Ebook Key to IP Identifying Your Patents Trademarks Copyrights and Trade Secrets Chris Weiss Esq 9781542813952 Books

Product details Paperback 86 pages Publisher CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (March 1, 2017) Language English ISBN-10 1542813956

Key to IP Identifying Your Patents Trademarks Copyrights and Trade Secrets Chris Weiss Esq 9781542813952 Books Reviews

• This is the book I wished I had when I started my career as a product manager. Intellectual property law matters a lot to product success. I took a class in b-school on the topic with a crazy thick text book, attended numerous professional talks, and searched the internet many times for easy to understand articles on this topic. But this is the best by far. Chris hits a homerun distilling the complex topic of intellectual property into 8 easy to read chapters that are easy skim to find what you need and all in language a lay reader can understand. Chris's new book is now my go to desk reference on the topic.
• Based on all 5 stars reviews, I expected way more than provided by this very basic info packet that could easily be found at the USPTO website and/or couple of google searches. I suppose there's some value that he presents it in a small little packet. Would've provided real added value with just some little depth. The author does provide a disclaimer that the "content is only for entertainment purposes." But if you know nothing about IP, are intimidated by it, and/or don't know where to even begin this is a good start.
• This is a quirky little book that doesn't take itself too seriously while delivering a great amount of information in an efficient manner. It covers the basics of the five archetypes of intellectual property (utility patents, design patents, plant patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets). I recommend this as the first book any new business owner reads to understand their rights and responsibilities when bringing their intellectual property to market. Second-person narrative is a bold choice for a technical book like this.
• At last! Solid information about Intellectual Property written by a practicing Attorney – in plain language that I can actually understand and use! How refreshing. Thumbs up!
  
  After a 'conversational' set-up, the book begins with PATENTS and informs us about the three flavors Utility, Design, and Plant (who knew?). Author / Attorney Chris Weiss describes what each of these is, what they protect, and in general, when to consider using each of them. He includes an overview of the filing process and broad guidance on the timelines for each. This coverage is surprisingly detailed, yet delivered in user-friendly language with appropriate examples and illustrations of how Patents work in the U.S. Finally, he discusses the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) to help you protect your property internationally.
  
  Next is the clear and thorough explanation of TRADEMARKS and Service Marks. Again, Chris describes what they are, when they should be used, and how to file with the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) to perfect your claim. This includes when you can use the symbols TM, (R) and SM. Finally, he provides a list of sources to search when looking for something that might be similar to the one you want to file.
  
  Then comes COPYRIGHTS used to protect works of authorship. He rapidly debunks the myth of "mail it to yourself in a sealed envelope..." Chris informs us of the three elements necessary to give notice of a copyright. He discusses the principle of "fair use" and describes the filing process with the USPTO. In addition, information about the life span of copyright protection is included, as well as those elements that cannot be copyrighted.
  
  Finally, the issue of TRADE SECRETS is discussed in detail, describing the three characteristics that make up a valid Trade Secret. Using some commonly known examples, Chris provides examples of how to protect yours, including security and NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements).
  
  In closing, this is an excellent primer for anyone who wants to understand the Intellectual Property field broadly. I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering filing for protection in any of these areas to 1) seek the guidance of a qualified practicing Attorney (especially Patents!), and 2) read this book first so you don't end up paying over $200 and hour to have that Attorney explain to you what you could have learned for under $5 (you're smart, aren't you?).
  
  This is a "must read" for all non-attorney business advisers such as SCORE Mentors and other business coaches. If you are an entrepreneur, you should get this book to protect your unique and valuable ideas. What you think you know about IP may not be true – and it could cost you big time!
• Key to IP Identifying Your Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, and Trade SecretsWho would have thought that a book on intellectual property (IP) would be fun to read, as well as being so instructive at the same time? I would heartily recommend that any new entrepreneur buy a copy, read it in one sitting—and learn how to protect the startup's IP.
  The style and accessibility of Chris Weiss's new eBook is important in attracting attention to the subject of IP for any new venture, even if the founders think the subject does not apply to their kind of business. Every founder should at least consider the opportunity to protect things like the company name, logo or tag line.
  The book covers four important topics
  three kinds of patents utility, design and plants. They are really important for any startup that involves new products;
  trademarks and servicemarks, both of the common law variety (like TM) and those covered by Federal regulations (like ®);
  copyrights, which can be matters as obvious as the company's blog as well as more complex issues;
  trade secrets.
  People new to business creation may not realize where the new business could be vulnerable. Key to IP helps them both protect themselves as well how to avoid the risk of litigation. I am a prime example. When I set up my first business in 1982, Day 2 produced a 'cease and desist' letter. Of course it was scary. In fact it was a try-on—someone seeking benefit at our expense. On the more positive side, the book helps you go through all the areas of potential risk and how to take preemptive action, such the registration process for each.
  As Chris says, “As a patent attorney, I often get asked by people how they can protect their idea for a patent, which turns out to be a copyright or a trademark. I wanted to create a source that is easy to get through, and helps people identify what type of protection they could get.”
  The Key to Ip has a very useful Resources section on places you can find additional help and guidance, including links deep inside the US Patent & Trademarks Office (USPTO), which may otherwise seem somewhat impenetrable.
  I was surprised to find that this book was by far the best short and comprehensible text on IP. I thought that I would find many useful offerings on the topic. But I was wrong. Most titles were vast and boring tomes at high prices. Since Chris is a patent attorney, you can trust what he says, but if you were to pick up the book casually you might not think it was written by an expert, since the style makes this dry subject very interesting. As he told me, “It started off longer, but I kept cutting it down to get to the point where it would be easy to understand and could be finished in one sitting. I've found a number of books that cover individual topics more thoroughly, but the price, dry prose, and time required to go through them means that many people don't finish them.”
  Key to IP hits the spot!