers and copyrights protect written works.
- Once you've identified your IP, it's time to research. Document your research to discuss with your attorney. Your attorney will love that!
- Consult a qualified attorney and schedule a consultation.
Here’s what you can expect during a consultation:
Confidentiality
First, expect a confidential relationship between yourself and the attorney. Scheduling a formal consultation, allows you to establish an attorney-client relationship with an attorney. The attorney is required to keep the information presented confidential so don’t waste time asking your attorney to sign a confidentiality or non-compete agreement.
General Answers to your IP Questions
For the sake of the limited time available for a consultation, it’s great to submit a list of your questions to the attorney prior to the scheduled consultation. This will give the attorney an opportunity to meet your expectations and provide you with answers or provide you with more details of what’s necessary to retain the Firm to resolve any issues that may require additional time.
Waiting to schedule a consultation may jeopardize your rights. Don’t wait! You’ll feel so much better about understanding your options fully and you will know what’s required to protect or enforce your intellectual property!
