There are basically five areas of IP law which you should be aware of :

_ copyright
_ trademarks
_ patents
_ trade secrets
_ designs.

Fortunately, there is only one area on which you need to focus, and that is copyright, where with a little knowledge, you can successfully protect your own works yourself. Or at least deter infringers by looking like you can.

Trademark registration costs money, and you go to a lawyer or trademark agent for advice. DIY is not advisable, for the reasons I will outline in this book.

Designs and patents are limited in application, and a brief explanation on each is more than most people can stand or need, unless they are involved in these areas.  

Lastly, trade secrets law is a DIY area, and once you have a little basic knowledge, you can use this to ward off people who want to steal your ideas.

Extract from "Easy IP: How to use the Law to Protect you Money-Making Ideas" by Paul Brennan

©  Paul Brennan 2010. All rights reserved.

More on Easy IP:

PROTECTING YOUR NAME, IDEAS, PRODUCTS, AND BRANDS

EASY IP: HOW TO USE THE LAW TO PROTECT YOUR MONEY-MAKING IDEAS

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