Companies are utilizing PTAB proceedings as a more cost-effective alternative to district court litigation. In particular, the automotive industry has seen a rise in patents being challenged at the PTAB.

On August 19, 2015, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office released the much anticipated proposed rule package in response to public feedback, making what it classifies as "more involved" changes to the rules governing Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) trial proceedings

While the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro are a year away, official sponsors of the games are already working hard to protect their sizable investments. The Olympics, like other major sporting events, have strict rules regarding who can associate themselves with the games. In this podcast, Finnegan partner Danny M. Awdeh discusses best practices companies should employ to protect their trademark as an official Olympic sponsor.

While the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro are a year away, official sponsors of the games are already working hard to protect their sizable investments. The Olympics, like other major sporting events, have strict rules regarding who can associate themselves with the games.

Finnegan is pleased to release Intellectual Property Considerations for the Robotics Industry, a complimentary eBook featuring a series of articles originally contributed to Robotics Business Review. The articles, which were published over the past year, provide guidance and insight towards securing meaningful IP protection across the robotics industry at large.

A comprehensive and strategic plan for intellectual property protection of technical developments and enhancements, including design elements, are hallmarks of a successful and sophisticated business. A strong intellectual property portfolio provides several competitive advantages for robotics companies of all sizes—whether positioning for investment or sale, protecting from competitive threat in the marketplace, or building a strong brand name.

From a comparison of patents and trade secrets to a three-part series on IP rights protection when seeking government funding, Finnegan attorneys consider several key issues for robotics companies, including:

Patents or Trade Secrets: The Choice Is Yours

Design-Patent Protection for Modern Robotics Companies: What to Do When the Face of Your Robot Becomes the “Face” of Your Company

Patent Eligibility of Software in the Wake of the Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank Decision

Conducting R&D with Government Funding: Great Idea, but How Do We Protect Our Intellectual Property Rights?

To download a complimentary copy of Intellectual Property Considerations for the Robotics Industry, complete and submit the form below. We welcome your comments and inquiries.

In the sports and fitness industries, technology is not only advancing games and activities, but the equipment itself is a technological innovation. Products like fitness wearables, sports equipment, apparel, and footwear are now manufactured with embedded technology that helps improve training and performance. Like any emerging product sector, protecting and enforcing intellectual property is critical to the success of high-tech equipment. In this podcast, Finnegan attorneys Danny M. Awdeh and Aaron L. Parker discuss IP considerations for sports and fitness products.

Products like fitness wearables, sports equipment, apparel, and footwear are now manufactured with embedded technology that helps improve training and performance. Like any emerging product sector, protecting and enforcing intellectual property is critical to the success of high-tech equipment.

The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has been legalized in 23 states and Washington D.C., and recreational use has been legalized in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, DC and Washington state. A number of other states are also considering initiatives that would introduce legalized marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes. As a result, legal production and trade of marijuana is an emerging industry, with very distinct IP considerations. Finnegan attorney Mark Sommers discusses potential trademark concerns for the emerging industry.

The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has been legalized in 23 states and Washington D.C., and recreational use has been legalized in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, DC and Washington state. As a result, legal production and trade of marijuana is an emerging industry, with very distinct IP considerations.