Week 7 EOC: 10 Intellectual Property Questions

1. How do I know what form of intellectual property protection is available for my work?
2. How much of my work is protected under a copyright?
3. How can I prove that there has been an infringement on my copyright? 
4. Can I protect multiple but related works under the same registration? 
5. Are there specialized courts in the United States that hear intellectual property claims?
6. What is required for me to pursue an action for the appropriation of a trade secret?
7. What can be done if someone uses your intellectual property when you have protected it?
8.  What is the difference between the trademark 'TM' service mark 'SM' Registered 'R' in the circle and Copyright 'C' in the circle? 
9.  Why do so many Internet users believe that intellectual property has no value?
10. Where can I find licensing and intellectual property invention information?

   

EOC Week 6: Illicit

Illicit activity is a major problem in the world today. Most people do not believe that buying a simple handbag or watch would create a problem. Think about not only what you are buying at that moment but what else those people who are selling you the product may also be selling.  “Argentina has accused the United States of bringing undeclared weapons, drugs and communications equipment into the country,” (TOM HENNIGAN) Many can believe that what they are doing is nothing to worry about. But something as simple to buying a copied handbag can be also related to a more sinister scenario.  Even though the above quote may not be a simple black market case, the government could also be a factor of some of these illicit activities.  Buying a simple handbag or a pair of sunglasses could lead to something far more complex such as possibly buying from the same people who also illicit liquor.  There are many types of illicit activity some ranging from not so bad to unthinkable. There are things as little as buying counterfeit clothes and accessories to buying human organs and trafficking children out for sex. Something that many would think was horrible and unthinkable. Even I myself did not make the leap between the two. Asking myself how could buying a fake handbag be bad or lead to worse things. For the buyer maybe not so much but in order to stop these types of activity’s we have to think about the consumers and educating them on what they may be buying and other things that relate to those. Illicit activities are a major problem in society today and the government and ourselves need to help stop these issues. Many of us would find buying a human repulsive so why support the same group by buying the lesser accessories.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0216/1224289929139.html

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Two-arrested-for-supplying-illicit-liquor/Article1-662858.aspx

http://stlouisreview.com/article/2011-02-16/40-days-campaign

EOC week 5: Lawyers Looking for Fame

            In a case of lawyers who look for fame I’m sure that many people would automatically assume that these specific lawyers are people who make sure to put themselves in the limelight. Lawyers who purposefully put their names on billboards, and make commercials, and are on T.V. every chance that they get, these are the lawyers that most people think of.  These are the types of lawyers that tend to give all other lawyers a bad name. But there are lawyers out there who do not truly look for fame but it is given to them in other ways. “We are grateful to be recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly for our work on behalf of our clients. It is a testament to our team of dedicated lawyers and staff.” This was a statement made by Ron Brown of Brown and Cruoppen Plaintiff Law Firm after finding out that they won the Winningest Plaintiff Law Firm by Missouri Lawyers Weekly. There are lawyers out there that do truly earn the fame that they are getting, as well as lawyers who do this job just because they love it. Money is not always everything. While I’m sure that this law firm is not not advertising themselves everyone does deserve a little fame and fortune now and again. Most lawyers depending on the type of law that they practice are in an area where advertising is a necessary. We also congratulate our colleague Jim Lemonds for being named one of the state's Winningest Plaintiff Attorneys for 2010. Jim works hard on behalf of his clients.” Its good that this particular law firm is not just looking out for the names of the company but also giving credit to the other lawyers who are working for them. While I believe that lawyers who seek fame are more common then not there are lawyers out there who look to help their clients and end up gaining the fame from the work they do.

EOC week 4 Death Race Jeopardy

I enjoyed the game it helped me to better learn and understand some of the definitions that are covered in the book. I particularly enjoyed the fact that after the game we were awarded with extra credit points for the upcoming midterm for next week. I truly believe that this game of jeopardy is a very effective way of learning all of the vocabulary words. Racing others to the board of course will always be a blast due to the fact that you never know if you will be awarded for any of the work that we are putting in. I enjoyed having to work in groups and being able to see how others are doing with their studying. When you have over 50 definitions that you have to study only in a few weeks time it can be a little over whelming so when you get the chance to turn it into a game it is always a good way to relieve some stress.