An IP legal team typically consists of an attorney and a paralegal.
Generally, intellectual property works require legal knowledge of local and international laws that ensure the protection of intellectual property. Intellectual property jobs often consist of attorneys and paralegals who are responsible for ensuring the protection of copyrights, patents, and trademarks. These positions may also advise natural or legal persons on the validity of classifying a given work as intellectual property. Most IP jobs work to ensure legal compliance with copyright laws. Intellectual property attorneys can take legal action against suspected violations of intellectual property laws.
A trademark is a form of intellectual property that protects various types of business identifiers.
The creation of intangible assets, such as inventions, works of art, and books that originate in the mind of the creator, are commonly identified as intellectual property. While the distinction of intangible assets is clear, understanding which law protects the asset can be confusing to the average person. A legal team of intellectual property experts can provide guidance in classifying the distinction between copyright, patent, and trademark protection.
The legal team for IP work typically includes an attorney and a paralegal. The attorney is normally responsible for providing legal advice and representation to clients. The legal assistant assists the attorney in most of the administrative functions related to an intellectual property case.
Most intellectual property attorneys can advise clients on the legality of obtaining intellectual property protection. Lawyers can interpret intellectual property laws explaining the proper classification of assets. Typically, the IP attorney can also advise clients on how to complete legal documents to ensure IP protection.
Providing legal representation in court is another duty of IP attorneys. Intellectual property attorneys can litigate cases involving infringement, the unauthorized use of an asset legally recognized as belonging to another, in the protection of a patent or trademark. These cases may occur locally or internationally, depending on the intellectual property laws related to the case.
Paralegal IP engagements often include completing administrative litigation work without providing legal advice to clients. Paralegals often act as a liaison between the law firm, the court, intellectual property regulatory agencies, and clients. Many paralegals may work in a fast-paced environment with lawsuit deadlines and statutes of limitations that can affect the integrity of the case.
Performing database searches for intellectual property infringements is also an important function for paralegals. This type of investigation is useful for clients who are concerned about identifying potential violations of existing copyrights, patents, or trademarks. Conducting an infringement survey can also protect customers from violating the rights of others.
Another duty of paralegals may involve investigations to gather pertinent details to support claims of infringement. Most paralegals are responsible for gathering facts that may prove a violation when the attorney plans to take legal action. This investigation may include the discovery of past laws and court decisions that establish significant legal precedents for a case. The paralegal can compile the information and present the findings to the attorney.