Finch Authors Intellectual Property Overview in The Gavel

03.12.2026

Stinson LLP attorney Haley Finch authored an article in The Gavel, the official publication of the State Bar Association of North Dakota, titled "Intellectual Property 101: An Overview of IP Concepts." The article provides a foundational overview of the core areas of intellectual property and explains how different forms of IP safeguard innovation, creative works and proprietary business information.

In the article, Finch explores the four primary categories of intellectual property protection: patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. She explains how each category protects different types of innovations and creative works, as well as the legal frameworks governing the creation and assertion of those rights and responses to alleged infringement.

Finch outlines how patents protect inventions and technological advancements, trademarks safeguard brand identifiers such as names and logos, and copyrights protect original works of authorship including books, music and artwork. She also discusses trade secrets, which protect confidential business information that derives value from not being publicly known.

The article also highlights key considerations associated with each form of protection, including patent eligibility requirements, trademark infringement standards, creation of a copyrighted work, and navigating disclosures of proprietary business information.

Finch focuses her practice on intellectual property and commercial litigation, assisting clients with complex disputes across a wide range of industries.

Visit The Gavel to read more.