Our New What Is…? Series

by: Robert Wagner, intellectual property attorney at the Pittsburgh law firm of Picadio Sneath Miller & Norton, P.C. ()

3d illustration of person with word Q&A cubesPatent and intellectual property law can be intimidating and confusing, especially to inventors, individuals, and companies that have never been through the patent, trademark, or copyright process. In the coming weeks and months, we are going to be posting a number of articles designed to answer some basic questions about patents, trademarks, and copyrights. We’re calling this our “What Is…?” series.

These explanations and discussions are designed to provide a basic overview of these concepts, and are not meant to be the definitive statement on any of them. Patent and intellectual property law, as well as other areas of the law, are full of subtleties, nuances, and exceptions that can change the results or answers depending on the factual and legal circumstances that you find yourself in. So, what might be generally true is not always true. As with any legal issue, you should consult with a qualified attorney to determine how these concepts apply to you in your specific situation.

Our hope is to help you in understanding these basic concepts in what can be a complex and confusing area.

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