The Chatter We Make

What's famous to an IP attorney might not be well-known to the general public. There are cases that we are familiar with because they serve as great examples or set wide-ranging precedents for the rights of IP holders. 

Here are three famous cases we think you should know about. 

It was the kind of public exposure that most entrepreneurs can only dream of. First, Emma Cohen's company, Final Straw, took off on Kickstarter, ultimately raising $1.6 million on the crowdfunding site. Then, she landed a coveted chance to present her reusable, collapsible straw on ABC's Shark Tank. Two groups of impressed Sharks made her an offer. 

That's when things started to go wrong. Very wrong.

In terms of trademark protections, Amazon built a great fortress with its Brand Registry. However, the company's latest foray into the IP process, IP Accelerator, may just have blown a hole in its walls. 

Having been involved in a start-up as an engineer and having worked closely with start-ups as an IP attorney since 2006, I’ve come to realize there are four “pillars” that determine whether a startup will ultimately be successful: Capital, Idea, Team, and Timing.

The internet and social media offer incredible marketing opportunities for businesses, but proceed with caution to avoid legal landmines! Here are a few tips for navigating potential IP issues with memes, hashtags, and emojis.

After graduating from engineering school, I remember speaking to my grandfather, who had worked as a chemical engineer for GE for his entire career after WWII.

When new companies are moving forward with a product at a rapid pace, some of the last things on their minds are details like patents, inventorship, and other intellectual property matters.

Eminem Sues Spotify!  At least that’s what one might take away from headlines regarding a copyright case that could find its way to the Supreme Court next year.