Kentucky intellectual property law, or IP law, and the providers thereof are important to the growing number of inventors who are seeking to go beyond a hobby and turn their invention into something profitable.

Intellectual property law in Kentucky covers such topics as: intellectual property, copyrights, e-commerce and Internet transactions, fiduciary duty, trade secret, unfair competition litigation, intellectual property litigation, licensing, patent prosecution and protection and trademarks.

To find if you can be helped with intellectual property law in Kentucky:

1. Determine if your need falls under any of the categories listed in paragraph 2.

2. Determine if your provider offers free initial consultations.

3. Be prepared to thoroughly explain your idea. Consider bringing in samples, mockups, diagrams or anything to give the consultant something to help him or her visualize what you are needing help with in the field of intellectual property law in Kentucky.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with an KY intellectual property law search engine

Skip generic search engines like Google and Yahoo. Instead, you can look up your KY intellectual property law by using a state-specific part of a national website.

I recommend: Find intellectual property firms in Kentucky at Intellectual Property Law Firms.com. Find Law is another place to find an intellectual property lawyer in Kentucky. Justia gives you a breakdown by county or city, and LawInfo is known for providing public access to pre-qualified, pre-screened legal providers.

Go with a network or a larger company for your Kentucky IP law needs

Look for networks sponsored by state bar associations or consider a national or international firm for your intellectual property law in Kentucky needs. Work with a trusted network for referrals, and choose a company with a quality reputation to help you with your IP law in KY questions.

I recommend: Look at the iLawyer network for the lawyer referral service operated by the Louisville Bar Association. IP Procure Inc. is an international firm that offers you a free initial consultation. They can help you with your all-too important patent search and patent draft.

Look for state-wide practices that know their intellectual property law history in Kentucky

Look state-wide for your provider of information on intellectual property law in Kentucky. Some firms represent only in their community or county. Finding one that is local to you can help you easily answer your questions about IP laws in KY.

I recommend: Stites & Harbison PLLC for your E-commerce, trade secret and intellectual property law needs. Stockwell & Smedley can help you with patents, trademarks and copyrights and franchising. Lynch, Cox, Gilman & Mahan has services in patent, trademark, copyright, and intellectual property law. They can also help you with potential prosecution and litigation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't be discouraged if your first try doesn't come through clean from your patent search. Work with your intellectual property law lawyers in Kentucky to strategize for the next time.