Define: Plam

A patent is a legal document that grants exclusive rights to an inventor for their invention, preventing others from making, using, or selling the invention without permission.

In most cases, a utility patent lasts for 20 years from the date of filing, while a design patent lasts for 15 years. However, certain circumstances may allow for patent term extensions.

No, you cannot patent a business idea itself. Patents are only granted for tangible inventions or processes that meet specific criteria of novelty, usefulness, and non-obviousness.

A trademark protects logos, brand names, or slogans that distinguish goods or services, while a copyright protects original works of authorship, such as books, music, or artwork.

To register a trademark, you need to file an application with the appropriate intellectual property office, providing details about your mark, its intended use, and paying the required fees.

Under the fair use doctrine, limited use of copyrighted material for educational purposes may be allowed, but it depends on factors such as the purpose, nature, amount, and effect on the market.

To file a lawsuit, you typically need to draft a complaint, file it with the appropriate court, and serve the defendant with a copy. The defendant then has an opportunity to respond, and the case proceeds through various stages of litigation.

A misdemeanor is a less serious criminal offense, usually punishable by fines, probation, or a short jail sentence. A felony, on the other hand, is a more serious offense that can result in longer prison sentences.

Yes, you have the right to represent yourself in court, known as “pro se” representation. However, it is generally recommended to seek legal counsel, especially for complex or high-stakes cases.

The statute of limitations is a legal time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed. It varies depending on the type of case and jurisdiction, and if the time limit expires, you may lose the right to bring a claim.