Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property (IP) promotes entrepreneurship, attracts more research grants and alumni donations, builds positive reputation as an expert in your field within a cutting edge institution and builds relationships with businesses and community.

	Patents protect novel devices & methods.*
	Trademarks identifies source of goods.
	Copyrights protects works of authorship.
	Trade Secrets protects confidential information.*

*Requires secrecy

Do you have an ORIGINAL IDEA or INVENTION?
Is your invention or idea USEFUL and NOVEL?

1. KEEP IT QUIET!  The U.S. has a 1-year 'grace' period for a) printed publications; b) presentations; c) public use e) offers for sale
2. DESCRIBE YOUR INVENTION IN WRITING.  U.S. - first to invent; International - first to file.
3. CONTACT ORS.  We will put you in touch with the right people, at the right place, at the right time.  See The University of Scranton Patent Policy.
4. LEARN MORE.  Patent Searching: Tutorial and Guide to Online Resources and Information (sponsored by The University of Texas at Austin.

PATENTS

	Identify monopoly on new/useful device or process.
	Give you the right to stop someone from making, using, selling and importing your protected invention.
	Are formally acquired through the U.S. Patent and Trade Office.
	You can lose your rights through expiration of patent and by non-payment of maintenance fees, but cannot be lost through reverse engineering. TO TOP

TRADEMARKS

	Identify source of goods
	Give you the right to stop someone from using 'confusingly similar' marks.
	Acquired by selling goods with Common Law mark (TM) or through the U.S. Patent and Trade Office registered mark (®).
	You can lose your rights through improper use of TM, non-use (cancellation), or failure to pay annuities. TO TOP

COPYRIGHTS

	Identify ownership of text, software, music, art, characters, sculpture, movie, video or live performances fixed in tangible medium.
	Give you the right to stop someone from copying your protected work.
	Acquired by fixing work in a tangible medium.
	Are invalid if copied from a existing particular expression of an idea. TO TOP

TRADE SECRETS / KNOW HOW

	Protects confidential information.
	Gives you the right to stop someone from misappropriating confidential information.
	Acquired by keeping information secret.
	You can lose your rights through disclosure or 'reverse engineering.' TO TOP

Information provided by:

ZALE Patent Law Office
434 Lackawanna Ave., Suite 200
Scranton, PA 18503
Tel: 877-ZALELAW toll free
Tel: (877-925-3529)
Fax: 570-227-0086
e-Mail: LPZ@ZALELAW.COM