The Latest from Michelson IP

Meet Whitley Crawford, our new Senior Program Coordinator! With a rich background in digital marketing and a passion for demystifying IP rights, Whitley is poised to revolutionize IP education. Join us in welcoming her!

Discover the pioneering Arab American inventors shaping our world! From Dr. Michael DeBakey’s groundbreaking medical innovations to Taher Elgamal’s SSL protocol securing online transactions, explore the impactful contributions of Arab Americans like Farouk El-Baz, Rana El Kaliouby, and Anthony Fadell.

Mattel v. MGA is more than just a legal battle over Bratz dolls; it’s a cautionary tale that highlights the importance of trade secrets and IP rights—both when working for an employer and when considering the sale of any idea. 

During Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate some of the remarkable women leaders in business who have harnessed IP to build and protect their businesses: Sara Blakely’s shapewear, Pinky Cole, and Sherrese Clarke Soares.

Sneakers are incredibly popular these days, both as urban streetwear and as financial assets. Individuals known as “sneakerheads” often collect, trade, or resell rare sneakers. Similarly, auction houses, such as Sotheby’s, as well as online marketplaces including...

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. 

Get to know members of the HBCUs IP Futures Collaborative who are part of our new cohort of  Educators in Residence, a group of selected faculty who have worked tirelessly to support advancing IP literacy efforts at community colleges across the country.

What are dating app patents? Is “swipe right” patented? Will AI bring new subject matter with intellectual property protections? Explore these questions and more this Valentine’s Day!

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.

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.

The holiday season, with its global and diverse celebrations, is a time when the significance of intellectual property becomes particularly evident. Understanding and respecting IP rights not only fosters a fair and ethical environment, but it also encourages further creativity and sharing in the spirit of the season.

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...

The past year in the Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property was defined by strategic advancements, significant partnerships, and impactful initiatives, all aligning with our core mission to ensure that intellectual property education reaches all communities—no matter where they are.

Companies change advertising strategies frequently, and often need to trademark new slogans or designs; however, Coca-Cola seems to have found IP longevity. Its Christmas-related goods have generated warmth for decades and will continue to do so.

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...

Left and right, it seems that legendary artists and their estates have had signs up stating “Music Catalog for Sale”. But what exactly gets sold when the catalog gets new ownership? And why are artists entertaining these deals now? 

IP offers a rich landscape of career opportunities for many aspiring professionals. While lawyers are essential in this dynamic field, the opportunities presented by the myriad variety of intellectual property jobs are as diverse as the creations they protect.

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...

Original photo: George Walker IV (Associated Press) Contributing Editor: Rachelle Mulumba, The Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property Music star Taylor Swift has had quite a year. Fans flocked to her Eras tour, traveling far and wide to share friendship...

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...

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...