Surprising History of Copyright Infringement

The Duchess of Sussex a/k/a Meghan Markle has recently been in the news.  In a recent interview with Oprah, the royal family member and American actress aired personal concerns and conversations within Britain’s royal family.  The interview provided insight for many Americans into the royal family.  However, the Duchess also made the news recently for Read more about Surprising History of Copyright Infringement[…]

Counterfeiting costs american businesses billions each year. As a result of increased online shopping, this year there are increased sales of counterfeit merchandise.

How to Protect Goodwill and Good Cheer During the Holidays

Christmas Counterfeiting As a result of Christmas Counterfeiting, a business’s goodwill and its good cheer can go down the drain this holiday season.  This Christmas, counterfeiting is an issue because many of us are purchasing holiday presents online without ever seeing the products or the sellers.  Over 80% of all consumer products were purchased online Read more about How to Protect Goodwill and Good Cheer During the Holidays[…]

NCAA to Allow Student-Athlete Endorsements

Patent Strategies for Growth

A strong intellectual property strategy can provide long-term success. However, there are many misunderstandings about the patent process which can contribute to a weak intellectual property strategy.

Intellectual Property Law Updates

Intellectual Property Updates

Intellectual Property Law Update Patent Congress released a draft of proposed patent legislation to address the ongoing problem with Subject Matter Rejections, namely, 101 Rejections.  The proposed new patent law proposes that patents should be awarded to: Whoever invents or discovers any useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any useful improvement thereof, may Read more about Intellectual Property Updates[…]

Will Artificial Intelligence Impact Inventors and Artists?

Robots as Artists and Inventors Traditional Intellectual Property relies on the notion that humans are the source of innovation and artwork. What happens when a computerized robot becomes an inventor, an author or an artist?  What happens when a human uses a computer with artificial intelligence to develop an invention or work of art?  Is Read more about Will Artificial Intelligence Impact Inventors and Artists?[…]

Block Chain Patent Applications face familiar hurdles

Bitcoin and Block Chains Over the past several years, blockchain and block chain technologies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum have been the latest examples of disruptive technologies.  A disruptive technology is a technology which has the potential of shaking up established businesses and forming the basis of brand new innovations.  Block Chain is talked about as Read more about Block Chain Patent Applications face familiar hurdles[…]

Potato Dispute over Plant Patent in India

Plant Patent Protection Pepsi has sued four farmers in India for growing potatoes which are protected in India under the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers Right Act (PPV).  The PPV was enacted in 2001 and was supposed to be pro farmer.  Under the PPV, registration of a plant variety provides exclusivity to produce, sell, Read more about Potato Dispute over Plant Patent in India[…]

Trade Dress Protection

101 Series – Trademark Licensing and Franchising

As part of running a business, business owners occasionally need to license their trademarks.  Because trademark licenses typically require that the brand owner control use of their trademarks, the agreements require control over the mark.  However, if done wrongly, a trademark license can accidentally create a franchise.  In some cases a business owner wants to Read more about 101 Series – Trademark Licensing and Franchising[…]

Caution – Cease and Desist Letter

As the owner of intellectual property (a patent, copyright or trademark), you have invested significant time, energy and resources into protecting your patent, copyright or trademark.  What do you do if you find someone is violating your patent rights, for example?  Do you file a lawsuit immediately?  Do you contact the police?  Do you contact Read more about Caution – Cease and Desist Letter[…]