Statutory and non statutory forms of legal protection

January 19, 2009 | Intellectual Property, Inventions, Law, Patent, Patent Attorneys

Statutory law refers to the written law of a country whereas non statutory forms of protection fall under common law. The non statutory forms of law govern know-how, trade secrets, trade marks as well as designs. It should be noted that trademarks, designs, trade secrets and copyright are also governed under statutory law. There may be instances when a party can claim by virtue of first usage or originating the idea or work that the party has specific rights to it. A company can for instance, get into a dispute about a trademark infringement and then defend itself on the grounds of non statutory forms of legal protection. If you believe that an infringement of your rights has taken place which can be shown under non statutory forms of legal protection, then you should contact attorneys to help you state your case.