Miami area business owners have worked hard to build their brand and their business. They not only have a successful business, but they also have a look that goes with their business that their customers recognize. It is important that a business owner understands that intellectual property theft is real and that there are ways they can protect themselves.

It is important for a business owner to take steps to protect their brand. The following are four ways in which they can do this.

1. Trademark brand. Intellectual property, which includes art, images, musical works, designs, literature and software is important for business owners. One of the best ways to protect intellectual property is to register a trademark for a brand name, logo, designs, slogans and any words associated with their brand. This will give proof that the business owner is the original owner of the trademarked material.
2. Link brand to source. If a business owner links their brand to a source, they can decrease the chance of intellectual property theft and increase the complexity of their brand. A brand can be linked to other sources through its name, dates, locations and styles.
3. Include in terms and conditions. A business may have a terms and conditions clause that users must agree to in order to do business with them. This is where a business states that all intellectual property is owned by the company.
4. Stay vigilant. A company should stay vigilant and monitor their competitors for any intellectual property theft. There is computer software that can do the monitoring for a business owner along with intellectual property agents that can help with the process.

A legal professional who is skilled in trademark protection can help their client with their business and protecting their intellectual property. They can review their client’s intellectual property, assist with trademarks and protect their interests if intellectual property theft is believe to have happened.