Throughout the ages, inventors and artists have originated novel products and ideas to the public, which result in enormous financial benefit to the originators. As society adapted rules for free enterprise, the need to protect the exclusive rights and benefits awarded to the creative individual or entity was all the more important. The threat of violation is consistently realized, however, as individuals or business entities attempt to exploit the hard work of others. A patent and trademark lawyer is someone who offers professional legal counsel to anyone seeking the exclusive rights to their work. Furthermore, a patent and trademark lawyer can assist his or her client in understanding the detailed application process as well as advise them about what actions to follow if infringement occurs.