Determining who qualifies as an inventor for the purposes of a patent application is a pivotal question with far-reaching implications. According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), an inventor is defined as the individual or group of individuals contributing to the conception of the invention outlined in a patent application. This definition…

Trademark squatting is an old problem. However, as new products enter the market, this old problem finds new forms of expression.  Recently, trademark squatting on cannabis-related brands has accelerated, particularly in brands that work with suppliers or sell items in China.  What is Trademark Squatting? Trademark squatting occurs when one party registers a trademark while…

In the fast-paced world of innovation, every moment counts. For inventors and businesses seeking to protect their unique designs, time is of the essence. What can one do, though, if the patent process threatens to drag on for months? Enter Rocket Docket, a program that aims to expedite examination for design patent applications. The United…

If you’re like millions of Californians, you work. And, if you’re like millions of Californians, you have interests and projects that overlap with your work. You may be inventing new processes or products in your field of expertise. You may spend your free time on writing, music, artwork, or other forms of expression. Or you…

It’s been a few years now since California legalized recreational possession of marijuana. However, despite the fact that it’s been more than a decade since recreational users could “light up,” intellectual property laws surrounding cannabis have been slow to follow. Notwithstanding the uncertainty of the legal landscape surrounding cannabis IP, there appears to be another…

The digital age has ushered in many technological advancements, radically transforming industries and societal norms. As a result, patent law, a guardian of innovation and intellectual property, faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Traditional patent law principles, established in an era when inventions were tangible and often mechanical, are now being tested by the intangible, rapidly…

In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where innovation meets creativity, the realm of trademark law is undergoing a significant transformation. The advent of social media and the explosion of e-commerce have rewritten the rules of brand engagement and protection. For businesses and individuals in LA’s dynamic landscape, understanding these changes is key to successfully…

In 1986, Boise State University broke with football convention by installing bright blue turf on its football field. The school’s now-famous “smurf turf” received federal trademark protection in 2011. Since Boise State registered its trademark blue turf, other colleges, universities, and even some US high schools have sought to change the colors of their own…

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, understanding the nuances of intellectual property (IP) law becomes critical in safeguarding your assets and fostering innovation. At the heart of IP law are two vital concepts: copyrights and trademarks. These legal instruments provide distinct forms of protection for different kinds of intellectual property. Recognizing the differences between them…