I recently came across an interesting article in the Economist on the way in which inventions are developed today and in the past. It raises some intriguing points on how developments are handled today, as well as some insights regarding the scope and breadth of...
Patent trolls are a term used to a patent owner or licensee that seeks payment from companies allegedly infringing on the troll’s patent rights. Rather than fight the allegation, the company complies with the troll’s demands. The patent troll typically...
A California jury awarded a cardiologist $200 million dollars against Boston Scientific. The jury heard the patent infringement and licensing lawsuit filed by Dr. David Jang who developed two cardiac stents for Boston Scientific. The jury found in favor of...
As we all head outdoors for summer activities and vacations, I thought I’d take a look at some recent summertime inventions that caught my eye. The first is a “Flying Insect Repelling Hat”, US Publication No. 2015/0143612. The hat includes a series...
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed a lower court ruling for Marvel Entertainment relating to a patent royalty dispute for a Spider-Man toy. The majority, written by Justice Kagen, found that Marvel did not have to pay the agreed to royalties to the...
Turns out, big business can play nice. In an effort to encourage innovation, Ford Motor Company recently announced that it will allow competitors to access its patents relating to electric and hybrid vehicle technology. Executive Chairman William Clay...
Google recently filed for patent protection for an interactive toy, such as a teddy bear. In response to the user’s voice or movement, the device can adjust its gaze, or change its expression. In addition to its ability to interact with children, the toy...
The internet today makes finding interesting content and artistic images easy. For anyone who has a presentation or a paper to write, finding the right information and/or images can mean the difference between success and failure. But before you hit the...
The United States Patent and Trademark Office recently announced this year’s Patent for Humanity Awards. The program was initiated by the Obama administration to promote game-changing innovations to solve long standing development challenges. This year’s winners...
Ericsson AB has sued Apple Inc. in three countries, according to statements from Ericsson. The lawsuits are based on patent infringement allegations stemming from failed licensing negotiations. Ericsson has filed actions in Germany, the U.K. and the...
Boeing received an issued U.S. patent recently on a device that makes it easier for passengers to sleep on an airplane. The patent (U.S. 8,985,693) entitled, “Transport Vehicle Upright Sleep Support System”, consists of a backpack device that is...
As the mother of boys and an IP attorney, this story hit me in more ways than one. Four young men who were part of a computer hacking ring plead guilty to breaking into computer networks of technology companies and the U.S. Army and stealing more than $100...
