By Guest Author on Posted in PatentThe United States is the only country in the world to still use a first-to-invent system for patent application filing; every other country employs a first-to-file system. That will soon be changing. Under the current U.S. first-to-invent system, the first person to create an invention is entitled to a patent on that invention, even if … Continue Reading
By Todd R. Hambidge on Posted in International,TrademarkOn February 19, 2013, Mexico will become the 89th member of the Madrid Protocol, streamlining the trademark registration process for U.S. trademark owners and others seeking trademark protection in Mexico. To date, trademark protection in Mexico (as with other non-Madrid Protocol countries, such as Canada) requires the use of local counsel to prosecute trademark applications. … Continue Reading
By Laura Merritt on Posted in International,TrademarkThere are a number of intellectual property myths that attorneys hear over and over again. Periodically, we’ll feature some of these myths and examine the reality. Myth: Because my company sells only in the United States, we don’t need to worry about protecting our trademarks internationally. Reality: Although trademark rights are territorial in nature, in … Continue Reading
By Keith Randall on Posted in Copyright,Patent,TechnologySony Computer Entertainment Japan recently filed for a new patent which has peaked the curiosity of the gaming world. From the published patent application we can gather that Sony’s new technology links each game sold to the console (PlayStation) upon which it is first played. After this initial imprint, the game would be unplayable on … Continue Reading
By Todd R. Hambidge on Posted in TrademarkAlthough they may go largely unnoticed by many trademark applicants, new and updated identifications and classifications published by the USPTO on January 1, 2013 will affect how applicants in particular industries identify and classify their goods and services. The changes in the USPTO’s Identification Manual reflect those found in the Tenth Edition of the Nice Classification … Continue Reading
