Originally published in the January 2012 issue of Smart Business Northern California.

For many companies, intellectual property (IP) – ranging from names and logos to products, websites and beyond – can be their most valuable asset. IP is protectable under federal and state laws to ensure that it will not be copied or used by other people or organizations.

IP can be separated into four main areas: copyrights, trademarks, patents and trade secrets. It is important for a company to not only identify what IP assets they have, but also to protect them, says Robert Andris, a partner at Ropers Majeski Kohn & Bentley PC.

Smart Business spoke to Andris about performing an IP audit to ensure protection from infringement.

Please see full article below for more information.