File Patent Applications Quickly to avoid On Sale Bar

Patent Priority Filing a patent is required to not only obtain priority over later inventors but also to prevent patent rights from being lost as a result of the Patent On Sale Bar Doctrine. Patent rights are based on priority.  Generally, patent rights go to the first inventor.  However, as a result of the American Read more about File Patent Applications Quickly to avoid On Sale Bar[…]

Protecting Trade Secrets is Good Business

History of Trade Secrets For many businesses, protecting trade secrets is important.  Trade secret laws protect secret business information against unauthorized use or disclosure by one who obtains it through improper means.  The protection of confidential business information has historically been protected.  Protecting trade secret information dates as far back as Roman times, when Roman Read more about Protecting Trade Secrets is Good Business[…]

Great Patents on this Day – January 3

Great Patents On this Day On this day, January 3, in patent history, Marvin C. Stone invented the paper drinking straw.  Prior to Stone’s invention, people used to drink beverages from rye grass or other hollow reed grasses.  Marvin Stone, a civil war veteran enjoyed mint tulips. However, drinking mint tulips from musky grasses ruined Read more about Great Patents on this Day – January 3[…]

The Surprising Inventions of Christmas

The invention of the modern Christmas has been relatively recent.  Some claim that the modern Christmas was invented when Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843.  Prior to 1843, Christmas varied between a pagan rooted solstice ritual and a Mardi-Gras type event where party goers travelled house-to-house demanding wine and food.  In the middle Read more about The Surprising Inventions of Christmas[…]

ABBA files Lawsuit to Prevent Loss of Goodwill

Growing up, I wasn’t a huge fan of ABBA.  However, over time I have grown to appreciate it for what it is.  Maybe I have mellowed, maybe I like it more because it isn’t on every music station, maybe I have just listened to the music.  Whatever the case, I grown to appreciate their music.  Read more about ABBA files Lawsuit to Prevent Loss of Goodwill[…]

What Does a Patent Actually do?

Learning about a Patent One of the most common questions we get is, “What does a patent actually do?” To understand what a patent does, it helps to first understand what a patent doesn’t do.  A patent doesn’t give a patent owner the right to make, use or practice their invention.  A patent give the Read more about What Does a Patent Actually do?[…]

Over Protective Trademark License Agreement can Create Surprise Franchisor

Trademark License Agreement Most trademark attorneys caution trademark clients against becomes an unknowing franchisor. Franchise laws impose penalties on franchisors who fail to fallow the difficult and complex franchise laws. A trademark license agreement can help trademark owners avoid franchise liability by avoiding too much control. There is a fine line between being a trademark Read more about Over Protective Trademark License Agreement can Create Surprise Franchisor[…]