Alt Legal IP News – Issue # 200!
Bri Van Til | August 07, 2020
Drive Me Crazy!
– This is a collection of some of the weirdest car patents granted, including a detachable unicycle and a rolling meeting room. It’s unclear if the rolling meeting room includes videoconferencing solutions so that you could Zoom while you zoom.
– This must be a yoke: BMW’s patent application shows they’re re-inventing the steering wheel. And unfortunately I can’t take credit for that pun. I’ll steer clear of even suggesting that I can.
– Land Rover tried and failed to trademark the vehicle’s shape. For more information about nontraditional trademarks, come listen to Ed Timberlake’s talk at Alt Legal Connect. Use the code “newsletter” for a discount!
Patent Pending
– How has the coronavirus pandemic affected the patent process, and what changes are likely to come?
– Here’s a handy guide to understanding the Arthrex cases, which may affect over 10,000 PTAB proceedings.
– What is the relationship between patent examiner speed and patent allowance rates?
– Though patent granting is considerably more subjective than is ideal, these authors have identified three properties common to most successful patent applications.
– When do patent holders need foreign patents and/or export licenses?
Candy Crush
– There’s been a rise in the use of patents and trademarks to protect candy-sweet fruit breeds and their brand names.
– German courts have allowed Ritter Sport to retain the trademark on its square shape. I guess they can get ritter the competition now!
– The case above is just one of several recent trademark battles over chocolate.
Professional Concerns
– If you apply for and get this job as a contract manager at GoDaddy, would you say you’d GoneDaddy
– Spencers is looking for associate counsel. Your fifteen-year-old self would think you were so cool if you got that job!
– Perkins Coie is looking for a chipper business manager.
– This attorney position hopefully has more UPS than downs.
– Looking to branch out in your practice? Sashay on over to our next webinar to learn more about the exciting field of fashion IP law!
– Have an open role on your team? Send a link to your job listing to [email protected], and we’ll publish it in our next newsletter.
Odds and Ends
– When court is conducted via videoconference, does the judge’s use of the mute button constitute a civil rights violation?
– Patrick Arenz of Robins Kaplan is asking for amicus briefs in support of expanded copyright protection for fictional characters.
– Come join Alt Legal and Maddy Martin of Smith.ai for a Roundtable Discussion about affordable technology you can use to make your practice more efficient. Seats are limited and participation is required.
– The key to a great attorney-client relationship is communication. Join Alt Legal and Andrea Evans for Impeccable Intake, a webinar about what to ask, how to ask it, and how to set clear expectations for clients.