Owning and operating a Florida business often involves offering products or services with unique characteristics that are specific to your enterprise. As a result, your business will probably also generate intellectual property. In many ways, your intellectual property will be just as valuable and distinct as your products and services. Consequently, it’s vital that you take steps to safeguard this important business asset. Here is more on ways to protect your intellectual property in Florida.
What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual property is a term used to describe certain intangible creations that are connected to a company or business. For a Florida business, this property usually includes an entity’s name, brand, logo, or associated phrase.
The ways in which your customer base can identify your company or product are integral to its success. Therefore, you need to put measures in place to protect your Florida intellectual property.
Ways to Protect Your Florida Intellectual Property
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Create Your Brand Identity
The first step in protecting your Florida intellectual property is to develop a branding concept. What makes your company unique? Do you have a logo? Associated word or phrase? You need to determine the features that set you apart and make you identifiable to others. Once you know what you have to protect, you can employ the necessary protective measures.
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Register Your Trademark
Trademarks are an essential part of protecting your Florida intangible property. Trademark registration is available at both the state and federal levels. While the two forms of registration offer similar protections, they also have some crucial differences. Therefore, if you plan on registering a trademark for your Florida business, it’s essential that you consult with a Florida business attorney to discuss your options.
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Using Trademarked Intellectual Property
While protecting your brand by trademarking is an important first step, you must also use your trademarked property. When trademarks go unused, there can be a basis for another party to challenge their ownership. Therefore, using your protected property is not only good for your business, but it can also prevent others from alleging non-use.
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Market and Promote Your Business
On a practical level, it’s important to get your name and image out where they can be seen. The benefits to using your intellectual property are two-fold:
- Using your logo, image, and other intangible property, you can help you establish ownership, and
- Such use can help increase brand recognition and promote business growth.
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Operate Your Business
In addition to registering your intellectual property, you will also want to make sure you are using it while conducting your business. Actually putting your property into the marketplace can help add credence to your claim that your unique features belong to you.
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Protect Your Intellectual Property by Working with an Experienced Florida Business Attorney.
The best way to protect your Florida intellectual property is by working with an experienced Florida business attorney. Your business lawyer can help you evaluate your property and determine how to protect your brand and interests.
In today’s market, distinguishing yourself can be a challenge. Once you have a brand identity with notable features, you want to do all you can to protect your creations.
By taking these and other essential steps, you can safeguard your intangible property and continue building your business. By working with your Florida business attorney, you can develop a plan that supports your operations and future and protects your intellectual property.
Contact an Experienced Florida Business Attorney
Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Center assists clients like you with business and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, you may call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent small business clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.