Intellectual Property Infringement

When an author or inventor obtains a copyright, patent, or trademark for their work of art or invention he or she legally acquires the exclusive rights to his or her creation. This means that others cannot lawfully make, use, or sell the work of art or invention without authorization from the copyright, trademark, or patent holder. As a copyright, trademark, or patent holder, the author or inventor enjoys certain intellectual property rights. When others violate the intellectual property rights of these inventors or authors, this is known as intellectual property infringement. Intellectual property law attorneys are often hired by authors or inventors to mediate or litigate cases of infringement on their intellectual property rights.

Copyright infringement occurs when an individual reproduces or performs a copyrighted work without the authorization of the copyright owner. Unauthorized use or reproduction of the work violates the copyright owner's intellectual property rights. When an individual uses or sells a patented invention without the permission of the patent holder, patent infringement occurs. Individuals desiring to use or sell a patented invention must obtain a license to do so. The scope of the patent determines the extent of protection offered to the patent holder and provides the public with information as to what the patent holder will and will not allow in regard to the use and sale of the invention. Trademark infringement occurs with an individual or corporation uses a trademark that is "confusingly similar" to an existing trademark.

Intellectual property infringement is a serious violation of intellectual property rights. When this type of infringement occurs, individuals should contact an attorney that has experience and practice in the area of intellectual property law. Individuals that have exclusive rights to their works of art or inventions also have exclusive financial rights to their creations as well. When others infringe upon these works or inventions, the creator's ability to reap the financial rewards of their creations may be hindered. An intellectual property law attorney will aggressively pursue those responsible for infringement and work diligently to hold those parties accountable for their actions.