Alt Legal IP News – Issue # 169
Bri Van Til | December 17, 2019
Block Chain Chain Chain
– Cisco and IBM have been granted patents to use blockchain to secure 5G data and prevent drone-enabled package theft, respectively.
– Meanwhile, the Italian Copyright office plans to use blockchain technology to handle copyright claims.
– In case you’re curious about patenting blockchain technologies, here’s a handy guide.
– Nike has been awarded a patent for CryptoKicks, shoes that use blockchain technology to track the shoes’ ownership and legitimacy.
Affordable Drugs
– Similarly in the US, many of the Democratic candidates have proposed patent “take-backs” to reclaim drug patents and reduce costs for consumers.
– The USMCA recently passed. The bill originally contained language to grant 10-year patent protection for biologics, but Democrats removed the measure, saying it would increase drug costs.
– Did the HHS patent infringement suit against Gilead set a precedent for other drug companies?
Disney’s World
– Is the Disney cultural monopoly something that mouse be addressed?
– Artists have started a movement, including using Mickey Mouse images, in an effort to halt copyright infringement.
– Keep the IP too close you cannot, Baby Yoda suggests.
Odds and Ends
– Impeachment-related trademark applications have been filed with the USPTO, but most have been rejected. Our favorite? Peach-flavored mints (you know, Impeachmints).
– The Supreme Court ruled that the USPTO cannot recoup USPTO attorneys’ salaries as part of the expenses for district court legislation.
– Read about how Jason Rosenblum’s experience working in his family’s men’s clothing store inspired him to become an IP attorney. Check out our most recent issue of Beyond the Docket!
The digest is going on holiday break, but we will return on the 7th with a new issue. In the meantime, don’t forget to grab an early bird conference pass and use the code “thanks” for a special discount: www.altlegal.com/connect.