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Oracle vs. Google: More Than Just Coffee

Java – what does it mean to you?  If you are like me, it’s your favorite morning beverage.  It’s also an island in Indonesia that you hope to visit someday on a dive trip.  If you are the owner of an Android smartphone, Java may…

USPTO Throws in the Towel in Dispute With Federal Judge

In an earlier post, we discussed at length the curious case of The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama and Paul W. Bryant, Jr. v. Houndstooth Mafia Enterprises LLC et al.   Surprisingly, this dispute came to an abrupt end when the USPTO dropped…

PRINCE Act Shelved by Minnesota Legislator

Last week we reported on the right of publicity bill being considered by the Minnesota legislature in light of the passing of musical icon, Prince.  As reported by the Minneapolis Star Tribune this evening, State Representative Joe Hoppe has decided to pull the proposed PRINCE Act…

USING DESIGN PATENTS TO CLAIM FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS???

A recent opinion from the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Sport Dimension, Inc. v. The Coleman Co., No. 2015-1553, 7 (Fed. Cir. 2016), held that design patents can provide protection for ornamental features that are functional.  In particular, the Federal Circuit…