In the age of the Internet, it’s becoming more difficult by the day to protect information, and this is especially true when it comes to intellectual property. Hackers have been targeting individuals and business owners in Orlando and elsewhere since the first connections of the web, and as a result, it’s more important than ever to take serious steps to protect your online and intellectual property rights today. While there are many methods available to help you protect what’s yours, here are five of the most effective steps to keep your Orlando-based intellectual property your own:

1) Be Aware

The first step in protecting intellectual property rights is to be aware. This means either being on the lookout for IP infringers, or hiring someone to do so. You may want to scan social media, search engines, local businesses and more to find references to your intellectual property, and then report any infringements you find.

2) Copyrights and Trademarks

Another step to take in combating IP theft is to trademark and copyright your intellectual property. Obtaining the necessary trademarks or copyrights can make it easier to prove in court that the intellectual property in question actually belongs to you or your business.

3.) Contact an Attorney

You may also want to partner with a lawyer in the Orlando area to discuss the specifics of your intellectual property concerns. Conversely, if you have been charged with intellectual property theft yourself, an Orlando criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you to prove your innocence in court. In many cases, a lawyer can also offer advice regarding a sound defense strategy, as well as information on how to avoid being targeted for intellectual property theft charges.

4) Employ Technology

For some intellectual property files, it may also be possible to employ coding technology to gain protection. This may come in the form of hidden pieces of code that identify a particular file, or it may come in the form of watermarks or audio in order to identify a specific piece of intellectual property.

5) Keep Documentation

Perhaps one of the most important ways to protect your intellectual property is to document its creation and development. This can be done through computer files which are dated, audio and video evidence, pictures and more. You may also want to consider having evidence notarized or officiated in order to offer a stronger case if you need to go before a judge. If you believe your intellectual property has been stolen contact an Orlando criminal lawyer to help with your case.

No matter how you choose to protect your intellectual property, just remember that the methods used by thieves are always evolving. This means that what you do today to protect your intellectual property may not be as effective tomorrow, so you will want to always be aware of the ever-changing landscape of intellectual property crimes and protection methods. You may also want to consider working with an information technology professional to learn the latest techniques in protecting intellectual property, and many such professionals can be found online or through your local phone book.   

Katie Hewatt is a legal researcher and contributing writer for Defense Attorneys Katz & Phillips, who are dedicated, consistent, and compassionate no matter what their clients are faced with. The Attorneys at Katz & Phillips specialize in different areas but work together as a team to get the best possible results in every case.