The Latest from Michelson IP
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...
Making Intellectual Property Education Accessible to All: A Year in Review
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.
Polar Bears, Santa Claus, and How a Soda Company’s IP Rights Signify the Holidays
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.
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...
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.
The Beat of Collaboration: A Look Back at the NACCE Conference
The recent National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) conference held in Nashville was nothing short of an exhilarating blend of innovation, inspiration, and invaluable networking. Explore key highlights with Chinwe Ohanele.
Music Catalog for Sale: The Ins and Outs of Publishing as an IP Asset
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?
Intellectual Property Careers: Top 9 Jobs to Consider and the Skills Needed to Get Them
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.
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...
Taylor Swift Trademarks: A Peek into the World of ‘Trademarked by Tay-Tay’
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...
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...
Will AI Take Over Music? Implications on Copyright in the Music Industry
Contributing Editor: Rachelle Mulumba, The Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property AI Generated Music: Creative Genius or Legal Minefield? With the latest advancements in generative AI models, we are witnessing the birth of music pieces generated without...
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...
Biometrics as Intellectual Property in an AI-Driven World
By: The Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property Executive Editor: Nathan Mutter, Holland & Hart LLP, IPO Education Foundation The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and biometrics is reshaping our world. While these technologies open new...
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...
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.
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....
Taco Tuesday Trademark Battle Ends But Larger Cultural IP Questions Remain
By Rachelle Mulumba It seems the fight to “free” the Taco Tuesday trademark has officially come to an end with Taco John’s, the fast food chain and original rights holders, vowing to abandon the mark last week. This comes following a coordinated marketing campaign...
Monthly News Roundup – July 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! "The ruling comes after Touchstream filed a complaint in June 2021 claiming that it met with Google in December 2011 and was told...
Monthly News Roundup – June 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! "Overstock.com Buys Bed Bath & Beyond Intellectual Property for $21.5 Million." - Overstock.com Buys Bed Bath & Beyond...
Community College Educator Boasts Student Successes Thanks to Michelson IP
By Rachelle Mulumba Quotes in the article have been lightly edited and paraphrased for clarity. “I remember during my first semester teaching, a student came up to me and he had designed this beautiful logo. He asked me, ‘Can you show me the ropes? How do I protect...
How To Copyright Artwork For Free
While official copyright registration typically involves fees, there are preliminary steps you can take to protect your artwork without incurring substantial costs. Here are a few suggestions on how to copyright artwork for free: Recognize automatic copyright Be aware...
Famous Trade Secrets: Top Ways to Protect your IP
Famous trade secrets are a hallmark of intellectual property law being put into practice. Think: Coca-Cola and WD-40. What do these well-known products have in common? They use trade secrets as a means of protecting their intellectual property. Coca-Cola protects...
Monthly News Roundup – May 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! "LeBron James loves Taco Tuesday®. But he’s not a fan of that tiny, encircled “R” symbolizing the slogan’s registered trademark....
What is a plant patent?
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day was this Sunday, May 21. But what is the IP behind the seeds and plants of our produce? In this article, we are asked to take a look at: what is a plant patent? What is a plant patent? Marilyn Monroe was an icon of the silver...