Patent & Trade Law

Harness the Power of a Trademark
In the inventing world, a lot of attention is paid to patenting. Often overlooked is the power of a trademark--a wonderful tool ...
In the inventing world, a lot of attention is paid to patenting. Often overlooked is the power of a trademark--a wonderful tool ...
Trade Issues 2009: A Roundup
With President Barack Obama's administration now in place, there will be inevitable changes to U.S. trade policy. While we ...
With President Barack Obama's administration now in place, there will be inevitable changes to U.S. trade policy. While we ...
The Secret Value of Patent Filings and Trade Secrets
Tips for protecting your inventions with patents, trade secrets and confidentiality agreements
Tips for protecting your inventions with patents, trade secrets and confidentiality agreements
Will Investors Steal Your Best Ideas
Smart ways to protect your business secrets and innovative ideas from insincere investors
Smart ways to protect your business secrets and innovative ideas from insincere investors
All Patent & Trade Law Articles

NOLO.COM - Got a great idea that you think others will pay you to use? Before offering it up for licensing, ask yourself the following questions.
Before You Patent
NOLO.COM - Here are five steps to take before seeking a utility patent.
Trade Secret Basics FAQ
NOLO.COM - Questions and answers that explain what every business owner should know about trade secret law.
Enforcing a Patent FAQ
NOLO.COM - If someone violates your patent, you can take legal steps to stop the infringement.
Profiting From Your Patent FAQ
NOLO.COM - Once you have a patent, it's up to you to make it profitable by licensing it or selling it.
Qualifying for a Patent FAQ
NOLO.COM - Learn whether your invention is eligible for patent protection.
How Patents Differ From Copyrights and Trademarks FAQ
NOLO.COM - If you're seeking a design patent, you should be aware of copyright and trademark laws, too.
Must I sign my employer's noncompete agreement?
NOLO.COM - When employers try to control your future
What can I do if a company uses my idea without permission?
NOLO.COM - Protecting an idea from competitors
If I pay someone to work on my invention can I still patent the idea?
NOLO.COM - Owning rights to an invention
How do I enforce a noncompete agreement?
NOLO.COM - Keeping an employee from taking a job with a competitor
Noncompete Agreements
NOLO.COM - Noncompete agreements protect employers from losing valuable trade secrets and employees. Here's how to make sure your agreement will hold up in court.
Nondisclosure Agreements
NOLO.COM - Learn about nondisclosure, or confidentiality, agreements -- the best way for a business to protect its trade secrets.
How to Protect Your Invention When Pitching It
NOLO.COM - If you're trying to license your invention, you run the risk that someone will rip you off. Here are some ways to avoid trouble.
Should You License or Manufacture Your Invention?
NOLO.COM - Okay, you've got a great idea for a patent! Now, how will you make money from it?
Making Your Own Patent Drawings
NOLO.COM - Can't draw a straight line? Don't worry, new computer programs can. Better yet, they can erase them.
Provisional Patent Applications: Quickest Way to "Patent Pending"
NOLO.COM - Filing a provisional patent application guards against rip-offs while buying time to file a regular patent application.
Understanding Patent Applications
NOLO.COM - What's involved in drafting and filing a patent application? Here's an introduction to the steps you need to take.
Patent Searching Online
NOLO.COM - When you have a great idea for an invention, the Internet can help you find out whether someone else has already thought of it.
You Don't Need a Lawyer to Get a Patent
NOLO.COM - Thousands of inventors have successfully obtained patents without hiring lawyers. Here's how.