1. Points to Remember About
Protecting Intellectual
Property Rights
Mark S. Thomas
February 6, 2013

2. N C LEAP – Focus on International Law
Basic Categories of Intellectual Property
> Patents
> Copyrights
> Trademarks
> Trade Secrets
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3. N C LEAP – Focus on International Law
> Sources of Information on the Federal Laws of
Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights
– Patents and trademarks: www.uspto.gov
– Copyrights: www.copyright.gov
> Each State has its own trademark statute.
> Trade secrets are generally governed by State laws,
with some federal exceptions.
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4. N C LEAP – Focus on International Law
IPR Can Be Handled Very Differently Outside the
United States
> Different legal systems (civil v. common law)
> Different statutes and regulations
> Different ideas of how IPR is protected
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5. N C LEAP – Focus on International Law
You Therefore Need to Know the Territory
> 1. How does your target territory protect IPR?
> 2. Do you need to file registrations for protection in
that country before it will recognize
your rights?
> 3. Are your rights in that country affected by any
international treaties?
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6. N C LEAP – Focus on International Law
Mark S. Thomas
919.981.4025
mthomas@williamsmullen.com
This PowerPoint and the accompanying presentation contain general, condensed
summaries of actual legal matters, statutes and opinions for information purposes. They are
not meant to be and should not be construed as legal advice. Readers with particular needs
on specific issues should retain the services of competent counsel.
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