Patent, Copyright & Trademark: An Intellectual Property Desk Reference, Sixteenth Edition

Intellectual Property Law Without the Legalese

Ideas can become property. A novel, an invention, a brand name, a secret formula—each may qualify for legal protection, but only if you understand the rules. Patent, Copyright & Trademark: An Intellectual Property Desk Reference is Nolo’s plain-English map to that territory. Attorney Richard Stim explains how patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets work in the United States, and what creators and businesses need to know to protect what they make.

What You’ll Find Inside

This sixteenth edition is organized for quick reference and practical use. It moves from broad overviews to specific definitions, then to sample forms and filing instructions.

• Patents: application basics, design patents, what can be patented, and how inventors establish and defend rights.
• Copyrights: what works are protected, registration procedures, electronic and print applications, and key definitions.
• Trademarks: trademark law overview, federal application steps, the TEAS system, and examples of a TEAS Plus application.
• Trade secrets: how confidential business information is protected, plus guidance on preparing nondisclosure agreements.

Definitions, Forms, and Filing Guidance

One of the book’s strengths is its balance. It is not only a narrative introduction; it also gathers hundreds of definitions and statutes in one place. When you need to check a term, compare procedures, or find a sample form, the desk reference format helps you locate the information without wading through a full legal treatise. The sixteenth edition was published in April 2020 and covers United States law unless otherwise stated.

Who This Book Helps

Inventors, writers, artists, designers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners often face intellectual property questions before they can afford a lawyer for every issue. This reference is designed for those moments. It can also serve students, paralegals, and legal professionals who want a reliable overview of IP fundamentals. Because the material is written in accessible language, it works as both a learning tool and a quick-answer resource.

Why Keep It Within Reach

Intellectual property touches more of daily business life than ever. A name, a logo, a manuscript, a prototype, a customer list—each may carry rights and risks. Having a clear reference on your desk makes it easier to ask better questions, recognize when protection is available, and know when to seek professional advice. This edition has sold over 250,000 copies, a sign of how many readers have turned to it for straightforward IP guidance.

About This Edition

Published by Nolo in April 2020, the sixteenth edition is written by Attorney Richard Stim, author of several other Nolo intellectual property titles. If you need a practical, plain-English guide to patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, this desk reference is built for repeated use.