Press Releases

EAGAN, Minn., Sept. 13, 2006 -- Intellectual property, such as patents, copyrights and trademarks, represents some of the most valuable assets for many businesses, inventors and artists. To help them better understand and protect their intellectual property, FindLaw.com, the most popular free legal information Web site, has launched a new Intellectual Property Center (http://smallbusiness.findlaw.com/intellectual-property/). Thomson FindLaw is a Thomson business (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC).

FindLaw's Intellectual Property Center is a comprehensive one-stop resource that provides authoritative information, tips and resources in three key areas of intellectual property law: copyrights, patents and trademarks. The information is invaluable for businesses, designers and inventors, as well as authors, bloggers, artists, musicians and performers. The center covers everything from a basic understanding of how copyright, patent and trademark protections work to specific applications, such as software patents, copyrighting of visual arts or performance works and "fair use" of copyrighted materials.

All material in the Intellectual Property Center on FindLaw is free and presented in a user-friendly format that enables FindLaw users to quickly and easily find the information that meets their specific needs, including:

• Obtaining a copyright, patent or trademark
• Enforcing copyright, patent and trademark rights
• Protecting international patent law and copyrights
• Licensing artwork, copyrights and software
• Finding additional helpful resources from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Copyright Office and more

In addition, the Intellectual Property Center can help locate an attorney who specializes in intellectual property law through the West Legal Directory , the largest and most-referenced online directory of lawyers and law firms. The directory helps individuals search by legal issue, location or attorney name to find legal counsel in their area and research the attorney's qualifications and experience.

"Intellectual property is the lifeblood of many businesses, as well as individuals such as inventors and artists," said Scott Kinney, vice president and general manager of Thomson FindLaw. "Whether it's a patented product, service or process; a trademarked company name or logo; or a copyrighted piece of literary, visual or recorded art, intellectual property assets are important and need to be properly protected. Obtaining and enforcing intellectual property rights can be a difficult, time-consuming process. Disputes and infringements are often complicated and damaging to businesses and individuals. FindLaw's Intellectual Property Center helps people protect and get the most out of their valuable intellectual property assets."