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Copyright termination is a legal provision that offers creators a second chance, a chance to regain control over their creative works. Imagine an artist who sold their masterpiece early in their career, only to see its values skyrocket with time. Copyright termination allows them or their heirs to reclaim those rights, reaping the rewards of Read More

In the digital age where online presence is paramount, the intricate dance between trademarks and domain names takes center stage. Trademarks are the embodiment of a brand’s essence and reputation. They serve as the anchor for consumer trust and product quality. However, the digital landscape introduces a unique challenge, domain names. These virtual addresses are Read More

In a world saturated with brands and constant information flow, the importance of trademark monitoring cannot be overstated. Trademarks are the foundation of a company’s identity, representing quality, trust, and reputation. However, in today’s interconnected marketplace, the risk of unauthorized use, counterfeiting, or infringement is ever-present. This is where trademark monitoring steps in. Trademark monitoring Read More

I am often asked what kinds of trademarks should be avoided because they are not valid marks or simply difficult to obtain. First, generic or highly descriptive words can never be trademarked. For instance, you cannot trademark the word apple with regards to selling apples. All apple sellers should be allowed to use generic terms Read More

I am often asked if one can protect a slogan per se, namely just the words by themselves. For example, the word three-peat has been used in sports to identify winning three championships in a row. In general, slogans themselves cannot be protected under either trademark or copyright laws. However, a slogan can receive trademark Read More

Today, I’d like to shed light on the strategic choices that businesses face when protecting their innovations. Namely patents or trade secrets. Patents offer public recognition and legal protection for novel inventions. They grant exclusive rights for a limited time, encouraging their inventors to share their ideas with the world in exchange for safeguarding their Read More

Today, I want to address some common misconceptions about copyright that often lead to confusion and misinformation. Copyright isn’t about stifling creativity, it’s about fostering it and protecting it. Firstly, the notion that everything on the internet is free for the taking is false. Just because something is accessible online doesn’t mean it’s free from Read More

I am still asked by some of my new clients if mailing a letter to themselves containing information about their patent is still a valid form of protection. The simple answer is that it is no longer valid as we have a first-to-file system with the patent office and not a first-to-invent system. The patent Read More

The year is 1915 and you just designed the new Coca-Cola bottle. Should you seek design patent protection or go for trademark protection? Trade dress refers to the unique packaging or appearance of a product that distinguishes it from others in the market. Not only product packaging, but also store designs, website layouts, and other Read More

In our rapidly evolving world, innovation is the cornerstone of success for businesses both large and small. And at the heart of this innovation lies a critical asset, trade secrets. These invaluable pieces of confidential information give companies a competitive edge, enabling them to develop groundbreaking products, services, and strategies. Trade secrets encompass a wide Read More