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What Nintendo's Rejected Patent Means for Inventors: Lessons on Obviousness and Prior Art
The United States Patent and Trademark Office recently rejected all 26 claims in a Nintendo patent that had been at the center of its legal dispute with Pocketpair, the developer of the popular game Palworld. The patent, No. 12,403,397, covered game mechanics involving summoning characters into battle in different modes. After a rare director-ordered reexamination, a USPTO examiner concluded that the claimed mechanics represented an obvious combination of ideas already presen
24 hours ago
What Apple's Vision Pro Trade Secret Settlement Means for Your Business
Apple recently settled a high-profile trade secret lawsuit against a former engineer who allegedly downloaded thousands of confidential documents related to the Vision Pro headset before leaving the company to join a competitor. The case, which was filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court in mid-2025, ended in March 2026 with the engineer agreeing to return all confidential materials, pay monetary damages, and issue a public apology. While this dispute involved one of the l
2 days ago
Dupe Culture Is Booming, but Is It Legal? What Business Owners Need to Know About Trade Dress
If you have spent any time on social media lately, you have probably come across the term "dupe." Short for duplicate, a dupe is a product that closely mimics the look and feel of a more expensive brand, often at a fraction of the price. From skincare packaging that mirrors high-end labels to athletic wear that looks nearly identical to premium brands, dupe culture has exploded into a multi-billion dollar trend. But for business owners who have invested in building a distinct
2 days ago


USPTO Opens the Door to Design Patents for Virtual Reality, Holograms, and Digital Interfaces
On March 13, 2026, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published new supplemental guidance that significantly expands the scope of design patent protection for computer-generated designs. The updated rules eliminate a long-standing requirement that applicants include a physical display screen in their design patent drawings, opening the door for businesses to protect graphical user interfaces, icons, holograms, projections, and virtual and augmented reality
4 days ago


Are you Clear to Proceed? Freedom To Operate Search breakdown
When you develop a new product or technology, you want to be sure you can bring it to market without any legal obstacles - infringement, cease and desist, no patentability, . That’s where freedom-to-operate (FTO) searches come in. These searches help you identify if your invention or product might infringe on existing patents. Knowing the costs and benefits of these searches is essential for making smart business decisions. What Are Freedom-to-Operate Search Fees? Freedom-to-
Mar 18


What Is a Trademark Class and Which One Should I Choose?
Not sure which trademark class applies to your business? Trademark classes determine how your brand is protected and which products or services your registration covers. Learn what trademark classes are, why they matter, and how to choose the right one for your brand.
Mar 9


Should I Trademark My Logo, and Business Name, or Both?
Should you trademark your logo, your business name, or both? Understanding the difference between word marks and design marks can help you choose the best way to protect your brand and avoid costly conflicts as your business grows.
Mar 6


What is a Trademark Search and Why is it Important?
Thinking about trademarking your business name? A trademark search is one of the most important steps before filing an application. Learn why searching existing trademarks helps prevent conflicts, reduce risk, and improve your chances of successfully registering your brand.
Mar 6


How to Trademark a Business Name
Thinking about trademarking your business name? Learn the key steps involved in the trademark process, from conducting a search to filing with the USPTO. Understanding how to register a trademark can help protect your brand and prevent costly conflicts as your business grows.
Mar 6


How Much Does it Cost to Trademark my Brand?
Thinking about trademarking your business name? Learn what it costs to file a trademark, what fees to expect, and why protecting your brand early can be one of the smartest investments for your business.
Mar 6


How Long Does it Take to Get a Trademark?
How long does it take to get a trademark? The process usually takes 8–12 months, but several steps can affect the timeline. Learn what happens after you file and how the USPTO reviews trademark applications.
Mar 6


Why Do I need a Trademark?
Thinking about building a brand for your business? A trademark helps protect your name, logo, and reputation from copycats. Learn why trademarks are important, how they protect your brand, and why securing your trademark early can help your business grow with confidence.
Mar 6
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