An abstract idea and a patent attorney walk into a patent bar. The bartender says, “Sorry, we don’t serve abstract ideas.” The attorney replies, “That’s fine—we’ll just reduce it to practice.” Some of you may already get the punchline. If you don’t, read this short article and learn about “The REAL Ideas of Patent Law.” The Abstract Idea Patent attorneys
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic right now, whether as a watercooler topic about how it can make our work tasks easier or for the funny memes it can be used to create. AI is everywhere and on everyone’s mind. On a more serious note, the AI effect on the many technologies that are woven through our everyday lives
Many assume that brand protection begins and ends with traditional trademark law. But some of the most powerful safeguards for names, symbols, and product designations exist completely outside of our trademark law statutes. For example, use of the terms Olympic, Swiss Made, Champagne, and Scotch Whisky are governed by specialized laws and international agreements that strictly regulate their use. Understanding
The word “subcontinent” refers to a large landmass separated from Asia by some exceptionally large mountains to the North (the Himalayas) and by oceans on the other three sides of that landmass. The largest country within the subcontinent is India. It also includes the countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. When it comes to knowledge in the
NEWS FLASH: October is Intellectual Property (IP) Month! Of course, October is also known for Halloween. There is a spooky trail of patents showing that creativity and IP rights underlie Halloween’s most important traditions. While this holiday is an annual one, that should not deter a client from protecting its Halloween-related innovations via patent, trademark and/or copyright. Thousands of patents
From signature product features to distinctly recognizable colors, brands today are embracing (and protecting!) non-traditional trademarks to stand apart from the competition and to stay relevant in a rapidly changing business landscape. A “traditional” trademark may consist of words, numbers, logos, or graphic designs applied to products or packaging, or used on advertisements for services. Slogans or taglines for a brand might have
When developing a new product, one of the first questions a client asks is: “How can I protect it—and where?” While intellectual property (IP) protection in the United States is typically a given, many clients still hesitate when it comes to seeking IP protection internationally—especially in China. Despite outdated assumptions, China has evolved into a global economic and technological leader.
July begins with a big bang, as the United States celebrates Independence Day. Parades, picnics, and fireworks mark the occasion. Coincidently, July is also National Hot Dog Month, National Ice Cream Month and National Picnic Month. As a result, there is no shortage of online videos dedicated to festive recipes, decorations, table settings, picnic planning, outfits, and more. These videos
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene II This quote from Shakespeare is prophetic from a trademark standpoint. The primary function of a trademark is to identify and distinguish the goods or services of one party from those of other parties. But
In Minnesota, May means the onset of warmer days, our short gardening season, and anticipation for our summer vacations. In May, we also pause to pay tribute to those serving in all branches of the U.S. military (on Armed Forces Day) and to honor and mourn those U.S. military personnel who died in service for our freedoms (on Memorial Day).
An abstract idea and a patent attorney walk into a patent bar. The bartender says, “Sorry, we don’t serve abstract ideas.” The attorney replies, “That’s fine—we’ll just reduce it to practice.” Some of you may already get the punchline. If you don’t, read this short article and learn about “The REAL Ideas of Patent Law.” The Abstract Idea Patent attorneys
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic right now, whether as a watercooler topic about how it can make our work tasks easier or for the funny memes it can be used to create. AI is everywhere and on everyone’s mind. On a more serious note, the AI effect on the many technologies that are woven through our everyday lives
Many assume that brand protection begins and ends with traditional trademark law. But some of the most powerful safeguards for names, symbols, and product designations exist completely outside of our trademark law statutes. For example, use of the terms Olympic, Swiss Made, Champagne, and Scotch Whisky are governed by specialized laws and international agreements that strictly regulate their use. Understanding
The word “subcontinent” refers to a large landmass separated from Asia by some exceptionally large mountains to the North (the Himalayas) and by oceans on the other three sides of that landmass. The largest country within the subcontinent is India. It also includes the countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. When it comes to knowledge in the
NEWS FLASH: October is Intellectual Property (IP) Month! Of course, October is also known for Halloween. There is a spooky trail of patents showing that creativity and IP rights underlie Halloween’s most important traditions. While this holiday is an annual one, that should not deter a client from protecting its Halloween-related innovations via patent, trademark and/or copyright. Thousands of patents
From signature product features to distinctly recognizable colors, brands today are embracing (and protecting!) non-traditional trademarks to stand apart from the competition and to stay relevant in a rapidly changing business landscape. A “traditional” trademark may consist of words, numbers, logos, or graphic designs applied to products or packaging, or used on advertisements for services. Slogans or taglines for a brand might have
When developing a new product, one of the first questions a client asks is: “How can I protect it—and where?” While intellectual property (IP) protection in the United States is typically a given, many clients still hesitate when it comes to seeking IP protection internationally—especially in China. Despite outdated assumptions, China has evolved into a global economic and technological leader.
July begins with a big bang, as the United States celebrates Independence Day. Parades, picnics, and fireworks mark the occasion. Coincidently, July is also National Hot Dog Month, National Ice Cream Month and National Picnic Month. As a result, there is no shortage of online videos dedicated to festive recipes, decorations, table settings, picnic planning, outfits, and more. These videos
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene II This quote from Shakespeare is prophetic from a trademark standpoint. The primary function of a trademark is to identify and distinguish the goods or services of one party from those of other parties. But
In Minnesota, May means the onset of warmer days, our short gardening season, and anticipation for our summer vacations. In May, we also pause to pay tribute to those serving in all branches of the U.S. military (on Armed Forces Day) and to honor and mourn those U.S. military personnel who died in service for our freedoms (on Memorial Day).
