Know the Law: Preserve Patent Rights in the United States and Foreign Countries

/ Michael McLean

By Scott C. Rand

Q.  I have an invention and plan to disclose it at a trade show.  What do I have to know and what steps do I need to take to preserve patent rights in the United States and foreign countries?

A.  To maintain your ability to obtain patent protection in the U.S. and abroad, it is important to file a patent application covering your invention in at least one country prior to publicizing or attempting to commercialize the invention.

To read my full article that was published in the Union Leader, please click here.

Know the Law: Copyright Protection

/ Michael McLean

By Jeremy T. Walker

Q.  I am a freelance writer, and I understand I automatically have copyright protection for works that I author. Do I still need to register my works with the United States Copyright Office?

A.  The short answer is no, you do not need to register to have copyright protection, but in most cases, you should register your works for the significant benefits to which registration entitles you.

To read my full article that was published in the Union Leader, please click here.

Know the Law: How Should I Respond to a Claim of Patent Infringement

/ Michael McLean

By Scott C. Rand

Q.  My company recently received a letter alleging patent infringement and demanding payment for use of commercially available technology. We are not a technology company, but rather an end user of the technology. The patent owner has been referred to in media reports as a “patent troll.” What protections against patent trolls are in place for companies like mine and can I safely ignore the letter?

A.  Recently, more and more businesses have been receiving letters of this type. Although so-called patent trolls (persons or companies that assert patent rights to collect license fees, but do not manufacture products or provide services, also known as non-practicing entities or NPE’s) have been around for many years, they have historically targeted companies that either develop, manufacture, or sell the technology in question. A trend has now emerged, however, where NPE’s target end users based on their use of off-the-shelf products.

To read my full article that was published in the Union Leader, please click here.