The Latest from Michelson IP

What the Apple Watch Controversy Means for IP Rights

What the Apple Watch Controversy Means for IP Rights

The legal battle between Apple and Masimo over the Apple Watch blood oxygen sensor is a tale of innovation, intellectual property (IP) rights, and the strategic maneuvers of a tech titan.  Learn how this may open a broader dialogue on the conduct of large corporations when it comes to the IP rights of smaller entities. 

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The Fine Line of Art and Copyright: The Case of The Hangover Part II

The Fine Line of Art and Copyright: The Case of The Hangover Part II

Stu Price’s tattoo in “The Hangover Part II,” a not-so-subtle nod to Mike Tyson’s famous ink, sparked a legal battle just before the movie’s release. The tale is more than just a Hollywood anecdote, it’s a quirky reminder of the dance between IP rights, fair use, and creative liberties taken in the film industry.

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Disney Characters in the Public Domain: 2024

Disney Characters in the Public Domain: 2024

Delve into the Micky Mouse Protection Act and discover which versions of iconic Disney characters, including Mickey and Tigger, entered the public domain in 2024. Learn some nuances of using these characters and get a sneak peak into 2026’s and 2030’s releases.

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Monthly News Roundup – December 2023

Monthly News Roundup – December 2023

Need some good reading material? Here's a quick recap of the top IP news stories and hot topics in IP we loved diving into the past month! "Nearly any brand element can qualify for trademark protection, as long as the trademark is protecting something that uniquely...

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Monthly News Roundup – November 2023

Monthly News Roundup – November 2023

Need some good reading material? Here's a quick recap of the top IP news stories and hot topics in IP we loved diving into the past month! "A new exhibition at the Chazen Museum of Art in Wisconsin will showcase how a Medieval goldsmith working at the advent of...

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Mariah Carey: Copyright Infringement for Christmas?

Mariah Carey: Copyright Infringement for Christmas?

The holiday season brings with it the return of many beloved items, among them Christmas cookies, peppermint mochas, Elf on the Shelf, and Mariah Carey’s hit song “All I Want for Christmas is You.” This year, Carey is getting a bit of coal in her stocking, in the form of a copyright infringement lawsuit.

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Monthly News Roundup – October 2023

Monthly News Roundup – October 2023

Need some good reading material? Here's a quick recap of the top IP news stories and hot topics in IP we loved diving into the past month! "Tech companies maintain that their datasets are protected by the fair use doctrine, which allows for the repurposing of...

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Monthly News Roundup – September 2023

Monthly News Roundup – September 2023

Need some good reading material? Here's a quick recap of the top IP news stories and hot topics in IP we loved diving into the past month! "Research into vaccines, crop seeds and other innovations for low- or middle-income nations could be rewarded by offering longer...

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Monthly News Roundup – August 2023

Monthly News Roundup – August 2023

Need some good reading material? Here's a quick recap of the top IP news stories and hot topics in IP we loved diving into the past month! "USPTO believes adding advanced AI technologies “offers unique opportunities to leapfrog forward to further enhance patent search...

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Fair Use For Trademarks

Fair Use For Trademarks

Due to numerous lawsuits, particularly in the music industry, it is well known there is a “fair use” doctrine for copyrighted works. But did you know there are also scenarios which allow for the fair use of trademarks?  First, what is a trademark? The United States...

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How the UNCF Unite Conference Inspired the Michelson IP Team

How the UNCF Unite Conference Inspired the Michelson IP Team

By Chinwe Ohanele
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Unite was an incredible conference running from July 17 through July 20 in Atlanta Georgia that brought together educators from over 47 historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and over 1000 attendees dedicated to the success of Black students. The Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property (Michelson IP) was honored to both sponsor the conference and facilitate “Democratizing IP Education.” The panel was in partnership with Dr. Muhsinah Morris of Morehouse College, Professor Tuneen Chisohlm of Howard University School of Law and Kene Turner of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship.

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What If We Didn’t Have Intellectual Property Laws?

What If We Didn’t Have Intellectual Property Laws?

A Day without IP Laws? We asked ChatGPT to help us out with this question and here's what they came up with: If the United States didn't have intellectual property laws, it would have significant implications on various aspects of society, innovation, and the economy....

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