InTellectual Property Law

How it all works

Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights

Securing a patent, trademark, or copyright for intellectual property offers important protections. For example, patent protection provides the inventor with exclusive rights to prevent or stop others from commercially exploiting the patented invention. Similarly, businesses often spend a significant amount of time and expense selecting a symbol, word and or words to associate with its business and related goods and services.  Without trademark protection, other individuals and business entities may attempt to capitalize on the good will of another by using deceptively similar marks to confuse potential customers in an effort to lure them away. A copyright provides exclusive right to an author to print, publish, perform, film or record literary, artistic or musical material and to authorize others to do the same.  Copyright protection is necessary to prevent individuals and businesses from using certain works without proper licensing.

Without these types of intellectual property protections, businesses and brands may suffer reputational harm and financial loss. The process to obtain intellectual property protection is not simple, especially with respect to patents and trademarks which may require a significant amount of legal work and interaction with the USPTO.  Errors in preparing an application for a patent, trademark, or copyright, may result in a denial of intellectual property rights, and, in some instances, require the applicant to start the application process over.

Retaining an experienced and knowledgeable IP lawyer can improve the chances an applicant will secure a patent, trademark, or copyright. Mr. Connelly specializes in all aspects of intellectual property.  For patents and trademarks, he begins by conducting due diligence in performing patent and trademark availability searches before an initial application is submitted. These searches can help to reduce the likelihood that an application will be rejected by the USPTO. Once a determination has been made that a preferred mark is available or that there are no similar patents or pending patent applications, Mr. Connelly will prepare the requisite applications in an effort to place the patent/trademark in the best position for allowance.  After the initial filing, the patent/trademark application enters the prosecution stage where Mr. Connelly will prepare the materials necessary to prosecute the application through final USPTO review.

Without these types of protection for intellectual property, businesses and brands may suffer reputational harm and substantial financial losses. Securing the needed protection is not simple, however. The process to secure a patent, copyright or trademark is complex and requires a significant amount of work. If errors are made on an application for a patent, trademark, or copyright, it may be denied. The business will then need to start the process over.

Retaining an experienced and knowledgeable IP lawyer can make it much likelier that a business or individual will secure the patent, trademark, or copyright that is needed. Jay Connelly specializes in all aspects of intellectual property. He conducts due diligence in performing patent and trademark availability searches before an application is submitted. This can help companies to reduce the likelihood that their applications will be challenged by others or denied by the USPTO. Once a determination has been made that a preferred mark or patent is available, Mr. Connelly assists his clients with completing the applications while ensuring that they are error-free. If an objection is filed, Mr. Connelly submits a response to the objection. Finally, if the trademark or patent application is denied by the examiner, Mr. Connelly is prepared to litigate on behalf of his clients before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board or the Patent Trial and Appeal board.

Mr. Connelly counsels clients on branding strategies and the selection of service marks and designs that are not similar to the marks that are used by others. He also assists clients with purchasing, selling, and licensing of intellectual property rights.