How do I determine if I have a valid copyright or patent?

In Washington, the determination of whether or not you have a valid copyright or patent depends on the type of intellectual property. Copyright applies to original works of authorship such as literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. Patents can be issued for inventions or discoveries. In order to determine if you have a valid copyright, you must first determine whether your work meets the legal requirements for copyright. The work must be original and must be fixed in a tangible form. Additionally, the work must also fall within one of the categories listed above. In order to determine if you have a valid patent, you must determine whether your invention is eligible and patentable. To be eligible and patentable, the invention must be useful, novel, and nonobvious. Additionally, it must not already be patented in the United States or abroad, and must not be in use or on sale in the United States. If you believe you have a valid copyright or patent, you can consult with a lawyer specializing in intellectual property law or contact the US Copyright Office or US Patent and Trademark Office for further assistance.

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How do I determine if I have a valid copyright or patent?

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