Intellectual Property
Basic Facts About Trademarks - USPTO
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/tac/doc/basic/index.html  
This is a great starting point to find out more about how to file for and obtain a U.S. trademark or copyright.

How To Get A Patent - USPTO
http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/howtopat.htm  
This is a great starting point to find out more about how to file for and obtain a U.S. patent.