What We’re Talking About
Deposition Diplomacy: Mastering the Art of Preparation
If you find yourself on the business end of a legal action, the word "deposition" may suddenly become a frightening part of your vocabulary. It’s a word that brings to mind an image of a stern-faced attorney grilling you under bright lights, a silent court reporter clicking away, and a threat of possible legal consequences hanging in the air. It might sound like a scene from a dramatic courtroom thriller, but worry not - with proper preparation, navigating a deposition can be easy like Sunday morning.
The Hidden Dangers of Forced Arbitration: A Closer Look
We live in an era where 'Terms and Conditions' pop up everywhere - from downloading a new app to starting a new job. However, in the sea of fine print, there's one clause that often goes unnoticed, yet holds significant implications: forced arbitration. This article aims to shed light on the dangers associated with forced arbitration and why it's crucial to understand its implications.
The Sound of Litigation: Five Famous Infringement Suits in the Music Industry
The music industry is known for its creativity, innovation, and transformative power. Yet, it's also a field where intellectual property rights hold a high significance. Over the years, we've seen several high-profile copyright infringement lawsuits that have impacted not only the artists involved but also the broader music industry. Let’s talk about five of the most famous lawsuits in the industry.
Thomas Midgley: Patented Genius or Cautionary Tale?
Some inventors are celebrated for how their creations have profoundly enhanced our lives, while others are frowned upon for leaving behind environmental catastrophes. Thomas Midgley Jr. occupies a peculiar space in the world of inventors, where his groundbreaking works are both applauded and criticized in equal measure. Whether you view him as a brilliant inventor or a misguided genius, there's no denying that Midgley’s inventions offer a compelling case study for any intellectual property guru.
Navigating the Epidemic of Surprise Medical Bills
In recent years, an alarming epidemic has been silently sweeping across the American healthcare system. It's not a virus or disease, but rather an economic and systemic issue that's inflicting financial distress on countless insured individuals — surprise medical bills.
Sheeran’s No Piggy Bank: Victorious After Six-Year Suit
The headline-grabbing copyright infringement lawsuit was filed in 2017, but it took approximately six years to make it to Manhattan federal court. Last Thursday, it took a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach a final decision regarding the alleged copyright infringement.
Trinkets, Tributes, and Tenacity: How Anna Jarvis Revolutionized Mother’s Day
Most of us are familiar with the second Sunday of May as a day to celebrate the mothers in our lives. But do you know the story of the woman behind this special day? Anna Jarvis, the "Mother of Mother's Day," was a fierce advocate for the power of maternal love and managed to turn a simple idea into an international celebration of moms everywhere. In honor of Mother’s Day, let’s take a closer look at how Anna Jarvis's determination and tenacity transformed a sentimental notion into a global phenomenon.
Willie Nelson’s Intellectual Property: A Mind as Rich as His Music
The world knows Willie Nelson as a musical icon, a cultural treasure, and a true American original. But there's another side to the Red Headed Stranger that few know about: his deeply impressive intellectual property. This blog delves into the mind of this Grammy-winning, weed-smoking, bandana-wearing troubadour, revealing the untold story of Willie's mental acuity and the rich cache of ideas hidden beneath that legendary mane.
Prepare & Protect Your Company: A Guide To Dealing With a Patent Summons
When you’re planning to launch a new business or product, it is essential that you protect any intellectual property involved in the venture. Patents can help guard your creativity and innovation, but they also might put you at risk of receiving a patent summons – an indication that someone believes their idea has been infringed upon.
Jack Daniels and the Dog Toy Drama
Imagine you are shopping for a new toy for your furry companion. You find a whisky-bottle-shaped squeaky toy with what looks a lot like a Jack Daniels Label and the name “Bad Spaniels.” At first glance, would you assume that Jack Daniels made the toy - or would parody and mimicry come to mind?
Kia, Hyundai Sued by Major Metros
Kia and Hyundai theft stories continue to make headlines in the wake of a viral social media "challenge”. Spurred on by the influence of a group calling itself the "Kia Boyz," bored teens across the country have contributed to the rapid rise in thefts of certain Hyundai and Kia models. While some suggest it's the fault of owners who leave behind their electronic accessories, the reality is that Hyundai and Kia sold these cars with limited security features in order to undercut their competitors on price.
Masters of Intellectual Property: Green Jackets, Trademarks, and Tee Times
Ah, the Masters Tournament, the epitome of golfing glory. A week when players, spectators, and television viewers alike embark on a pilgrimage to Augusta National, with the smell of freshly cut grass and azalea blossoms in the air. But did you know the Masters is also a masterclass in intellectual property protection?
March Madness: Basketball, Brackets, and Branding
Bad Bunny or Bad Business?
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is being sued by his ex-girlfriend for at least $40 million over claims he used a recording of her voice without permission or compensation.
US Copyright Office Clarifies Position on AI Authorship
The U.S. Copyright Office has weighed in with formal guidance on the copyrightability of works whose generation included the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Massive Medical Device Recall Leads to Lawsuit
The medical device company Exactech recently issued an urgent recall for thousands of hip, knee and ankle implant systems due to defective components included in the device. The recall was issued as a result of defective packaging which could cause early degradation and lead to total failure. Individuals implanted with these devices face a considerably increased risk of joint replacement complications and failure, with an estimate of over 150,000 potentially defective devices implanted since 2004.
Irish I Would Have Gotten a Trademark
The Irish government has protections in place for their two most iconic symbols, the shamrock and harp. While nobody is going to mind if you stick a harp and shamrock on either side of your party hat this St. Patrick’s Day, it won’t be that simple if you want to use the marks on a logo for your new business or as part of your company’s marketing plan.
Energy Companies or Master Manipulators?
In February 2021, a historic winter storm swept across Oklahoma, Texas, and other parts of the United States, leaving millions without power. As the storm raged, energy traders took advantage of the chaos to engage in market manipulation, driving up energy prices and making billions of dollars in profits at the expense of consumers.
Tiger Woods and the Breakup Fake-ation: Latest Lawsuit Could Set Historic Precedent
Erica Herman has filed two lawsuits against former partner Tiger Woods and his Trust in the wake of their split last October. The former partner of the golf icon is seeking both financial compensation and a release from a nondisclosure agreement signer by her at the beginning of their relationship. Herman is seeking release from the NDA on account of a new provision – known informally as the Speak Out Act. Passed by Congress in November 2022 and signed into law by President Biden in December, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021 is designed to protect the rights of victims of sexual harassment or sexual assault. In other words, an NDA can potentially be invalidated based on accusations of sexual harassment or assault.
Understanding the Patent Process
The patent process can be very daunting if you’re new to intellectual property law. Fortunately, with some basic knowledge and our guidance, patenting your invention can be a straightforward and rewarding experience.