Brand identity is arguably the most important aspect of business. To break into any market space and stay there, companies need to provide a solution to consumer issues. This could mean offering goods or services at a reasonable price or offering a new form of technology that has never been seen before.
The business world is notoriously competitive, and it is important to protect the unique aspects of your company. For example, your logos, website, designs, materials, processes and creations. Depending on the nature of the unique aspects of your brand, you may utilize patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets to protect it.
In theory, having these protections in place means that competitors cannot steal your intellectual property. Unfortunately, theory isn’t always put into practice and intellectual property infringement can occur. Here are some common examples.
Patent infringement
A patent grants you property rights to your innovative processes, designs and inventions. Generally, patents offer protection for 10 years or more. Having this protection in place means you can safely disclose your company’s innovation without another business copying it.
If a company starts to use your patented processes, designs or inventions, this is a serious intellectual property infringement and it is actionable in law.
Copyright infringement
Copyrights can protect your original creative work. For example, if your company has created unique computer software, web content, music or other original creative material, it can be copyrighted. This means that a rival cannot use it without permission or pass it off as their own material.
Trademark infringement
Logos and unique slogans are among the most important aspects of intellectual property. A company logo makes the brand recognizable. For example, most people could describe the logos from companies like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Google and Apple without seeing them.
The same can be said for slogans. For instance, most people associate the saying “just do it” with Nike. These aspects of a brand can be protected through trademarks. It is a trademark infringement to use another business’s logo or unique slogan.
If you have been subjected to trademark infringement, it is important to act quickly. With the right legal guidance behind you, you may be able to stop the infringement and claim financial compensation.