Intellectual property law is a legal specialty that is incredibly diverse. It covers a wide variety of human creative endeavors. It protects everything from TV jingles to pharmaceuticals to electronics. If you pursue a career as an intellectual property lawyer, you may do any of the following.
Research
Most IP attorneys spend hours and hours reviewing documents and conducting interviews pertaining to the product. For example, if an inventor in Plano wants to patent a new widget, there will be a patentability search Plano TX. This search helps to determine the need for filing an application.
Prepare and File Documents
All that research comes into play when an IP attorney files for a patent or trademark. He or she will then work with government patent offices to secure the protection. If there has been unfair use of intellectual property in Texas, a lawyer may send a letter to the infringing party with a cease and desist order.
In complex cases, a trial may be required to settle copyright infringement or other intellectual property disputes. In all of these examples, the IP attorney is preparing and filing the petitions, briefs, and other paperwork.
Consult
Many large, international companies have intellectual property lawyers in-house. They attend research and development meetings and participate in discussions about product development. This is particularly true in cutting-edge industries where the first to get a patent can make a lot of money.
Protect International Rights
Intellectual property rights are not observed equally around the world. It falls to the duties of the IP attorney to get the best protection possible for their clients. This may mean litigating in international courts. It may mean applying for patents and copyright in several different countries. Most major companies and artists have IP lawyers on retainer to defend their rights abroad.
