Intellectual Property for the Oil Field

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a general overview of intellectual property. Various types of intellectual property rights are identified and discussed, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. The United States legal system provides enforceable property rights incident to each of these types of intellectual property. However, the corresponding property rights are distinct, and the process for protecting each type of intellectual property is very different. These differences are discussed in general terms in the paper so as to afford a foundation of knowledge for the layperson. In addition, the role of each type of intellectual property in the oil field is outlined. This paper presents a general overview of intellectual property. The purpose is to identify different types of intellectual property recognized within the United States legal system, and to discuss intellectual property issues which oil companies and oil service companies currently face.1 Because of the complexity and sheer volume of laws and regulations which apply in intellectual property, it is not possible to provide more than a thumbnail sketch of the subject. This paper will serve as a useful reference tool for laypersons, enabling them to identify general issues as they might arise.