Intellectual Property
Websites & Articles
A Small-Business Guide to Intellectual Property
"The two most precious resources for any small-business owner are time and money. That's why when the subject of intellectual property comes up, many owners run in the other direction. They see images of expensive lawyers and use that as an excuse to ignore the topic, reasoning that it is a problem for big companies to worry about."
Choosing a Business Name FAQ
Answers to commonly asked questions about choosing and registering a successful business name.
Espacenet - European Patent Search
Search European patent databases.
European Patent Office
Information about European patents.
FreePatentsOnline.com
Searchable database of U.S. patents. Entire patents can be downloaded in PDF format.
Google Patent Search
Quickly search patents and download to PDF.
How to Trademark a Domain Name
How to Trademark a Phrase: Step By Step
If your branding strategy includes the use of a catchy phrase or slogan, you should absolutely trademark your phrase.
Obtaining a Business Method Patent
A company that develops a new way of conducting e-commerce may be able to prevent others from using it for almost two decades.
Patent Law
Overview of patent law by Cornell University Law School with other references.
Trademark University
The Trademark University provides a wide range of detailed videos and information specific to all things trademark.
US Copyright Office
Extensive information on copyright protections.
US Patent and Trademark Office
Search for granted U.S. patents and federal trademarks; learn about and apply for intellectual property protection.
USPTO Patent Examination Policy
Basic information about international intellectual property protection.
World Intellectual Property Organization
Comprehensive information on international intellectual property protection.
Recommended Books
The Entrepreneur's Guide to Business Law, 4th Edition
Constance E. Bagley and Craig E. Dauchy
A comprehensive, plain-English overview of the major legal issues that entrepreneurs need to be aware of. The time you invest in reading this book will pay for itself many times by helping you avoid common mistakes and better utilize your attorney's time. (Paid link)
Disclaimer: Inclusion in this directory does not constitute an endorsement. The materials linked to from this page are copyrighted to their respective owners.
FTC Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on the links, Cayenne Consulting will receive a small commission. We are dedicated to finding the best resources for entrepreneurs and we never recommend something we wouldn’t use for our own business.