Gregory Richardson, over at the Trademarks and Intellectual Property Weblog, has a number of good posts about trademark fundamentals. If you’re in need of trademark help or some TM explanations such as the differences between trade dress and a trademark,…
Next in my series of posts, a topic probably deceiving the pithy label recently given: the detailed description. This eponymous section of a patent actually needs more explanation than one might garner from its name alone: the detailed description goes beyond…
Continuing the post series explaining patents, we now address the drawing descriptions. The description of the drawings is just that. It refers to each drawing by number and explains what the drawing is. The description is brief – it isn’t…
Next up in the Patents Explained series: the summary section of the patent. The summary is similar to the background of the invention, and, in that same vein, some consider it extraneous and potentially damaging to the patent as a…
Ben Sheffner writes about the recent Viacom v. YouTube case, which he finds extremely disappointing in its dodging of the question of what, besides an official takedown notice, can require an online content provider to remove copyrighted material. Quick background:…
I was talking with a client about two weeks ago and explaining the benefits of a provisional application. I was telling him that a provisional application is place holder – it keeps your spot in line – but he had…
Today in the Explaining Patents series: the background and field of invention section. The background generally comprises two parts: an explanation of the field of invention and a description of the prior art. The Patent Office rules suggest that it…
Continuing the series of posts explaining the parts of a patent, today we move on the drawings. A drawing is required when it is necessary to understand the patent application. Most patent applications have drawings because drawings of the invention…
The abstract is similar to a summary of the patent. It is intended to let the Patent Office and the public quickly know what the patent is about without having to read the entire patent. There aren’t hard rules on…
Everyone knows of the widespread copyright infringement the Internet made possible. And I think most of us are aware that the RIAA and record studios have been the most visible face of copyright infringement lawsuits. But movie studios also sue. …