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For Email Newsletters you can trust About the Smartfast Blog
The pace of business keeps you on the run. You need to make (SMART) decisions and take action quickly (FAST). Business attorney Jean Sifleet created the SMART FAST® blog to help. Whether you’re a start up company or an established company, SMART FAST® provides information that can help you make more informed business decisions. This is information – not legal advice.
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Tag Archives: Intellectual Property
“Law of Two Feet” – Catalyst for Innovation
I heard about “the law of two feet” at Innovation 2010, an UN-conference sponsored by Mass Technology Leadership Council. Basically, it means “If at any time you find yourself in any situation where you are neither learning nor contributing, use … Continue reading
Posted in Business Systems, Innovation, Intellectual Property
Tagged Innovation, Intellectual Property, Law of Two Feet
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What’s in the Public Domain?
Myth: If it’s on the Internet, it is in the “public domain” and can be freely copied. While information on the Internet is “public,” it’s not all in the “public domain.” According to Wikipedia, “Public domain comprises the body of … Continue reading
Posted in Copyright, Intellectual Property, Uncategorized
Tagged Copyright, Fair Use, Intellectual Property, public domain
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What is Fair Use?
Copyright – What is “Fair Use”? Copyright law makes it illegal to copy, display, publish, perform or create derivative works of copyrighted material without the permission of the owner. Most of the content on the Internet is covered by copyright … Continue reading
Posted in Copyright, Intellectual Property, Uncategorized
Tagged Copyright, Fair Use, Intellectual Property
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10 Things I Learned from The Social Network – the movie about Facebook
10. An idea is not a business. The Winklevoss twins claimed their “idea” was stolen. But they did not build a business because they failed to implement their idea. They also seemed sloppy about protecting their confidential information and in … Continue reading
Social Media — 10 Thoughts
Social media (Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, etc) are being used by individuals and companies – in ways that really blur the lines between what’s business and personal. Here are 10 thoughts: 10. Legal responsibility. You are legally responsible for … Continue reading
IP Quiz – Is Your Intellectual Property Escaping?
Intellectual Property (IP) is broad in scope. People tend to think of the formal IP – such as Trademarks, Copyrights and Patents. IP also includes a broad range of work processes and intangibles (such as customer relationships and employee morale). … Continue reading
Update – Non-Compete Agreements — IP of Employer? Or, Skills of Employee?
I am frequently asked, “Is this non-compete enforceable?” (Please note that this discussion applies to non-competes for employees not non-competes related to the sale of a business.) Unfortunately, the answer is not always clear. This creates uncertainty – fear of … Continue reading
Trade Secrets & Confidential Business Info
Confidential business information is the most valuable asset for most businesses. Safeguarding it is a lot more complicated than locking the door when you leave. Confidential information is being used every day in your business. Hence, it’s a real challenge … Continue reading
FAQs – Trademarks
Question: What does Trademark law protect? Trademark protection may be available for any word, phrase, name, symbol, sound (called “the mark”) that identifies or distinguishes your product or service from those made or sold by others. It includes the exclusive … Continue reading
Posted in Business Practices, Intellectual Property, Uncategorized
Tagged Intellectual Property, Trademark
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Copyright – “Fair Use” Doctrine
In general, Copyright law makes it illegal to copy, display, publish, perform or create derivative works of copyrighted material without the permission of the owner. But, the rights of the copyright owner are limited by the “Fair Use” doctrine, which … Continue reading
Posted in Business Practices, Copyright, Intellectual Property, Uncategorized
Tagged Copyright, Intellectual Property
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