IPR basics

What are patents, trademarks and design rights? How does one apply for them, and what do I need to know beforehand? Check out this series of articles from our experts for a rundown on the basics of IPR.

Patent

A patent protects your invention. It is an exclusive right that allows you to restrict others from exploiting your invention commercially.

Trademark

A trademark is a sign that distinguishes the products and services of your company from those of your competitors, functioning as a distinctive symbol in the market.

Utility model

A utility model is a fast way to protect your invention. Similar to a patent, it enables you to restrict the commercial use of your invention by others.

Design right

A design right protects the industrial design of your product, or a part or detail of it. A registered design is an exclusive right that allows you to prohibit others from using your design.

Unitary Patent

A Unitary Patent (UP) is a new type of European patent that has unitary effect in the member states of the EU participating the Unitary Patent system.

Frequently asked questions

Our patent attorneys answer the most commonly asked questions – such as, can one patent a software program, and what is the difference between the ® and ™ symbols?

News

The USPTO terminates “After Final Consideration Pilot Program 2.0 (AFCP 2.0)”

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will end its AFCP 2.0 Program on December 14, 2024. Read more:

News | 28.11.2024

MIP STARS 2024 | Laine IP Recognized in Top Tier for Patent and Trademark Excellence

Laine IP ranked in Tier1 category both in patent and TM work. Additionally, several experts received star recognitions in Managing IP’s 2024 survey. Read more:

News | 3.10.2024

UPC | Romania is the 18th member state

Romania became the 18th UPC member state on 1 September 2024. Read more:

News | 2.9.2024