Patents, Copyrights & Trademarks for Dummies (Paperback)

~ (Author) "What is intellectual property?..." (more)
Key Phrases: commercial identifier, imitation wax seal, patentability test, United States, Copyright Office, Supplemental Register (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

An essential guide to the basics of intellectual property law
This practical guide familiarizes readers with the fundamentals of protecting their-or their company's-vital rights involving patents, copyrights, and trademarks. Anyone who needs to understand intellectual property law will find straightforward explanations of all the devices for protecting intellectual property, as well as advice on handling registration forms and applications with in-depth instructions for their use.

Henri Charmasson (San Diego, CA) is a patent attorney who specializes in intellectual property. He is a member of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the San Diego Patent Law Association.

From the Back Cover

• Includes detailed examples for each type of patent application
• Step-by-step guidance on protecting your intellectual property

Do you have a great idea for the next big thing? Worried about competitors stealing your hot new business concept? Don't worry! Patents, Copyrights & Trademarks For Dummies covers all the fundamentals of intellectual property — including acquiring, registering, maintaining, and protecting your intellectual property rights. Make sure you're the only person profiting from your hard work!

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Discover how to:

• Understand the paperwork
• Determine if your intellectual property is worth protecting
• Register trademarks and copyrights
• Hire an intellectual property professional to help you
• Meet patent requirements
• Protect your rights abroad

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (February 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764525514
• ISBN-13: 978-0764525513
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #279,577 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great entry-level book, June 21, 2006

By	Steve (Irvine, CA) - See all my reviews

I'm in legal with an IP background and this book is a great IP primer - I was pleasantly surprised by the depth. 'Dummies' is a misnomer as it provides entry-level to intermediate coverage.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Information for Business Beginners, March 8, 2007

By	Aaron Parnes "www.hearingpocket.com" (New York City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When you think of a product you may be under the impression that I need to patent my invention, but don't have to do anything else. Nothing can be further from the truth. Henri Charmasson spells out clearly in this well written, humorous book how one must wisely go out and protect their intellectual property. He cleverly steers you through the unfriendly and confusing halls of the USPTO - the Patent and Trademark office, and guides you to seeking out the advice of an IP professional, (namely a patent attorney). It is a must read for new business owners, and many established businesses can use the help as well. But after going through the book, you will learn one thing - "Do not to go about patenting and Trademarking by yourself. Get a professional to help you."

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Patents, Copyrights & Trademarks for Dummies, September 18, 2007

By	A. S. PETRIK "Wet ink Wisdom" (South Dakota) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I applied for a US Federal Trademark on July 13th and besides putting the (c) on my name and art work... I never thought much about sending in anything to the Copyright office in D.C. End of August a check company contacted me to license my artwork for their checks and address labels... this I knew was big but I needed extra help. A friend suggested this book, I ordered it immediately and wow... it is so super easy to comprehend. I absolutely now swear by this book I've nicknamed the "Artist's Bible." I have found all the tips, etc about copyrighting my art AND about trademark issues extremely valuable. I have actually ear marked several pages so I can go back to that as a reference quickly. And it's also important to have an attorney to fall back on which I do. But yes I highly recommend this book for any artist serious enough to get their work copyrighted or even getting their company name trademarked like me.