Jack Gilbert

Intellectual Property Law Patent Law Patents and Trademarks

What is a patent?

March 26, 2026

A patent is a government-granted property right that lets an inventor exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing an invention for up to 20...

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Intellectual Property Law Patent Law Patents and Trademarks

What is a utility patent?

March 26, 2026

A utility patent is the most common type of U.S. patent, protecting new and useful inventions for up to 20 years from the filing date....

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Intellectual Property Law Patent Law Patents and Trademarks

What is a design patent?

March 26, 2026

A U.S. design patent protects a product’s ornamental appearance—not its function—for 15 years from grant. It can cover shape, configuration, surface ornamentation, and overall visual...

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Real Estate Law Tax Law Taxes

What is a property tax assessment?

March 26, 2026

A property tax assessment is a local government’s valuation of your property used to calculate your annual tax bill. Assessors estimate an assessed value based...

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Housing & Real Estate Real Estate Law Real Estate Transactions

What is escrow?

March 26, 2026

Escrow is a financial arrangement where a neutral third party holds funds or property until the contract’s conditions are met. It reduces risk for both...

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Housing & Real Estate Law Real Estate Law Real Estate Transactions

What is a real estate closing?

March 26, 2026

A real estate closing is the final meeting where ownership transfers and the buyer and seller sign documents and exchange funds, typically 30–60 days after...

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Intellectual Property Intellectual Property Law Intellectual Property Rights

What is intellectual property?

March 26, 2026

Intellectual property is a legal term for creations of the mind protected by law, most commonly grouped into 4 types: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade...

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Landlord and Tenant Property Law Real Estate Law

What is tenancy in common?

March 26, 2026

Tenancy in common is a way for two or more people to own the same property with separate, potentially unequal shares, each of which can...

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Construction Law Property Law Real Estate Law

What is a mechanic’s lien?

March 26, 2026

A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim filed against real property to secure payment for unpaid construction labor or materials. Contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers use...

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Property Law Property Transactions Real Estate Law

What is a quitclaim deed?

March 26, 2026

A quitclaim deed is a legal document that transfers whatever ownership interest the grantor has in real property—if any—without warranties of title. It’s commonly used...

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Legal Documents and Contracts Legal Documents and Procedures Property Law Real Estate Law

What is a warranty deed?

March 26, 2026

A warranty deed is a real estate deed that transfers property and guarantees the seller holds clear title, with legal promises to defend against past...

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Estate Planning Property Law Real Estate Law

What is joint tenancy?

March 26, 2026

Joint tenancy is a form of co-ownership where each owner has an equal share and, upon one owner’s death, their interest automatically passes to the...

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