The successful commercialization of any new product or technology depends in large part on the acquisition and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including, patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
A PATENT is a grant by the federal government to an inventor allowing the inventor to exclude others from making, using, and selling his or her invention. Three kinds of patents are available in the United States. A UTILITY PATENT covers the functional aspects of a process, a machine, an article of manufacture, or a composition. A DESIGN PATENT covers the ornamental aspects of an object. A PLANT PATENT covers a distinct and new variety of plant.
A COPYRIGHT is a grant by the federal government to an artist or author of a work allowing him or her the exclusive right to publish the work and the right to determine who may publish the work.
A TRADEMARK is a word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination thereof, used to identify the source of goods and/or services. A trademark may be a mark registered with the federal government (USPTO), a state of the United States, or a foreign country. Furthermore, trademark rights in a mark may accrue under common law.
A TRADE SECRET is any formula, pattern, machine or process of manufacturing used in one's business which may give the user an opportunity to obtain an advantage over its competitors who do not know or use it.
I am familiar with the various challenges encountered during the development and commercialization of new products and technologies. My law practice is tailored to assist inventors, companies, and universities to secure and protect intellectual property rights within the United States and other countries. Please contact me via telephone or email, if you wish to discuss the possibility of having me represent you in matters involving patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.
Michael Crilly, Esq.
104 South York Road • Hatboro, PA 19040 • USA • 215-672-6220 (telephone)
