Protection for your products, processes or written words can be enhanced by securing a patent, trademark or a copyright. Patent protection allow you to prevent others from making, using or selling the patented item, as set forth in the claims portion of the patent.
Patents can be either a utility patent (covering a process, machine, manufacture or composition of matter, etc.) or a design patent (covering a new, original or ornamental design for an article of manufacture, etc.), depending upon the item being covered.
Trademarks and service marks provide protection for words, names, symbols, logos and similar items. A copyright is used to cover books, articles, advertising copy, software, artwork and similar items.
If you believe you have a special product, process, name, written piece or other item that could be protected by the patent and copyright laws, you should seek a good patent attorney. You should secure the attorney's advice BEFORE you market the item or the protection may not be available. For more information, go to the following websites: