Types of Intellectual Property 

Intellectual property (IP) gives an individual or business certain exclusive rights and ownership of an idea or design they have created. It is especially useful in creative design so that these ideas cannot be copied or reused without the owner's permission. If you are a business owner or creative, you should be aware of the following types of intellectual property: 

Copyrights - Copyright is a legal form of protection designed to give creators the rights and ownership over their literary and artistic works, including art, books, music, songs, computer programs, advertisements, graphics, and more. 

Trademarks - A trademark is a sign or symbol that identifies and distinguishes one company from another. Trademarks typically serve as a brand identifier and differentiator. They can be used on products, company names, logos, slogans, symbols, designs, and more. 

Trade Secrets - Trade secrets are confidential information, such as strategies, clients, processes, sales methods, ingredients, and formulas, which give a business a competitive advantage. 

Likeness Rights - Likeness rights refer to an individual having the right and ability to decide how any aspect of their image or likeness is used commercially. 

Personality Rights - Personality rights refer to an individual having control of the commercial use of their name, image, or other aspects of their identity. These individuals must consent for any business to use their personality, name, or image in any endorsements or advertisements. 

IP Fraud Investigations We Conduct 

The expert investigators at Stumar Investigations have the skills, experience, and knowledge to conduct thorough investigations to assist your legal team in IP disputes. Some of the most common IP fraud investigations we conduct are: 

Copyright Infringement and Piracy - Copyright infringement and piracy happen when copyrighted creative works, like software, music, movies, and more, are copied by someone else without permission. 

Trademark Infringement - Trademark infringement happens when your brand or company's trademark is illegally used by someone else to create confusion and deception for profit. 

Counterfeits - A counterfeit is an inauthentic or duplicated version of intellectual property with the intent to deceive people into thinking it is real or equal to the original copy for profit. 

Unauthorized Use - Unauthorized use of intellectual property refers to when an individual or company partakes in the infringement or duplication of copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, industrial design, or other types of IP without permission. 

Brand Impersonation - Brand impersonation happens when someone tries to pose as a trusted company or brand to deceive someone into disclosing personal information. This can happen through various channels like social media, telephone calls, and email. 

Lookalikes - A lookalike is similar to a counterfeit in that it copies the look and feel of existing intellectual property, like designs and products.  

Listen to the PI Perspectives Podcast featuring Stuart Drobny on the topic of Intellectual Property

IP Investigative Services 

Our intellectual property investigative services include: 

Undercover Operations - At Stumar, we conduct discreet undercover operations to obtain valuable information about your IP theft. Our strategies and tactics have been cultivated over our 25 years of experience in the IP space.  

Surface & Deep Web Canvassing - Aside from monitoring the surface web that is easily accessible to everyone, our expert investigators can monitor the deep and dark web, searching for instances where your intellectual property is illegally used or for sale. 

Criminal & Civil Enforcement - Stumar Investigations has liaised with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, District Attorney's offices, and State and Local law enforcement in the pursuit of all involved in a counterfeiting scheme on behalf of our clients.

Surveillance - Our dedicated team of field agents utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and proven covert techniques to obtain the highest quality video and documentary evidence.

Litigation Support - We assist your attorney's efforts in pursuing your case, gathering all the information, evidence, and documentation needed to make your case as strong as possible. Such efforts may include, but are not limited to: 

• Background & Social Media Investigations

• Statements and Interviews

• Asset Investigations

• Locating Witnesses

• Expert Testimony