Intellectual Property Resources

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Today's Terms

Prior Art

Definition:
The existing body of technological information against which an invention is judged to determine if it can be patented as being a novel and nonobvious invention.

First Sale Doctrine

Definition:
refers to the right of a buyer of a material object in which a copyrighted work is embodied to resell or transfer the object itself. Ownership of copyright is distinct from ownership of the material object. Section 109 of the Copyright Act permits the owner of a particular copy or phonorecord lawfully made under the Copyright Law to sell or otherwise dispose of possession of that copy or phonorecord without the authority of the copyright owner.

Design Patent

Definition:
May be granted to anyone who invents a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture.

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Topics Related to Intellectual Property:

• Copyright Issues
• Patents
• Trademarks
• Unfair Competition Concerns
• Right of Publicity Questions
• Confidentiality Agreement
• Patent Corporation Treaty

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