In the world of intellectual property, the precise use of language is important, whether preparing a copyright, trademark, or patent application, drafting an assignment or license agreement, or in oral communication. In a short article on the subject, Daniel Kegan, wrote in the newsletter of the Illinois State Bar Association, “Many people, journalists, and judges […]
Blog – Adam Garson Law
The USPTO has launched “Inventors Eye,” a bimonthly on-line publication for independent inventors. Here is a link to the most recent edition. “Inventors Eye” leans toward encouragement, anecdotes and success stories, but includes valuable information in a non-technical style. We recommend that you check it out. — Robert J. Yarbrough, Esq.
Dear Dr. ©: My church wants to host a movie night for the kids, where we show a Disney film, serve popcorn, and promote fellowship among the parents. One of the parents has a DVD copy of the movie, and we own a projector and screen. Everybody says not to worry about copyright. If we […]
June 28, 2010 — In an a unanimous opinion on the result, though fractured on the reasoning, the Supreme Court issued its long-awaited decision today on patentable subject matter. The Bilski v Kappos decision is important for inventors and owners of software, Internet and particularly business method patents. Under the law, even if an invention […]
The United States Supreme Court Sends a Message
June 28, 2010
Internet Law
An employer’s right to monitor employees’ electronic communications in the workplace is fairly well settled, particularly when the employer provides its employees with the equipment and has express policies on computer and Internet usage. In City of Ontario v. Quon, the United States Supreme Court has finally added to the growing body of law on […]
Dear Dr. ©: I’d like to make a donation to a charity, such as my college. I have some copyrights. May I donate them and take a tax deduction? Sincerely, Copyright Cheapskate Dear Cheap: First, the answer is Yes, you may donate a copyright to your college. Since copyrights last a very long time (if […]
The delay between the filing of a utility patent application to the first office action by the PTO averages three years. The PTO is considering whether to offer multiple options for patent application review in an effort to reduce the delay. The proposal would allow the applicant to select fast, medium or slow review. For […]
With the economy slow to recover, many firms, both for-profit and not-for-profit are offering summer internships, rather than paid positions. Sounds good, right? The employer gets free labor, and the intern gets experience and resume enhancement. What could be better? Well, it turns out that paying a fair wage could be better because both federal […]
Patent Prosecution Highway
May 28, 2010
Patent
Our economy is global and an invention that is valuable in the U.S. likely is valuable in other countries as well. The Patent Prosecution Highway allows for expedited review of corresponding foreign patent applications upon the allowance of a U.S. patent application. If a patent applicant receives a decision from the U.S. PTO that at […]
International Piracy Makes the Headlines
May 28, 2010
Copyright
In 2003, then Senator Joe Biden and three other Congressmen formed the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus. In an invitation to Congress, the Caucus wrote that “Our bipartisan Caucus will work to support congressional efforts to deal with the problem of piracy and Administration efforts to obtain strong intellectual property protections in the context of international […]