Sony v. Kroger: The Copyright Risk Hiding in Old Social Media Posts
30 August, 2026
A social media campaign can end while the legal risk […]
“We put a lock on your ideas®”
Don’t Let Others Take Your Intellectual Property Without Your Permission
Contact UsYour Michigan Intellectual Property Attorney
Are you an inspiring inventor or entrepreneur looking to make a name for yourself and your business with a new idea or an in-house counsel struggling with your patent portfolio? The Patent Baron is here to help. With experience as both a patent attorney for a wide range of clients (and an inventor myself) and a multi-billion dollar firm in-house counsel, I’ve been on both sides of the patent process.
If you’re ready to start focusing on big-picture plans instead,
I’d be happy to have a conversation with you to discuss how I can help.
Count On Us for Legal Guidance
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PatentsPatents
We specialize in patent protection, covering filings, searches, appeals, and licensing to secure and capitalize on your innovations.
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TrademarksTrademarks
We guide you through trademark registration, protecting your brand's unique identity with thorough searches and filing with the USPTO.
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CopyrightCopyright
We protect your creative works with comprehensive copyright services, from filings to licensing and defense, ensuring your creations remain solely yours.
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Business ResourcesBusiness Resources
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Solo InventorsSolo Inventors
Get to Know the Patent Baron
Registered Patent Attorney and Founder of The Patent Baron, PLLC, J. Baron Lesperance brings over 20 years of IP legal experience to help clients put a lock on their ideas. He understands the inventive process because he is also an engineer and inventor. Baron holds degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering with 6 years of automotive industry experience. In addition, he has been on both sides of the attorney-client relationship, having been corporate patent counsel for a multi-billion dollar corporation and outside counsel at large firms. He understands how to manage IP portfolios, build IP assets, and drive additional revenue using IP. He and his team of talented people are ready to help you take the next step in building your most important asset – your IP.
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Why Work With The Patent Baron?
Coming up with an idea only the first hurdle. Once created, protecting it from others becomes a whole new, daunting task. Let me help keep your ideas on lock with the following:
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Over 20 Years of Industry Experience
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Inventor & Patent Holder
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Big Firm Services with Small Business Feel
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IP Portfolio Management
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Registered U.S. Patent
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Dedicated to Providing You with All the Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Intellectual Property Questions Answered
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Determining if your product can be patented hinges on it being novel, non-obvious, and useful. Essentially, this means your invention must be unique, not a simple modification of existing products, and it should serve a practical purpose. At Patent Baron, we simplify this process by conducting a comprehensive review of your product against these criteria, including a detailed patent search to ensure its originality. We're here to make this journey straightforward and informative, guiding you through every step to secure your intellectual property rights. If you're curious about your product's eligibility for patent protection, we encourage you to reach out for a personalized assessment.
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In the United States, trademark protection lasts for 10 years from the date of registration with the possibility of indefinite renewals every 10 years, provided the trademark remains in use and all necessary maintenance documents are timely filed. Between the fifth and sixth year after registration, you must submit a “Declaration of Use” to the USPTO to demonstrate ongoing use, and similar documentation is required for each renewal. Our team is here to assist you with these processes, ensuring your brand's protection continues seamlessly. For any queries about trademark maintenance or renewal, we're ready to provide the guidance you need.
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If you discover that someone is infringing on your copyright, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights. Initially, we recommend contacting the infringer directly with a cease-and-desist letter, which is a formal request for them to stop the unauthorized use of your copyrighted material. If the infringement persists, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit for copyright infringement, seeking damages and an injunction against further misuse. Patent Baron is here to guide you through this process, from drafting the initial cease-and-desist letter to representing you in court if necessary. We understand how important your creative work is to you, and we're committed to defending your copyright as if it were our own.
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A trademark may be denied for several reasons, with common issues including a likelihood of confusion with an existing trademark, descriptiveness or generic terms that directly relate to the goods or services offered, and lack of distinctiveness. If a proposed trademark is too similar to an already registered mark in the same or related category, it may confuse consumers, leading to rejection. Additionally, trademarks that merely describe the goods or services (e.g., "Cold Beer" for a beer brand) or are widely used terms within the industry might not be granted protection. Our team is adept at identifying potential obstacles and crafting strategies to enhance the distinctiveness and registrability of your mark, aiming to secure your brand's protection effectively.
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Determining the type of intellectual property protection you need depends on the nature of your creation or invention. If you've developed a novel product, process, or technological advancement, a patent might be the most suitable form of protection. For unique symbols, names, or logos identifying your business, a trademark would be appropriate. Copyright protection is ideal for original works of authorship, including literature, music, and art. Additionally, if your business relies on confidential and proprietary information, trade secret protection could be essential. Our team is committed to understanding your specific needs and guiding you towards the most effective form of protection, ensuring your intellectual assets are securely safeguarded.
