The Trouble with Patent Trolls

A growing number of companies are amassing enormous IP portfolios, often purchasing patents from underfunded inventors. Those in the warehouse patent business generally have no intention of bringing these inventions to market; they profit through licensing and litigation. Oftentimes the purchased patents have overly broad claims, allowing these "patent trolls" to bully would-be infringers into a licensing agreement. Those who refuse find themselves in court and are forced to spend huge sums on their legal defense.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

Using the International Trade Commission to Protect your Intellectual Property

The International Trade Commission (ITC) is a valuable resource in preventing the importation of counterfeit goods. While the ITC cannot award damages, they can issue exclusion orders that will keep infringing products out of the United States. These orders are generally much easier to obtain than court ordered injunctions.

UK Court Rules that Nestle Cannot Trademark the Kit Kat Shape

A court in the United Kingdom recently held that Nestle cannot trademark the shape of its chocolate Kit Kat bar. This may pave the way for competitors such as Cadbury to make a similarly shaped bar.  Nestle plans to appeal this decision.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE