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Federal Circuit Affirms District Court's Decision That an Artificial Intelligence Software System Cannot Be Listed as an Inventor on a Patent Application Federal Circuit Affirms District Court's Partial Award of Attorney's Fees
Features
Protecting a Trademark Licensor's Rights In a Bankruptcy Case
A recent bankruptcy case from the District of Delaware underscores the need for a trademark licensor to be alert to filings made in its licensee's bankruptcy case that may require prompt action by the licensor to protect its valuable rights under a license agreement.
Features
Federal Circuit Analyzes Specification and Prosecution History Claim Language Usage
University of Massachusetts v. L'Oréal Absent an express disclaimer or special definition of how a term is to be interpreted, it can be frustrating to get a court to reject the plain and ordinary meaning of claim language read in a vacuum, based on the subtleties of how a term is used in a patent or its prosecution history.
Features
One Banana, Two Banana: Can a Banana Taped to a Wall Be Copyright Protected Art?
On July 7, 2022, the Southern District of Florida denied a motion to dismiss in Morford v. Cattelan, which began by posing the following question: "Can a banana taped to a wall be art?"
Features
Digital Advertising: Customer Confusion and Trademark Infringement
In the absence of a federal statutory scheme specifically aimed at digital advertising practices, the courts have focused on consumer-facing issues covered by existing law, such as privacy, transparency, and deceptive or misleading advertising practices. But digital advertising technology can also present new challenges in copyright and trademark protection.
Features
Copyright Plaintiffs Can Reach Back More Than Three Years In Seeking Infringement Damages, Ninth Circuit Rules
How far back from accrual of a claim may a plaintiff reach for copyright damages?
Columns & Departments
IP News
Copyright Standing and Fifth Circuit Trade Dress Factors
Features
UPDATE: Did the Supreme Court's 'Arthrex' Decision Open Pandora's Box?
In June 2021, the Supreme Court ruled in U.S. v. Arthrex that the statutory scheme appointing Patent Trial and Appeal Board administrative patent judges to adjudicate IPRs violates the appointments clause of the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, the Court concluded that because APJ decisions in IPR proceedings are not reviewable by a presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed officer, such determinations are not compatible with the powers of inferior officers. The PTO later decided that it would not accept requests for director review of institution decisions. This policy is now also being questioned in Arthrex's wake.
Features
Quebec's Bill 96 and Trademarks: Product Packaging and Labelling
The modifications brought by the Quebec's Bill 96 will have a far-reaching impact on how businesses use trademarks on product packaging, labelling, public signage and in commercial advertising. This article is Part One of a two-part series on Bill 96 and trademarks and covers the effects as they relate to product packaging and labelling and how best to comply with these new provisions.
Features
Proper Notice of Trademark Rights: Using Trademark Symbols for Three-Dimensional Packaging and Product Designs
Among the most common questions trademark attorneys are asked is what the differences are between the symbols ®, TM, and SM. When should such symbols should be used? Where should they appear? How frequently? Do they even need to be used at all?
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