If you want to use a technical invention, a trade mark or a special design, you should not only think about applying for an IP right, but also about a “freedom-to-operate” (FTO) search. This is the only way for inventors and entrepreneurs to ensure that no third-party IP rights are infringed during the entire manufacturing, development and sales process.

Finding a name for your own product or company can be one of the most important and difficult tasks for an entrepreneur or founder. After all, there is an almost infinite number of possibilities. At the same time, there is always the risk that the chosen trade name already exists in the same or a similar form and has already been registered.

Registered designs can offer a high recognition value for your company and make your external or product appearance unique. To avoid imitations, it often makes sense to have designs legally protected. In this article, you can find out exactly how to proceed and what is important when protecting designs.

The first patent application is an important milestone in the life of an inventor and/or entrepreneur. However, in order to avoid legal difficulties or a lengthy and expensive legal dispute, an important step should be taken before the initial application: the patent search. This can prevent the existence of identical or similar patents in Germany or abroad that could conflict with your patent application.

Bringing an idea or invention to life involves many costs: Prototypes, adaptations, labour - and a patent. This includes not only the costs for drafting and prosecuting the patent application, but also for prior counselling and - ideally - ongoing patent monitoring. But what does a patent actually cost?

Before a trade mark application is filed in Germany or the EU, the most important step must be taken: a trade mark search. This is to prevent an identical or similar trade mark already being protected in Germany or abroad, which could stand in the way of a successful application. As experienced attorneys in trade mark law, …