Nolo Press, located in Berkeley, California, publishes an excellent series of book dealing with patent, trademark and copyright law, written with both lawyers AND non-lawyers in mind. Their books range in price from $20 to $40 and are excellent ways to read up on how to become a better customer of IP legal services. And for those of you more daring, how to do it yourself.


PAT Patent It Yourself
by Attorney David Pressman
The world's bestselling guide to preparing and filing a patent application in the U.S. -- so thorough, it won't let you forget a step.
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PCTM Patent, Copyright & Trademark: An Intellectual Property Desk Reference
by Attorney Stephen R. Elias
A compendium of intellectual property terms defined in plain English.
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PEND Patent Pending in 24 Hours
by Attorneys Richard Stim & David Pressman
If you don't want to pay for a patent before knowing whether your invention will turn a profit, file a provisional patent application -- this book will show you how!
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DRAW How to Make Patent Drawings Yourself: Prepare Formal Drawings Required by the U.S. Patent Office
by Patent Agent Jack Lo & Attorney David Pressman
Create formal patent drawings that comply with the U.S. Patent Office.
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QPAT Nolo's Patents for Beginners
by Attorneys David Pressman & Richard Stim
A primer for the patently curious: What are patents? Why do you need a patent? How do you get one? Here's the plain-English explanation to the entire process.
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PATSE Patent Searching Made Easy: How to Do Patent Searches on the Internet and in the Library
by David Hitchcock
A user-friendly guide that lets you skip expensive patent professionals. Search out patents on the Web in order to determine if your idea is unique.
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NAG Nondisclosure Agreements: Protect Your Trade Secrets & More
by Attorneys Richard Stim & Stephen Fishman
Safeguard your invention, sales strategy, client list, software and much more from would-be partners and unscrupulous employees.
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INOT The Inventor's Notebook
by Fred Grissom & Attorney David Pressman
The complete guide to documenting the invention process -- when you're done, you'll have legal proof that you created it first!
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LICE License Your Invention: Sell Your Idea & Protect Your Rights with a Solid Legal Contract
by Attorney Richard Stim
All the tools you need to draft a solid licensing agreement and protect your invention from getting swiped.
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SFT Web & Software Development: A Legal Guide
by Attorney Stephen Fishman
Chapters 6 and 7 of this complete development guide show you how to get trade-secret protection for your software.
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COHA The Copyright Handbook: How to Protect & Use Written Works
by Attorney Stephen Fishman
Don't get burned by copycats! Get all the plain-English information, step-by-step instructions and easy-to-use forms you need to protect your creative works.
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PUBL The Public Domain: How to Find Copyright-Free Writings, Music, Art & More
by Attorney Stephen Fishman
Need good content, but can't afford the price (or the time)? This book shows you how to find public domain writings, art, music and more.
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RIPER Getting Permission: How to License & Clear Copyrighted Materials Online & Off
by Attorney Richard Stim
A comprehensive, up-to-the-minute book on securing the use of copyrighted images, text, music and more.
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TRD Trademark: Legal Care for Your Business & Product Name
by Attorney Stephen R. Elias
Legal care for your business' brand -- whether it's in print or on the Web.
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DOM Domain Names: How to Choose & Protect a Great Name for Your Website
by Attorneys Stephen R. Elias & Patricia Gima
The plain-English how-to book on selecting, registering, and protecting a great domain name.
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WEBS How to Get Your Business on the Web
by Attorney Fred S. Steingold
All the information, instructions and forms you need to get your business on the Internet -- and make it a success.
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MAG Starting & Running a Successful Newsletter or Magazine
by Cheryl Woodard
Expert advice on bringing your publication to life and making a profit, in print or on the Web.
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ML Music Law: How to Run Your Band's Business
by Attorney Richard Stim
All the legal information, business advice and practical tips musicians need, with essential forms as tear-outs and on CD-ROM.
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