The Paralegal’s Role in Intellectual Property Law

by Carol Brockman

Explanation of IP Law

Establish who has the right to profit from a person’s intellectual efforts

IP = organization, word choice, details, process

IP ≠ an idea

Focus of Work

Copyrights Patents Trademarks Trade secrets Moral rights

Three Phases of Work

Exception: Trademark cases require phases 1 and 3 only

Phase 1: Application

process

Phase 2:Marketingresearch

Phase 3:Infringement

defense

Necessary Skills

Aside from the common skills needed in a paralegal Excellent research

skills Strong knowledge of

litigation Specialty knowledge

beyond law in areas like science, publishing, art, or music

Employment Areas

Computer, software, and technology industries

Biochemistry Educational institutions

and libraries Pharmaceuticals Health care

technology

Film and television

Publishing Music Government:

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Self: independent research contractors

Career Outlook

Growing area of law for paralegals Better paying area of law for

paralegals

A Good Fit for Me

I need to develop litigation skills. But I posses

Publishing experience A love for research An interest in marketing

Resources

Career Opportunities in Law and the Legal Industry. Susan Echaore-McDavid. New York, NY: Ferguson, 2002. (more info)

Careers in Law. 3rd Ed.Gary A. Munneke. Chicago, IL: McGraw-Hill, 2004. (more info)

Paralegal Career Starter. 2nd Ed.Jo Lynn Southard and Lauren B. Starkey. New York, NY: LearningExpress, LLC, 2002. (more info)

Paralegal Careers.Angela Schneeman. Albany, NY: West Legal Studies, 2000. (more info)