Intellectual Property

Copyright Registration For Blogs and Social Media Posts Just Got Easier

Sep 11 2020

U.S. Copyright Office Issues New Rule for “Group Registration of Short Online Literary Works” (GRTX) Are you a prodigious blogger?  Are you an influencer?  Do your social media posts garner lots of “likes”? This is because your content is great, … →

Posted in Intellectual Property

Always Read the Terms of Service on Social Media

Apr 29 2020

By Posting to a Social Media Site, You Agree to its Terms of Service While social media was prevalent before the COVID-19 crisis, it has become even more vital as a primary means of interacting with friends/family, current customers, and … →

Posted in COVID-19 Updates, Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

Blackbeard, Copyright Fair Use, and the COVID-19 Crisis

Apr 07 2020

ARRRRRR!! There was an important US Supreme Court case Allen vs. Cooper (no. 18-877) decided on March 23, 2020. It struck down the Copyright Remedy Clarification Act (CRCA) which allowed copyright owners to sue States for copyright infringement (using another’s … →

Posted in COVID-19 Updates, Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

USPTO extends filing deadlines

Apr 02 2020

USPTO Extends Certain Responsive Filing Deadlines to June 1, 2020. Responsive filings due between and inclusive of March 27 and May 31, 2020 are extended to June 1, 2020. The new notices supersede the previously posted: “Notice of Waiver of … →

Posted in COVID-19 Updates, Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

Intellectual Property Goals For 2020

Jan 07 2020

Do You Have 2020 IP Vision? If you own a business, you use intellectual property (IP), whether it is your own or someone else’s. Your 2020 IP goals should include: 1) determine what IP you own and how/if you are properly … →

Posted in Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

Data Privacy Issues For Emerging Businesses

Aug 02 2019

Start-ups and emerging businesses need a detailed privacy policy and data privacy plan in place from the outset. Data Privacy Issues Data privacy is the relationship between the collection and dissemination of data, along with the determination of what – … →

Posted in Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

False Advertising Issues For Emerging Businesses

Jul 09 2019

False advertising is the use of false, misleading, or unproven information to advertise products to consumers. The Basics In the United States, the federal government regulates advertising through the FTC, and additionally permits private litigation through various statutes, most notably … →

Posted in Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

Copyrights For Start-Ups And Emerging Businesses

Jun 24 2019

A copyright owner has the exclusive right to reproduce copies of the work, prepare derivative works, distribute copies, perform the work, and display the work. Copyright Basics A copyright is a form of protection provided for “original works of authorship” … →

Posted in Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

Trade Secrets For Start-Ups And Emerging Businesses

May 14 2019

Trade secrets are an important and valuable component of a company’s intellectual property. Therefore, every effort should be made to identify, maintain, and protect trade secrets. Trade Secret Basics A trade secret is “information”, not generally known to the public, … →

Posted in Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

Patent Checklist for Start-Ups and Emerging Businesses

Apr 29 2019

In general, securing patent rights in your inventions can give you a competitive advantage in your industry and can make your company more attractive to potential investors or purchasers. Patent Basics A patent is a right granted by the government … →

Posted in Corporate, Intellectual Property, Legal Watch