The Difference Between Industrial, Retail and Commercial Real Estate

Retail and industrial are both considered 'commercial real estate' (as opposed to 'residential real estate'). Commercial real estate refers to buildings or land intended to generate profit; industrial and retail are simply sub-categories of commercial real estate.

Firstly an industrial property is defined as a property used for the actual manufacturing of something, and can be considered either a factory or plant. This is usually zoned for light, medium or heavy industry. This includes things such as warehouses, garages and distribution centers etc.

Retail property is a commercially zoned property used solely for business purposes, the actual selling of the product, rather than its manufacture - retail stores, malls, shopping centers and shops all huddling nicely under the retail umbrella.

Generally, businesses that occupy commercial real estate often lease the space. An investor usually owns the building and collects rent from each business that operates there.

There are four primary types of commercial real estate leases, each requiring different levels of responsibility from the landlord and the tenant.

Single net lease - tenant is responsible for paying rent and property taxes.

Double net lease - tenant is responsible for paying rent, property taxes and insurance.

Triple net lease - tenant is responsible for paying rent, property taxes, insurance and maintenance.

Gross lease - tenant is responsible only for rent; the Landlord pays property taxes, insurance and maintenance.

If you find yourself considering Commercial property ownership, there are a few things that you would do well to keep in mind:

1) Attractive appearance - the last thing you need is a vacant commercial property in Sydney for any length of time. Think how prospective tenants think: what will their customers want to see?

2) Aesthetic entrance - first impressions count, simple, simple stuff. This is a great tool for putting your prospective clients in a great frame of mind... and their clients.

3) Natural Light - in especially high demand nowadays

4) Location - close to other offices, public amenities, transportation etc.

Since 1980, retail property has returned an average of 9%, though is currently returning around 6%. Industrial real estate tends to be the most volatile, and is currently returning around 7% (as opposed to its peak of around 12% during the 1990's recession).

And obviously, no matter which form of commercial property you're considering, read the lease carefully. Sounds like a silly thing to say, but you'd be very surprised at the issues that can become issues simply because things weren't read properly!

Intellectual Property Laws

Intellectual Property consists of property that is considered intangible. According to the law there are at least three different types of properties, which include real property, personal property and intangible property.

Intangible Property references the information that is created from the minds of both men and women. This information is then translated into an expressed thought or idea or into a tangible from which an individual can have assigned rights. For example, literary works, songs, artistic works, software, inventions, names, symbols, designs, images, industrial processes that are used for commercial purposes, business methods, and brands are listed as intellectual property.

Therefore, to protect these ideas from anyone who would like to duplicate or steal them, the law has made provisions by establishing intellectual property laws.

These laws protect intellectual property with exclusive or certain rights by allowing an individual to file for and secure a valid trademark, patent, or copyright.

The actual purpose of these laws is to protect an individual's or a company's original idea for a specified period of time. If anyone violates some ones rights to their intellectual property, the law has also established remedies. These remedies can include an order to the violator that states he or she must cease and desist certain actions. The law also provides for monetary compensation in events where the business or individual pursues it by bringing legal action against them.

Also, in more general terms, individuals can be held liable if they reproduce the content of a specific book, without the appropriate authorization. Movies and television shows will also fall under the laws of intellectual properties.

These laws exist at both state and federal levels in the United States. The laws may also vary from one state to another state.

By its nature, Intellectual property laws are complex and over time the laws are continuously evolving as changes are being made. Therefore many attorneys who are registered as patent attorneys will distinguish themselves as intellectual property law lawyers. Specifically, in this era of globalization, intellectual laws fall under both international treaty as well as federal legislation. However, trade secrets is the only exception.

The ABA is an organization that was created to advance and improve the intellectual property laws. This association is also committed to just and fair administration. There are also a variety of different domestic and international organizations that have been established (AIPLA, FA, USTR, USPTO, IIPI, IPR etc.).