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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
