How much does it cost to protect my business’s intellectual property?
Costs vary by the type and scope of protection. A federal trademark registration starts at $250 per class in USPTO filing fees. Copyright registration is typically under $100. Patent applications are the most expensive, starting at several thousand dollars for legal and filing fees. An IP attorney can help you prioritize your filings based on […]
What is a trade secret, and how does it fit in?
A trade secret is confidential business information that provides a competitive advantage, such as a proprietary recipe, manufacturing process, customer list, or pricing strategy. Unlike patents, trade secrets do not require registration. Protection lasts as long as the information remains secret. Florida’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act provides legal remedies if a trade secret is misappropriated. […]
Do I need to register my copyright to be protected?
Copyright protection is automatic upon creation, but registration is strongly recommended. Without a federal registration, you cannot file a lawsuit for infringement in federal court, and your ability to recover statutory damages and attorney’s fees is limited. Registration is relatively inexpensive and provides significantly stronger legal protections.
How long does it take to get a patent?
The patent examination process at the USPTO typically takes two to three years for a utility patent, though complex inventions can take longer. Design patents are generally processed faster, often within 12 to 18 months. Working with a patent attorney from the outset ensures your application is thorough and reduces the likelihood of rejections that […]
Can I copyright a business name or logo?
A business name alone cannot be copyrighted because names and short phrases are not eligible for copyright protection. A logo may be eligible for copyright if it contains sufficient original creative expression, but the appropriate protection for a business name and logo in a commercial context is trademark registration, not copyright.
Should I wait to see how my injuries develop before contacting an attorney?
No. You can and should contact an attorney as soon as possible after your injury. An early consultation does not mean you have to file a lawsuit immediately. It means your attorney can begin preserving evidence, advising you on medical treatment, and protecting your rights while you focus on recovery.
Does the two-year deadline apply to children injured in accidents?
For minors, the statute of limitations is generally tolled until the child turns 18. This means a child injured at age 10 would have until age 20 to file a lawsuit. Parents or legal guardians can also file on behalf of the child before the child reaches adulthood.
Can I still file a claim if my injury showed up weeks after the accident?
Yes, as long as you file within the statute of limitations period. Delayed symptoms are common in car accident cases, particularly for soft tissue injuries, concussions, and herniated discs. What matters is that you seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear and that your physician documents the connection between the accident and your injury.
Does the statute of limitations apply to insurance claims too?
The statute of limitations governs lawsuits filed in court. Insurance claims have their own timelines dictated by your policy terms. However, the threat of a lawsuit is what gives your insurance claim leverage, so letting the statute expire effectively eliminates your bargaining power with the insurer as well.
What happens if I miss the statute of limitations in Florida?
If you file your lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant will file a motion to dismiss, and the court will almost certainly grant it. There are very few exceptions, and courts enforce these deadlines strictly. Once your right to sue is lost, it cannot be recovered.
