Category: Patents and Trademarks

What Do IP Attorneys Do and When Do You Need One?

Written by JGPC Business Law on September 30, 2017. Updated June 2026. An intellectual property (IP) attorney helps businesses protect valuable assets such as trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and proprietary processes. Working with an IP attorney early can help prevent infringement issues, protect competitive advantages, and strengthen the long-term value of your business. Ideas, creative inventions and processes, and trademarks are what help give you an edge over your...

What are the Benefits of Patent Pending Status?

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Written by JGPC Business Law on April 24, 2017. Updated June 2026. Patent pending status allows inventors and businesses to publicly indicate that a patent application has been filed while the invention is under review. Although patent-pending status does not provide the full legal protections of an issued patent, it can help establish priority, discourage infringement, and demonstrate your commitment to protecting your intellectual property. It is well known that patents can provide...

JGPC Law - Alameda County Business and Corporate Mediation Attorneys

Software Patents and Alice in the Looking Glass

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Written by JGPC Business Law on April 21, 2017. Updated June 2026. Author: Gerald R. Prettyman, J.D., LL.M. Software patents remain one of the most complex areas of intellectual property law. While software-related inventions can still qualify for patent protection in certain circumstances, businesses and developers must carefully evaluate patent eligibility requirements and work closely with experienced intellectual property counsel. The public tends to believe the purpose of...

Is That a Patent, Trademark or Copyright?

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Written by JGPC Business Law on February 23, 2017. Updated July 2026. Businesses create valuable intellectual property every day, but not every idea is protected in the same way. This article explains the basic differences between patents, trademarks, and copyrights, what each one protects, and why selecting the appropriate form of intellectual property protection is an important part of building and protecting a business. Key Takeaways Patents protect new and useful inventions,...

Patent Attorneys Protect Your Company’s Investments

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Written by JGPC Business Law on February 10, 2017. Updated July 2026. Businesses routinely protect their physical assets with insurance and security measures, but many overlook the importance of safeguarding their intellectual property. This article explains how patent attorneys help businesses protect inventions, navigate the patent application process, evaluate infringement risks, and enforce patent rights against competitors. Key Takeaways Intellectual property can be one of a...

How to Register and Protect Your Trademarks

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Updated August, 2026. Trademarks help customers distinguish one company’s goods and services from those offered by competitors. This article explains the basic federal trademark registration process, including filing an application, USPTO examination, publication, and the trademark owner’s continuing responsibility to maintain and enforce the registration. Key Takeaways Trademarks can protect names, logos, slogans, symbols, and other identifiers associated with...