BW INSIGHTS

The Supplemental Register - What is it? How is the Supplemental Register Different than the Principal Register?

By Christopher Proskey | 02.06.2023

Wait! What? There are different kinds of federal trademark registers?  The answer is Yes. There are two types of federal trademark registers – The “Principal Register” and the “Supplemental Register.”   In this blog I hope to provide some insight on the differences between trademarks registered on the Principal Register and the Supplemental... Read More

Don't Be in the Wrong: How to Avoid Copyright Infringement

By Jordan Meggison-Decker | 01.10.2023

If you have ever been on either the sending or receiving end of a Cease-and-Desist Letter or a Copyright Infringement Notice, you know that it is not a pleasant feeling in either instance. Copyright issues pop up every day in our Internet driven lives and knowing the copyright basics can ensure that you stay on the right side of the law when... Read More

Let Me Emphasize the IP in IPA: Intellectual Property & Craft Brewing

By Jordan Meggison-Decker | 10.20.2022

There has never been a better time than now for craft brewers to protect their intellectual property. The craft brewing industry is bigger than ever and growing every single day. In 2021, the craft beer retail market was 13% of the entire retail market for beer, cracking $26 billion in total sales. This represented an 8% growth over 2020. In 2021,... Read More

Why Should You Obtain a Federal Registration for Your Trademark?

By Jordan Meggison-Decker | 09.23.2022

There are many benefits to registering your trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Choosing to obtain a federal trademark registration first and foremost means that you have the right to bring a lawsuit in federal court concerning the use of your trademark. Similar to the right to file a lawsuit is the fact that a... Read More

Is an NFT Intellectual Property?

By Jordan Meggison-Decker | 06.01.2022

The terms “NFT”, “bitcoin”, “blockchain”, and “cryptocurrency” have exploded in the last few years. From brands using NFTs as promotional opportunities to creators using NFTs to monetize their content, these terms are rampant. Although they can be confusing, each term has a specific meaning which indicates how it works and how it can affect... Read More

USPTO Terminates Global Patent Prosecution Highway with the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent)

By David Breiner | 03.11.2022

What is the GPPH? The Global Patent Prosecution Highway (GPPH) is an examination regime that enables expedited patent protection in foreign countries.  Under the GPPH, participating patent offices have agreed that when an applicant receives a final ruling from a first patent office that at least one claim is allowed, the applicant may request fast... Read More

Viral TikTok or Copyright Infringement Lawsuit?

By Jordan Meggison-Decker | 01.25.2022

Since 2016, TikTok has grown to be a popular platform for viral content creation. TikTok allows short-form video posts and encourages users to engage with the videos. The software then attempts to personalize each user’s experience by showing them videos like those they have enjoyed in the past. Part of what makes each short-form video interesting... Read More

Trademark Symbols – “®” “TM” “SM” – What Do They Mean and When Should I Use Them?

By Christopher Proskey | 01.10.2022

I’m often asked the question “What do the Trademark Symbols – “®” “TM” “SM” – mean, and when should I use them?” Only One Rule: There is only one rule that you have to follow when it comes to the use of trademark symbols, and that is: You cannot use the “®” symbol unless and until the trademark is officially registered by the United States Patent... Read More

Big Developments In European Patent Protection – The Myth of a European Unitary Patent May Soon Become Reality

By Christopher Proskey | 12.13.2021

Filing patents in Europe has always been challenging, and unsatisfying – if not downright disheartening. That’s because there has been no way to get comprehensive patent coverage across the European Union. In the U.S. you can get one patent that covers all 50 States. No such system exists in Europe. Instead, in Europe to get comprehensive coverage... Read More

What is a Designated DMCA Agent, and Why You Need One

By Jordan Meggison-Decker | 12.09.2021

Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”) online service providers may be protected from potential claims of copyright infringement if they designate an agent who is to receive notice of infringement claims for material posted on the service providers website or platform. An online service provider is defined in 17 U.S.C. § 512(k)(1)(A)... Read More