Walkington Law

A Personalized Service for Securing Your Intellectual Property

Today, more than ever, it is important for your business and brand to stand out from the crowded field. Whether you are an influencer or content creator, an emerging business, or an established company, your brand and creative endeavors are what make you unique. Your intellectual property is one of your greatest assets, but if you don't protect it, you risk losing it. You worked hard to build your business and brand. Walkington Law works hard to help you protect it.

Attorney Sarah Walkington has over two decades of intellectual property law experience. Before establishing her own firm to help businesses and innovators safeguard their intellectual property, Sarah practiced in the IP group of an internationally recognized Big Law firm, in a respected IP boutique law firm, and in-house for a national nonprofit. She brings that depth and breadth of experience to the table for her clients, offering the skill of a Big Law firm with the cost-effective service and personal attention of a small firm.

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Sarah M. Walkington

Sarah Walkington, the founder and owner of Walkington Law, has over 20 years of experience as an intellectual property lawyer and is a registered patent practitioner with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Sarah established her solo practice in 2014, after more than a decade of intellectual property practice in large and boutique law firms and as in-house counsel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is intellectual property?

Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols, names, and images used in commerce. Intellectual property is protected by laws that grant exclusive rights to the creators or owners of these creations, allowing them to use and control their creations for a limited period. IP protection encourages innovation, creativity, and economic growth by providing incentives for individuals and businesses to invest in new ideas and creations. The primary types of intellectual property are patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

Intellectual property attorneys are experienced in the intricacies and nuances of the laws that apply to intellectual property rights. Sarah Walkington is a registered patent practitioner with the United States Patent and Trademark Office with over 20 years of experience in IP law. Sarah assists clients with a full range of intellectual property legal services, including counseling on IP rights, securing IP protection, and enforcing IP rights.

How do I protect my intellectual property?

Protecting your intellectual property from unauthorized use involves several proactive steps.

Register Your IP: Consider registering your patents, trademarks, and copyrights with the relevant government authorities. Registration provides legal evidence of ownership and strengthens your position in case of infringement.
Monitor and Enforce: Regularly monitor the use of your IP to detect any unauthorized use or infringement. If you find unauthorized use, take prompt action to enforce your rights through cease-and-desist letters or legal action.
Use Notices: Include copyright notices (©), trademark symbols (™ or ®), or patent numbers (if applicable) on your creations, products, or websites. This informs others about your rights and acts as a deterrent against potential infringement.
Non-Disclosure and Licensing Agreements: When sharing sensitive information with others, use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure of your trade secrets. For licensing your IP, have written agreements that clearly define the terms and conditions of use.
Work with an IP Attorney: Consulting with an experienced intellectual property attorney can help you navigate the complexities of IP protection, monitor for infringements, and take appropriate legal action when necessary. Attorney Sarah Walkington helps IP owners secure protection and enforce their legal rights for all types of intellectual property.

What qualifies as intellectual property?

Eligibility for legal protection as a patent, trademark, copyrighted work, or trade secret depends on federal and state laws. Attorney Sarah Walkington can advise on whether your creation qualifies for IP protection and guide you through the processes for securing maximum protection.

How can I protect my business name or logo?

Securing a trademark registration from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) enables you to protect a word, phrase, symbol, design, or combination of those elements that you use to distinctly identify your business or product.

What is the importance of trademark protection?

A trademark enables you to establish brand recognition in the marketplace and distinguish your goods or services from those of your competition. Your trademark may consist of a word, phrase, symbol, or design — or a combination of those elements — that distinctively identifies your business or creations and provides protection for your brand. Having a strong trademark can substantially improve the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.

Trademark registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is crucial to establishing and protecting enforceable legal rights in a trademark. Especially for individuals and businesses with an online presence, registration is essential to creating nationwide legal rights in your trademark. Having a registered trademark facilitates protection of your trademark and enforcement of your legal rights against infringers, counterfeiters, and scammers.

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Protecting Your Business and Brand

A Personalized Service for Securing Your Intellectual Property

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