Getting Started in Intellectual Property Law: Local Regulations in New York
The dawn of the digital age has thrust intellectual property law into the forefront of legal practice3 min read
The dawn of the digital age has thrust intellectual property law into the forefront of legal practice. As borders dissolve into the capacity of technology, courts scramble to determine how to preserve basic tenets of copyright and trademark interest when faced with developments in digital media and the internet of things. Intellectual property law offers legal counsel a domain of expertise to use in protecting companies’ most valuable assets. As with any complex legal matter, getting started in intellectual property law demands a working knowledge of specific local regulations. For those practicing in New York, here are some basics and resources to get you started.
Notions of IP Law
Intellectual property law is composed of four main components: copyright, patent, trademark, and trade secret. Although these four concepts are often discussed in a single breath, they are all quite distinct. Copyrighting is the protection of artistic work (anything from music to writing to sculpture) and is protectable regardless of registration. A patent ensures that an invention is exclusive to the inventor, and is very regionally specific. Trademark ensures the safe use of a logo or slogan without infringement from competing companies; it is form of consumer protection, as it ensures that buyers can recognize and select their favorite products. Lastly, a trade secret is a type of information a company keeps secret (think Coca-Cola's recipe).
Starting Out In Intellectual Property Law
It's important, before starting out in intellectual property law, to acquaint yourself with not only the basics of the four paradigms discussed above, but also with local regulations pertaining to intellectual property. To truly help clients, you'll need to understand the nuances of local IP law and the resources available should a case need to be brought to court. To ensure that you and your clients receive the best legal representation, support from experienced professional chosen sources must be found.
Local IP Resources In New York
In any local legal practice, it's paramount to have access to local resources when dealing with intellectual property. New York federal courts have been addressed some of the most important cases of the dawning digital age, and the resources available for legal professionals in the state should not be overlooked.
The Southern District of New York has a Concurrent Intellectual Property Panel that is supervised by the Chief Judge. The Concurrent IP panel is designed to ensure that IP cases are assigned to the same judge throughout a case’s term. This ensures that judges always maintain fidelity with a case's intricacies and efficiently know how to best employ various legal strategies.
Finding Qualified Legal Counsels In New York
Finding an advocate who understands the local regulations, nuances of intellectual property, and is reputable is key. Seek the advice of local legal counselors well-versed in the specialties of intellectual property. It’s also advisable to find online resources to aid in understanding the laws of your area. UpCounsel is an online marketplace for legal services that matches businesses with attorneys and other legal professionals. Though attorneys are free to join UpCounsel, only the professionals with the highest qualifications and a solid client satisfaction rating get accepted into the network.
UpCounsel provides an array of services, from one-time consultations to full-service legal departments. Backed by experienced lawyers, the cost-effective services are highly optimizing for individual businesses. On the profiles of the licensed attorneys, clients are also able to access ratings and reviews of the legal services rendered, reassuring reliable counsel.
In summary
Entering into the realm of intellectual property in New York requires an understanding of crucial ins-and-outs of local regulations. As with any complicated legal endeavor, successfully litigating IP law is predicated upon the quality of legal counsel. Sources like UpCounsel are great resources to ensure that you have the proper representation to protect your clients’ valuable assets.
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