Alt Legal IP News – Issue #239
Bri Van Til | May 11, 2021
Wavering about Waivers
President Biden said last week that he supports waiving international patent protection for COVID-19 vaccines.
Not surprisingly, Pfizer and BioNTech weighed in to say that’s not a good idea, but Moderna is unconcerned about them.
Some called the measure “simplistic and short-sighted,” but the Pope is in favor of the waivers, pleading in favor of “the laws of love and the health of humanity.”
International leaders from Germany, France, and Brazil all had opinions about the idea.
In Practice
Ever wanted to be considered an expert at something? Here’s a guide. Also be sure to check out this recorded webinar about finding and establishing expertise in your niche.
This attorney wants to remind you that trade secret rules also apply to attorneys, so be careful what you take with you when you change jobs.
Look who’s a finalist for an award for practice management software! Spoiler: we’re being considered for our innovative §2(d) Trademark Watch service.
Need to expedite your CIPO trademark application? You may be able to do so.
That’s a Rap
Trademark applications reveal that Jay-Z may be starting a television and movie production company and may even be getting into NFTs.
“This Is America,” where copyright infringement lawsuits are common. Watch out, Childish Gambino: someone’s trying to “get your money.”
Here’s an interesting insight on economic theory, copyright, and disruption from Spotify’s former chief economist.
Professional Concerns
Whether you’ve been planning your job change for years or just happened into it, consider applying to be a contracts attorney for Planned Parenthood.
(Vitamin) Shoppeing for a new job? Maybe this associate general counsel position is just the cure for what ails you.* *(This treatment has not been approved by the FDA).
“The Opportunity to Change a Life Begins with [applying to be transactions counsel at] Dana-Farber.”
Are you handy with trademarks? Consider applying to be trademark counsel for Home Depot. I’m sure you can hammer out the details with them.
If you were senior contract attorney for this grocer, how many of the contracts you’d be responsible for do you think would be Publix knowledge?
Breaking up with your current job? Consider this BAE instead.
X is looking for IP counsel, so Y not apply?
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
The Supreme Court will not take up the issue of whether PTAB proceedings violate the “Takings Clause” since patents are not private property.
Need some CLE credit? Jenner & Block is hosting several free virtual programs. Looking for more great CLE content? Make sure to join us for Alt Legal Connect in September! Use the code “newsletter” for a discount.
If you missed our webinar about NFTs and IP law, make sure to watch the recording!
The USPTO is hosting a free CLE event in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Lanham Act. Sign up now!