What should I know about trademarks and intellectual property?

Trademarks and intellectual property are important aspects of small business law in Kansas. A trademark is a symbol or phrase that distinguishes a product or service from that of another business. Intellectual property includes creations of the mind such as inventions, literary and artistic works, images, and symbols that can be legally owned. In Kansas, a business can protect its trademark by registering it with the Kansas Secretary of State. The registration process can be completed online and requires a filing fee. Business owners should use the trademark symbol (TM) to notify the public that a trademark is being claimed. It is not necessary to register a trademark to use it, but it does provide legal protection. Businesses should also be aware of the federal trademark registration process. This allows a business to register its trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which provides protection across the United States. When it comes to intellectual property, copyright laws provide protection for certain artistic works, such as books, music, and other works of authorship. Businesses should register copyrights to protect their works of authorship. Patent laws protect inventions and allow businesses to protect their inventions and their rights to the invention. Patents must be registered with the USPTO as well. In Kansas, businesses must be aware of laws regarding trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Proper registration and use of the TM symbol can help protect a business’s intellectual property and ensure that it is legally protected.

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