Features
An IP Protection Primer for Entertainment Tech Startups
The tech-heavy entertainment industry is an active field for tech startup companies developing potential patents and trade secrets. But many cash conscious startups are forced to initially neglect protection planning for these intellectual property assets, instead allocating scarce resources to set up and initial operation costs. This article suggests some practical and economical steps for startups, especially those with tight finances, to protect what may become valuable patents and trade secrets.
Features
The Sixth Circuit Creates a New Standard for Unmasking an Anonymous Copyright Infringer Post-Judgment
On Nov. 28, 2017, the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued its opinion in <i>Signature Mgmt. Team, LLC v. Doe</i>. The case involved a John Doe defendant's effort to remain anonymous even after having been adjudicated liable for copyright infringement of plaintiff's business training manual.
Columns & Departments
IP News
Judges Newman and Reyna Argue that Litigation Misconduct does not Demonstrate Intent to Deceive the PTO<br>Federal Circuit Affirms Board's Decisions in IPRs Finding a Video Conferencing Patent Not Anticipated or Obvious<br>Federal Circuit Affirms No Intent to Deceive for Inequitable Conduct Claim Where Inventors Should Have Documented Findings to the USPTO
Features
The Profound Effect of TC Heartland on Patent Litigation
This article examines the impact of <i>TC Heartland</i> with a focus on recent Federal Circuit decisions applying <i>TC Heartland</i> and further clarifying the scope of where patent cases may be filed.
Features
TTAB: Trademark Use Must be Proven
<b><i>Board Says It Doesn't Matter Whether Use Is By a Trademark Owner Or a Third Party</b></i><p>In a nearly 50-page precedential opinion, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) panel of Judges Adlin, Heasely, and Lynch, underscored the need to prove actual use in commerce in order to register a trademark, regardless of how low the standard for use under the Lanham Act has recently become. <i>Tao Licensing, LLC, v. Bender Consulting d/b/a Asia Pacific Beverages.</i>
Features
Supreme Court Doesn't Sound Ready to Kill Off PTAB
<b><i>There Was No Clear Majority at Oral Argument Signaling the Death of</i> Inter Partes <i>Review</b></i><p>November 27 was supposed to be the big Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) showdown at the U.S. Supreme Court. After two hours of questioning, it seemed more like a big bust.
Columns & Departments
IP News
Federal Circuit Affirms Finding That Rembrandt's Patent Is Not Infringed by Apple's Accused Products<br>District Court Transfers Case after Federal Circuit Ordered It to Reconsider Party's Venue Objections In Light of <i>TC Heartland</i><brPTAB Decision Invalidating AIP Internet Network Patent Affirmed on Appeal
Features
The Case for Use of Accelerated Case Resolution in TTAB Proceedings
This article outlines the available options under the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board's ACR rules and discusses the strategic considerations in determining whether ACR might be advantageous, particularly in light of increasing pressure from clients to reduce costs and expedite the decision-making process.
Features
Supreme Court, Federal Circuit Deny Damages for Patent Found to Be Valid and Infringed
On Nov. 13, 2017, a Federal Circuit panel of Chief Judge Prost, Judge Mayer, and Judge Chen issued a unanimous decision in <i>Promega Corp. v. Life Technologies Corp.</i> On remand from the United States Supreme Court, the panel affirmed a grant of judgment as a matter of law by the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin that the plaintiff failed to prove its infringement case under §§35 U.S.C. 271(a) and 271(f)(1). The panel affirmed the district court's denial for a new trial on damages and infringement, and reaffirmed its prior holdings on enablement, licensing, and active inducement issues.
Features
Fantasy Sports Dispute Results In New Views On Exceptions to Rights of Publicity
In a case of first impression, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana has decided that the newsworthiness and public interest exceptions to Indiana's right-of-publicity statute do apply to online fantasy sports companies that use college athletes' names and likenesses.
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