Podcast Episodes

Why Are Most Patents Considered Improvement Patents? Almost all patents are improvement patents because they build on existing technologies. Rarely does someone invent something entirely new. Innovations are often incremental, as seen in the evolution from letters to telegraphs to telephones and then to radio waves. These small...

Why Would A Business Want To Challenge Someone Else’s Patent? A business might challenge a patent if it obstructs their ability to operate or compete in the market. A competitor’s broad patent could prevent a company from using certain processes or technologies, placing them at a disadvantage. By...

How Are Businesses Typically Notified Of Patent Infringement Accusations? Businesses are usually notified of patent infringement accusations in two ways. The preferable method is receiving a letter from the patent owner suggesting a discussion, providing time to investigate and assess the situation. Alternatively, a business might receive a...

What Does Trademark Clearance Involve For A Company Choosing A New Brand Name? Trademark clearance involves several steps to ensure a new brand name is available for use and registration. Initially, it requires more than just registering the name with the state, as states typically only conduct an...

How Does The Law Define A Trade Secret And What Makes Certain Business Information Legally Protectable? A trade secret is any confidential information that provides a business with a competitive advantage. It’s not limited to formulas locked in vaults but includes structured information like customer lists that offer...

How Does Patent Law Define Who Qualifies As An Inventor? Under patent law, an inventor is the person who provides the inventive concept, not necessarily the one who implements it. If a technician improves the way an invention works, they might also be considered an inventor. Determining inventorship...

What Does Freedom To Operate Mean For Companies Launching A Product? Freedom to operate means conducting due diligence to ensure a new product doesn’t infringe on existing patents. This includes checking for trademark issues and ensuring the product doesn’t infringe on others’ design or utility patents. Basic due...

What Determines Who Legally Owns An Invention Created Inside A Company? Ownership of an invention within a company typically belongs to the employer if the creation falls within the employee’s scope of employment. If an employee independently creates something irrelevant to their job but uses company resources, the...

What Makes The Cox Communications Vs. Sony Music Entertainment Case Significant? The Cox Communications vs. Sony Music Entertainment case is significant because it challenges the liability of internet service providers (ISPs) for the infringing actions of their subscribers. Sony sued Cox, claiming Cox was responsible for willful infringement...

What Is A Certification Mark And How Does It Differ From A Traditional Trademark? A typical trademark is used by one entity to identify the source of its goods. Certification marks, however, are used to certify the origin or quality of products. For instance, geographic certification marks indicate...