Intellectual Property Articles
Practical articles on intellectual property for united states businesses in the US.
Do You Own The Designs Your Startup Paid For?
Hiring a designer for your startup? Payment alone may not give you full ownership of logos, UI files or brand assets. Here's what to cover before you launch.
October 22, 2026
OEM Agreements: Key Terms US Businesses Should Check
Planning to have another business make, brand or integrate your product? Here's what to check in your OEM agreement before you commit.
October 21, 2026
Can You Copyright A Website Design In The US?
Wondering whether your website design is protected? Here's what US copyright law covers, what it doesn't, and why contractor ownership matters.
October 21, 2026
Agency Agreements For Marketing Agencies
Running marketing campaigns moves fast. A clear agency agreement helps you manage scope, approvals, media spend, creator content and compliance before launch.
October 21, 2026
Do You Need To Trademark Your Business Name?
Your business name may be available with your state or as a domain, but that doesn't mean it's protected. Here's when a federal trademark is worth considering.
October 21, 2026
Engagement Agreements For US Service Providers
Working with clients should feel clear from day one. Here's how US service providers can use engagement agreements to protect scope, payment, IP and project changes.
October 21, 2026
Music in a Business Video: Clear the Song and the Recording
Using an existing song in a paid business video usually means clearing two separate rights: the composition and the sound recording. Here is how to map permission to your actual ad use and avoid risky assumptions about short clips, credit, or silence from a rightsholder.
October 21, 2026
Buying A Business: Contracts US Buyers Should Review
Buying a small business? Here are the key contracts to review before you sign, from customer and supplier terms to IP ownership, data, employees and closing conditions.
October 21, 2026
What Should A Usage Agreement Include?
Letting another business use your assets can be a great growth move. A clear usage agreement helps set limits, protect ownership and avoid disputes.
October 21, 2026
Do You Need A Membership Agreement?
Launching a paid community, club or member portal is exciting, but the rules matter. Here's what to cover in your membership agreement before members join and pay.
October 21, 2026
Using Open-Source Software? What Startups Should Check Before Fundraising or an Acquisition
Using open-source software? Hidden licence issues can derail due diligence before fundraising or a sale. Here's what startups should check now.
October 21, 2026
Contracts For Digital Marketing Agencies In The US
Running a digital marketing agency? Your contracts should cover scope, approvals, ad spend, creative rights, platform access and campaign expectations from day one.
October 20, 2026
EULA Vs Terms Of Service: Which Do You Need?
Launching software or an app in the US? Here's how to choose between an EULA, terms of service, or both so your licenses, accounts and user content are covered.
October 20, 2026
Sweat Equity Agreements for US Founders
Sweat equity can help founders reward early contributors, but the documents matter. Learn how vesting, IP assignments and contributor contracts protect ownership.
October 20, 2026
Buying A Website Business: Documents To Review
Buying a website business? Here's what to review beyond the traffic and revenue, from domains and IP to customer terms, contracts and closing documents.
October 20, 2026
Who Owns The Code In A Software Development Contract?
Hiring a developer? Here is how to check whether your business owns the code, only has a license, or is relying on tools and open-source components.
October 20, 2026
How To Transfer Trademark Ownership In The US
Transferring a trademark takes more than updating an owner name. Here's how assignments, goodwill and USPTO recordation work in US brand transfers.
October 20, 2026
Assignment Of Rights For Founders: What To Sign
Need to move code, content, branding or inventions into your startup? Here is what founders should sign so the company owns the rights it relies on.
October 20, 2026
Website Terms Of Service For Online Businesses
Launching or updating your website terms? Here is what US online businesses should cover for accounts, content, payments, IP and disputes.
October 20, 2026
How to Register Copyright for AI-Assisted Work
A mixed human and AI asset may still support copyright registration, but the claim usually needs to be limited to human authorship. Here is how to separate the layers, describe Author Created accurately, use Limitation of Claim, and correct the record if a filing omitted included AI-generated material.
October 20, 2026
Who Owns IP In Your Business Contracts?
Hiring a contractor, agency or developer? Your contract should clearly say who owns the deliverables, source files, background tools and portfolio rights.
October 20, 2026
Do You Need A Brand Collaboration Contract?
Sponsored content works best when everyone is clear from the start. Here's how creators and brands can set deliverables, usage rights, approvals and FTC disclosures.
October 20, 2026
Copyright Registration vs Copyright Notice in the US
A copyright notice can deter copying, but registration gives US businesses stronger enforcement options. Learn when each matters and how to decide what to register.
October 19, 2026
When Should You Send A Cease And Desist Letter?
Thinking about sending a cease and desist letter? Here's when it makes sense, what to include, and when attorney review can protect your business.
October 19, 2026
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