Adam Burroughs  Intellectual property (IP) might be one of the
most valuable assets of your company. But if it’s not protected,
you can be foregoing a significant advantage in the marketplace.
There are four major IP categories:    • Patents, which protect
inventions;    • Copyrights, which protect artistic forms of
expression;    • Trademarks, which protect brands; and    •
Trade secrets.  Generally, the types of IP small businesses may
be interested in protecting are unique to the kind of company
and its core competencies. For example, businesses that are
predicated on developing new products or technology will be
interested in patent protection, while another business may be
identified by its brands and would want to protect those through
trademarks.  However, John P. Cornely, of counsel at Fay Sharpe,
LLP, says it’s important to take a close look at everything —
from catalog photographs to manufacturing processes — to ensure
the security of all of your IP.  Smart Business spoke with
Cornely about success