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Choosing Between Trade Secret and Patent Protection: A Primer for Businesses
When an employee conceives of a new innovation, a business is often confronted with a difficult decision — whether to apply for patent protection on the innovation or whether to keep the innovation confidential as a company trade secret. There are many considerations that a business must take into account stemming from different characteristics of trade secrets and patents.
Overview of Patents and Trade Secrets
A patent is a right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, selling or importing a patented invention. It is generally enforceable up to 20 years after the patent application filing date. Filing for patent protection entails a significant quid pro quo — in exchange for exclusivity over the term of the patent, the patent applicant must make a disclosure of the invention sufficient for a person reading the patent to make and use the invention. Once the 20 years are up, the invention is then dedicated to the public and may be used by anyone.
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New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment
On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.
Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office
A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.
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Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights
How AI Has Affected PR
When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.