Firm News
Copyright and Fireworks
FishBits: Mini Article Volume 23, Issue 12
Under US copyright law, to receive protection, a work must be “fixed” which means that a work must be expressed or embodied in a material medium that lasts for more than a transitory period.
A potential update to the quid pro quo of patents? US Supreme Court to review enablement requirement in Section 112 of Patent Act
Paul Ratzmann and Melissa Chapman of Fishman Stewart explain the importance of having a ‘proper’ US patent disclosure for promoting science and the useful arts, and how a pending Supreme Court case may determine if certain disclosure strategies meet current enablement requirements.
Call for submissions announced for Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) student writing contest, sponsored by Fishman Stewart
As a longstanding sponsor of The Engineering Society of Detroit’s (ESD) annual TechCentury Student Writing Contest, intellectual property law firm Fishman Stewart PLLC is pleased to announce that the 2023 contest is now open for submissions.
PATENTS IN RED, WHITE, AND BOOM!
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 23, Issue 14
The development of fireworks dates back over 2,000 years starting with the development of gunpowder in China. Initially, gunpowder was used for medicinal purposes, but its explosive properties were soon recognized, and Chinese innovators began harnessing gunpowder for entertainment, celebrations, and other applications.
Taking Pride in Innovation: LGBTQI+ Scientists and Inventors that Changed the World
FishBits: Mini Article Volume 23, Issue 11
Throughout history, members of the LGBTQI+ community have played a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge, engineering groundbreaking inventions, and challenging societal norms. In honor of Pride Month, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of a few LGBTQI+ inventors and scientists.
Supreme Court to VIP: Bad Spaniels, Bad.
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 23, Issue 13
In a rare unanimous decision, the Supreme Court sided with Jack Daniel’s Properties, reversing the Ninth Circuit decision that found VIP Products’ dog chew toy, a non-infringing parody of the trademark rights Jack Daniel’s holds in its name, JACK DANIEL’S, OLD NO. 7, the label, and bottle design.
World Ocean Day and Patents Powering the Tide of Change
FishBits: Mini Article Volume 23, Issue 10
June 8th is World Ocean Day which raises awareness about the importance of the oceans and encourages conservation efforts to protect marine ecosystems. We are taking a moment to highlight some of the game changing inventions designed to keep our oceans clean.
TACO TUESDAY® and TASMANIAN DEVIL®, Two Trademarks in Demand
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 23, Issue 12
People like tacos on Tuesdays. They just do. It’s even fun to say: “Taco Tuesday.” But since 1995, Registrant has owned a federal trademark registration for “Taco Tuesday.” Not cool.
US Copyright Protection for AI-Generated Works
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 23, Issue 11
The US Copyright Office recently made headlines for partially revoking a copyright registration it previously issued for an AI-generated graphic novel. Artist Kristina Kashtanova used the Midjourney platform to create images that she included in her graphic novel called Zarya of the Dawn.
No More Discord Over This Chord: Sheeran Sings His Way To Copyright Win
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 23, Issue 10
Ed Sheeran recently successfully defended against a copyright infringement lawsuit over his 2014 hit “Thinking Out Loud.” Songwriter Ed Townsend’s heirs brought the suit alleging Sheeran had infringed Townsend’s copyrights in the 1973 Motown classic, “Let’s Get It On” which Townsend co-authored with Marvin Gaye.
Taco ‘Bout Innovation: Cinco de Mayo and the Importance of Design Patents
FishBits: Mini Article Volume 23, Issue 9
General Mills, Inc. obtained design patent USD759,342 for a “shaped tortilla” —a concept that has been around probably as long as the tortilla itself.
Partner Michael Stewart’s article, stressing the importance for law firms to embrace the digital age, appears in the State Bar of Michigan’s Law Practice Management Spring 2023 Newsletter
Partner Michael Stewart’s article, stressing the importance for law firms to embrace the digital age, appears in the State Bar of Michigan’s Law Practice Management Spring 2023 Newsletter
Reeling in Patent Protection: Section 102 and 103 Rejections in the USPTO Waters
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 23, Issue 9
In the Midwest, open water fishing season is upon us. As with traveling on the Great Lakes, navigating the choppy waters of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can be a daunting endeavor for any applicant angling to protect their innovations.
Fishman Stewart partner looks at importance of World IP Day
In celebrating women inventors, creators and entrepreneurs on April 26th World IP Day, Fishman Stewart recognizes the need for more women to leverage the IP system to protect creativity and add financial value to their work.
Tax Loopholes and Lox: How a Cream Cheese-Stuffed Bagel Exposed a Delicious Sandwich-Tax Loophole
FishBits: Mini Article Volume 23, Issue 8
Inventors and designers have the challenging job of inventing and designing around many issues: prior art, competitive products, budgets, physics, consumer safety, market demand, supply chain hiccups, government regulations, and … taxes.
Charles Dickens and the Ghost of Copyright Future
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 23, Issue 8
American publishing houses consistently snapped up the works of the famous British author, re-published them in cheap editions, which sold all over the country, and they pocketed the proceeds without any remuneration to Charles Dickens.
Winner of ESD student writing contest awarded $1,000 Fishman Stewart-sponsored scholarship at Gold Award Reception
Fishman Stewart PLLC is pleased to announce the firm awarded Oakland University engineering student Olivia Racette a $1,000 scholarship for her winning essay.
Easter Eggs and Copyright Traps
FishBits: Mini Article Volume 23, Issue 7
For many of us, the term “Easter egg” conjures up memories of dying hard-boiled eggs in bright colors or hunting for treasures and candies stuffed inside plastic orbs hidden around the neighborhood.
Doggy Doo, Doggy Don’t: A Supreme Court Issue. (No, Really.)
FishBits: Mini Article Volume 23, Issue 6
When a Bad Spaniel leaves a doggy stain on a famous brand’s proverbial carpet, even the Supreme Court can have fun.
Take That to the Bank: Securing Your Creativity
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 23, Issue 7
Each of us is creative. The key is to leverage that creativity, converting it into an intellectual property asset that enhances enterprise value.
Recent Posts
- Fishman Stewart partner marks World IP Day on April 26 with a look at how creativity and innovation can be used to reach the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) for safeguarding our planet and improving livelihoods
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Newsletter Round Up: Updates on Your Favorite Articles
FishBits: Mini Article Volume 24, Issue 7
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Celebrate World Intellectual Property Day with Finny
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 24, Issue 9
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Total Eclipse Promises a Solar Spectacle
FishBits: Mini Article Volume 24, Issue 6
- Fishman Stewart awards $1,000 scholarship to winner of ESD student writing contest at ESD Gold Award Reception
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Climate Change and the Patenting Process Doing Its Part
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 24, Issue 8
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More than One Way to Slice a Potato?
FishBits: Mini Article Volume 24, Issue 5
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Trump “Never Surrender” Sneakers: Could They Surrender To Louboutin Red Bottoms?
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 24, Issue 7
- Michael D. Fishman named to the WTR 1000: World’s Leading Trademark Professionals in 2024
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Taylor Swift Deepfakes Make Bad Blood with Fans
FishBits: Mini Article Volume 24, Issue 4