Intellectual property—trademarks, copyrights, patents, etc.—is a topic most organizations don’t think about enough. That’s especially true for mission-driven organizations. But as we’ll learn in this episode, intellectual property should very much be a concern of mission-driven organizations.
Key Takeaways:
- There are three types of intellectual property: trademarks to project brands, patents to protect ideas, and copyrights to protect words.
- The messaging is just as important as the underlying cause.
- It’s important to work with a qualified IP attorney to make sure that you’re protecting your organization’s brand.
- Even if your work is localized to a certain geography. There’s more to it than that. There are considerations for where you advertising your services, where you collect donations or rally volunteers.
- Trademark protection ensures that people know how to find you and that there is no confusion with other organizations.
- When you own a trademark, you have an affirmative duty to police it.
Episode Guest
Stacey C. Kalamaras is the Founding Partner of Kalamaras Law Office, LLC and is a seasoned trademark, copyright, and advertising attorney with nearly 30 years of branding experience. She helps startup and emerging businesses creatively identify, register, protect and commercialize their brands both in the U.S. and abroad, having worked for some of the world’s most beloved brands in more than 150 countries for clients in diverse industries. Prior to going to law school, Stacey was a brand manager and advertising director for the consumer-packaged goods industry. These valuable business experiences give Stacey unique insight into understanding her clients’ business needs to provide more practical, legal advice. For the past two years, Stacey has been recognized by her peers as a Super Lawyer® for her outstanding knowledge and services in intellectual property law and is a frequent speaker and writer on a variety of trademark topics.
