Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Battles of Innovation
read about some of the epic battles our common household
favorites have fought over the years.
IP fairy tales
In the busy world we live in, where new ideas and inventions constantly shape
our lives, there's a fascinating world that many people don't notice - it's called
intellectual property. This book is for those who haven't yet realized how
important intellectual property is in our daily lives.
Before delving into the nuances of this issue, it is critical to understand why
intellectual property is so important. Just as a solid foundation is required for
the construction of a large building, we must first comprehend the
fundamentals before delving into this issue in depth.
You might come across many books about intellectual property, but some of
them can be difficult to read and may not spark your interest. This book, on
the other hand, is unique. It seeks to make the world of intellectual property
understandable and exciting to everyone, by looking at things the BEE-WAY,
regardless of age or background.
You can read this book in short bursts during your free moments, like when
you're on your way to work, having a meal, or taking a quick break. It's
designed to captivate, inform, and inspire even in brief readings, so you can
learn about intellectual property even with a busy schedule.
This book will take you on an interesting tour through the world of intellectual
property, covering topics such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and more.
As we go on this trip together, prepare to be enlightened and amazed. Let us
investigate the glories of intellectual property!
Battles of Innovation
Before you hop onto the
stories, read this-
In this section, we will talk about some of the Intellectual Property disputes or
fights that have taken place over the years. From conflicts dating back to the
1600s to very recent cases, we have covered it all.
These stories are just to apprise you, the reader, with the complex nature of
Intellectual Property battles - where everything is not so black and white like a
criminal case.
Hence, in most stories we have avoided taking a strong stance in favor or against
the characters, the dispute, and even the ruling.
As you read these stories, do not take the pressure of understanding every
Intellectual Property related term (the subsequent sections will take care of that -
just stay tuned).
Just read them like you read every other story - identify with the characters,
understand their point of views, maybe hold a debate with a friend about what
could've been done differently...
How Intellectual Property battles have shaped the world we live in today without
making a loud noise.
breathing..
living...
thriving...
When reels brought some real
trouble
Star Wars
V.
Battlestar Galactica Case
Stepping into the sci-fi world of 1977, the battle of the galaxies was extending beyond the silver
screen. As Star Wars: A New Hope took the world by storm, a real-life intergalactic feud
unfolded between two media giants -
Twentieth Century Fox, and
Universal Studios.
Fox fired the first shot, claiming that Universal's Battlestar Galactica (a science fiction media
franchise created by Glen A. Larson which began with the original television series in 1978, and
was followed by a line of book adaptations, original novels, comic books, a board game, and
what not.) bore a striking resemblance to their prized intellectual property of Star Wars. After all,
the multimedia franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the eponymous 1977 film
had quickly become a worldwide pop culture phenomenon.
Accusations of infringement echoed through the cosmos, pitting these two iconic franchises
against each other.
Not ones to back down, Universal fought back with their own lawsuit, alleging that Star Wars had
borrowed ideas from older works like the 1972 film, Silent Running. The stage was set for a legal
showdown, and two years later, the verdict emerged – Battlestar Galactica emerged
victorious.
However, despite the legal triumph, the franchise itself was struggling. The original show had
already met its demise, while Star Wars enthusiasts flocked to witness the greatness of The
Empire Strikes Back, looks like there was no actual winner in this dispute after all.
In this sci-fi saga of copyright clashes, the worlds of imagination and reality collided,
leaving fans and legal experts captivated. A battle of galactic proportions, where
creativity clashed, and legends were born.
This is the story of an incredibly bizarre copyright dispute. A record label once took legal action
against John Fogerty, a renowned musician and former member of Creedence Clearwater Revival
(CCR), for allegedly copying his own song.
As the story goes, after leaving CCR and pursuing a solo career, Fogerty found success in the
1980s.
However, things took a strange turn when he released "The Old Man Down the Road," and his
former record label, Fantasy Records, sued him, claiming it sounded too much like CCR's "Run
Through the Jungle." Yes, you read that right – Fogerty was being sued for sounding like himself.
Thankfully, the judge saw through the absurdity of the situation and ruled in Fogerty's favor,
correctly stating that you cannot plagiarize your own work. The case should have ended there, with
the record label understanding the wrongdoing at their part.
But Fogerty had other plans. He decided to take it a step further and file a countersuit against
Fantasy Labels to recoup his legal expenses.
The case made its way to the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court of the United States,
where the verdict favored Fogerty once again. The judge emphasized that such legal battles went
against the very purpose of copyright laws – to protect creativity and foster new ideas.
In the end, John Fogerty emerged victorious, setting a precedent for a truly unique and
perplexing chapter in copyright law history.
The Old Man Down the Road
He take the thunder from the mountain
He take a lightning from the sky
He bring a strong man to his begging knee
He make the young girl's mama cry
John
Fogerty
John
Fogerty
A sizzling rivalry between these two brilliant minds ignited a fierce battle for credit over the
groundbreaking discovery of calculus, i.e. one of the most revolutionary concepts in all
mathematics.
WHO WANTS
TO CLAIM
MATHS????
While in the past Leibniz had praised Newton's genius, and so did Newton, but their
admiration soon turned into a race for recognition.
Fearing that Leibniz had also uncovered the wonders of calculus, Newton devised a cunning
plan. He encoded a mysterious Latin sentence in a letter addressed to Leibniz, hoping to
claim priority. But, the enigmatic sequence baffled everyone, leaving its true significance
shrouded in mystery.
As the dispute raged on, accusations flew, with Leibniz being accused of stealing Newton's
ideas. Both sides had passionate supporters, but Leibniz had the advantage as he had
already shared his findings with the world.
This epic clash did not yield any clear winner, but a major loser with an unintended
consequence – it slowed the progress of British mathematics for years, depriving them of
continental advances in calculus.
The Newton-Leibniz controversy till date stands as a timeless tale of rivalry, brilliance,
and the quest for recognition.
It reminds us that even the greatest minds can succumb to the allure of acclaim,
leaving an indelible mark on history.
Sir Isaac Newton Gottfried Wilhelm
Leibniz
Meet the renowned Rameshwari Photocopy Service, situated near the Delhi School
for Economics in the north campus in Delhi. Following a petition filed by prominent
publishers such as University Press, Cambridge University Press, and Taylor & Francis,
the Delhi High Court put a ban on this shop.
In a groundbreaking decision, the Delhi High Court dismissed suits by these three
international publishers against the sale of photocopied books and pages in Delhi
University. The ban was ultimatley lifted on photocopier kiosk from issuing copies of
chapters from textbooks to students, a move that had been challenged by major
publishing giants.
The court's landmark verdict is expected to have far-reaching implications for copyright
laws in India.
Experts and analysts praised the ruling, stating that it balanced public and
private interests and positioned India at the forefront of the global debate on
intellectual property rights.
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s.
A yoga teacher from Calcutta named Bikram Choudhary wanted to teach "hot yoga" in
America. Hot Yoga simply refers to yoga practiced in a room heated to 105 °F (41 °C)
with a humidity of 40%, intended to replicate the climate of India where it was created.
Early on, he simply taught Yoga for free, but then he started charging 5$ for every
class. His popularity rose, and with that he began devising specific yoga asanas based
on the teachings of B.C. Ghosh.
Consumed by power, Bikram Choudhary began suing other yoga studios and teachers
who taught similar sequences.
Many argued that yoga is an ancient practice that has been passed down for centuries
and could not be monopolized by any one individual. But to no avail, Bikram
continued...
until
In 2015, a US court ruled that yoga sequences cannot be copyrighted as they are part of
a larger body of knowledge that belongs to the public domain.
This case ignited a broader discussion about the commercialization of yoga and the
delicate balance between innovation and cultural appropriation within the realm of
intellectual property.
Bikram
Chaudhary
When Life Leaf matters!
The Apple
V.
The Big Apple Case
The Logo at the back of your iPhone could arguably be one of the most easily identified logos
on the planet. Apple has created this brand value over the years. Before knowing the
Intellectual Property disputes stemming from this logo, it is important to know its story...
Do you know WiseBee the Apple logo is a Bizzy Bee don't believe everything on
tribute to Alan Turing. It memorizes the the internet. This story is indeed
torture he endured during his last days - touching, but has been refuted by the
being forced to eat an apple laced with person who actually designed the logo.
cynaide.
No matter how many stories we've heard over the years, one thing is for sure - Apple takes
great pride in its logo and would go to any length to stop people from copying it.
In 2008, Apple filed a federal challenge to New York’s trademark application for a new “Big
Apple” logo, saying it’s too similar to the stylized emblem being used by the company since
1977.
Apple (after filing challenge with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) :
"The symbol for New York’s “GreeNYC” initiative is confusingly similar to our logo. It will lead to
“consumer confusion resulting in damage and injury” to us and will “cause dilution of the
distinctiveness” of our trademark."
New York (asking the trademark office’s appeals board to reject Apple’s challenge and cancel
one of the company’s 22-year-old logos):
"One of 12 Apple trademarks listed is fraudulent because it isn't used on mugs, dishes, drinking
glasses and wine glasses, as they claimed it would be in a 1985 trademark application."
Winner: None.
Apple withdrew the claim after NYC agreed to delete the leaf from its GreeNYC logo, but
Apple also received an avalanche of bad press for what was perceived as a crazy lawsuit.
How similar do you find both the logos?
Do you think Apple could ever prevent any
other company in future from using a logo as
close, after losing its say over this one?
This charge of copyright infringement against Walt Disney Animation Studios drew
widespread attention and generated disputes in the film industry about the delicate
line between inspiration and imitation.
Gary L. Goldman said that in 2000, he submitted his concept, "Looney," to Disney,
claiming that it bore some parallels with "Zootopia." According to Goldman, the two
concepts shared comparable settings, character characteristics, and even the film's
title. He believed Disney had stolen his ideas without permission or credit, so he filed
a lawsuit against the firm.
The court, however, found in favour of Disney and dismissed Goldman's claim of
copyright infringement. The judge ruled that the similarities between "Looney Tunes"
and "Zootopia" were insufficient to establish a case of copyright infringement. The
court determined that the similarities were either common and generic in the context
of animal-themed storytelling or just coincidental.
The film was well-received by moviegoers due to its compelling storytelling, charming
characters, and thought-provoking social commentary on issues such as prejudice,
bias, and diversity in society.
U h, O h! I s ee
w hat has bee
done here! Th n
e R's are nice
dressed up L ly
's, is it ?
When a random picture sued
a sculpture!
The Rogers
V.
Koons Case
Art Rogers, a professional photographer, took a black-and-white photo of a man and a
woman with their arms full of puppies. The photograph was simply titled, Puppies, and was
used on greeting cards and other generic merchandise.
Jeff Koons, an internationally known artist, found the picture on a postcard. It inspired him
to make a sculpture called "String of Puppies" for an art show on the theme of banality of
everyday items.
Koons blatantly ignored the copyright label from the postcard, removed Roger's copyright
notice and simply instructed his assistants on how to make the sculpture. Koons instructed
the artisans to closely copy the original photo, resulting in the creation of the "String of
Puppies" sculpture.
Koons's intention behind the sculpture was to make a commentary on the degradation of
aesthetic values in a time of mass production and commodification. This sculpture gained
significant attention in the art world, and several copies of it were sold for a substantial sum.
Needless to say, Koons definitely did not take Rogers permission before doing so, and
ended up making a lot of profit using his work.
Art Rogers became aware of the sculpture and brought a copyright-infringement action
against Jeff Koons in federal district court.
The court ruled in favor of Rogers, meaning they found that Koons's actions constituted
copyright infringement.
However, Jeff Koons appealed the decision, and the case was brought before the United
States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which granted certiorari. This means the
Court of Appeals agreed to review the lower court's decision and hear the case.
raph is
t the photog
'©' tells tha to copyrights
subject
Puma
V.
The Internet
According to the European Union legislation, a design is protectable only if it is new and
original. meaning it is important to prove the novelty of the design. of the design.
Novelty means that there has to be no public information for the design 12 months before the
application is filed with the Patent Office.
In 2021, an invalidation proceeding was initiated against this design on the grounds of lack of
novelty and individual character.
and...
For evidence, an Instagram post was submitted where the well-known signer Rihanna was
pictured wearing quite similar shoes. The post was dated 2014.
This post, with more than 300 000 likes and additional media coverage, was solid proof that the
shoes design was public way before its application with the European Union Intellectual
Property Office.
The case comes to show us how important is timing in the case of design protection. In such
situations, there are two main options, the owner to file an application sooner or the marketing
activities to be postponed.
THE
DESIGN
Drawings from the
design patent
application No.
29/572,153 filed on
25 July 2016, for
'shoes' by Puma
THE
EVIDENCE
Images from Rihanna's
post on Instagram,
dated 2014.
However, in 2018, they discovered that Starbucks had approached one of their
suppliers, inquiring about coffee-flavored lip balms. The specifications given to
the supplier for creating prototypes were strikingly similar to what Balmuccino
had shared during that critical meeting.
To add more fuel to the fire, in 2019, Starbucks announced the launch of the
S'mores Frappuccino Sip Kit, raising eyebrows and suspicions.
This wasn't the first legal bout between the two contenders. Balmuccino had
previously filed a lawsuit in California's Superior Court, but it was dismissed
due to a lack of jurisdiction. The disappointment of that ruling only fueled their
determination to seek justice before a different court.
And so, the stage was set for a legal showdown in the Washington court,
where Balmuccino accused Starbucks of breaching their trust, misappropriating
trade secrets, and violating implied contracts between the parties.
The stakes were high, and Balmuccino was seeking unspecified damages. The
air was thick with tension as the battle of the coffee-flavored lip balm played
out, a tantalizing tale of corporate secrets and betrayal in the world of java-
infused beauty products.
Do you know, that Starbucks launched
coffee-flavored s’mores Frappuccinos lip
kit in Chocolicious Bliss, Marshmallow
Glow, Campfire Spark and Graham Glam
in 2019. Could've never known such
bizarre stuff exist for real!
In the ever-evolving
landscape of ideas and
creativity, intellectual
property stands as a crucial
pillar safeguarding
innovation and originality.
This book would further
delve into the realm of
Intellectual Property,
offering a quick, easy to read
guide.
Imagine you are building a house. You are sweating in the sun, laying the
bricks, humming to your favorite song and following the steps of a unique
design you created.
You're quite proud of the house you've built. Your friends can't seem to
stop complementing the design of the property...
You're happy now that you own "this house". After a few days, a lot of
your friends come to you and ask for "the design" for this house. They
want the same house.
You're excited and share the design with them. A few of them pay you a
small amount for being so considerate. The news spreads...
You rush to these homes only to find that they don't even acknowledge
"your creation", "your design", "a special creation by you" that you felt so
proud of...
PERILS OF BEING
HELPFUL
You rush to your best friend BizzyBee, and cry your heart out. Why
wouldn't they accept that they copied "my design", you ask.
BizzyBee: Well, I understand your pain, but how do you prove it was your
design?
You: What property? I don't know where to buy this intellectual property.
Help me Bizzy Bee, help me!
Oh dear dear... You, my friend are in for a ride...
Let me introduce you to
Intellectual Property - property of the mind.
Intellectual property is all things we create with our minds, like drawings,
stories, songs, or even cool inventions like a new toy, or a clever gadget.
This way, we can decide how others can use it and make sure we get
due credit for our hard work and creativity.
PHYSICAL INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY PROPERTY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IS OF
ONE TYPE
Utility
Protect the ornamental Patent Granted for new and
appearance or visual distinct plant varieties that
design of a functional item have been asexually
reproduced.
Do not cover the Protect the way an
functionality of an Must've been cultivated
invention functions or how it
invention using methods such as
is used. grafting or cutting, rather
Focus solely on its unique than from seeds.
Can be granted for
visual characteristics. machines, processes, Protect the genetic makeup
compositions of matter, and of the plant and its unique
Typically last for 15 years improvements to existing characteristics.
from the date of issuance. inventions.
Term of a plant patent is 20
Typically last for 20 years years from the filing date.
from the filing date and
provide exclusive rights to
the inventor to
manufacture, use, and sell
the patented invention.
The logo design of Chupa
Chups, the iconic lollipop
brand, was crafted by the
renowned artist Salvador Dalí
himself. The daisy-shaped In 1968, Spencer Silver, a 3M scientist,
logo became synonymous was trying to create a strong adhesive
but ended up creating a weak one
with the brand and helped instead. Years later, a colleague, Art
make it a global sensation. Fry, found a practical use for the "failed"
adhesive when he needed markers that
wouldn't damage papers in his hymnal
book. Thus, the idea for Post-it Notes
was born.
AI being inventor of an
invention is a topic of hot
debate. As of now as AI is
"non-human", it is not
considered an inventor
across most jurisdictions.
WHO'S WHO OF
The Institutions...
It establishes minimum
National IP offices - standards for the
USPTO, protection and
enforcement of forms of
EUIPO, EPO IP rights among WTO
JPO member countries.
IPO UK etc.
Word Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO)
World Trade Organization (WTO)
IP & Technology Transfer Offices in
The Trade-Related Aspects
Universities & Research Institutions of Intellectual Property
Rights or TRIPS Agreement
is an international treaty
administered by the WTO
and came into effect on
January 1, 1995.
US has the highest
concentration of IP research
firms in the world.
Can you think why?
The Companies...
IP Research & Analytics Firms The first official patent office in
Patent Law Firms the modern sense was
established in Great Britain in
Licensing Agencies 1852, called UKIPO
Non-Practicing Entity (NPE)
Trademark and Branding Agencies
IP Consulting & Advisory Firms
IP Software & Technology Firms
Copyright Managers But, world's first patent office
Patent Trolls is often credited to the
Venetian Republic, which
established the "Venetian
Patent Statute" in 1474
THE IP INDUSTRY ?
An NPE is an individual or company
NPEs generate that owns patents but does not use them
revenue primarily to create or sell products or services.
through licensing or
enforcing their
patents against other
companies.
C. Invention must be
industrially applicable
Inventors must navigate the legal framework and fulfill the specific
requirements of each jurisdiction to secure patent rights in the desired
countries or regions.
A patent being filed and granted in just Spain will not have any effect
in a foreign country. Thus, it is imminent to choose one's patent filing
jurisdiction wisely!
I need to make haste and file
my patent in the rest of the
European countries, who
knows someone might be
conspiring to steal my ideas!
C. International Patent
Jurisdictions
The description section is where the inventor unveils the inner workings of
their creation, painting a vivid picture for the reader's understanding. It serves
as a comprehensive roadmap, offering insights into the technical aspects,
functionality, and novelty of the invention. This section goes beyond mere
disclosure; it encapsulates the brilliance of the inventor's mind, signifying the
depth of knowledge and expertise possessed by the inventor. It provides a
narrative that not only educates but also establishes a foundation for the
patent's legal protection.
A well-crafted description leaves no stone unturned, providing a thorough
exploration of the invention's components, embodiments, and potential
variations. It not only imparts knowledge but also instills confidence in the
patent's validity and enforceability. Moreover, the description plays a pivotal
role in defining the boundaries of the invention.
It sets the stage for the claims (coming next), which rely on the information
provided in the description to establish their scope and limitations. A precise
and comprehensive description ensures that the claims accurately capture the
essence of the invention and align with the inventor's intentions.
Within the intricate world of
patents, lies a crucial core: the
CLAIMS. These passages hold
the fate of an invention,
The End fragment, yet the determining its survival or demise.
They possess an almost mystical
CORE of any patent power, often weaving words that
can drive even the most intelligent
minds to the brink of frustration.
During its active period, a patent serves as a shield, granting exclusive rights
to the inventor, allowing them to prevent others from making, using, or selling
their invention without permission. It incentivizes innovation and rewards
inventors for their contributions to society.
However, as the patent approaches its expiry date, its influence gradually
wanes. Once the patent term expires, the invention enters the public domain,
becoming freely available for anyone to use, replicate, or improve upon
without infringing on any rights.
Bee's Patent's Cycle of Life
Step two - Find the companies that would like to take a license
(they might be selling a product whose functionality is what
your patent's claim discloses)
Step four- Let them know your offer of wanting to license your
patent!
OR
Get Combat-ready and bring your
patent to the Court!
File an INFRINGEMENT
Lawsuit!
Here is when 'A' possesses the power to defend their patent rights by
launching a legal assault against 'B.' The mighty Patent Laws may be
brought into practice and 'A' shall file a lawsuit, seeking justice for the
infringement.
If found at fault, the court may decree 'B' to halt production and sales of
the disputed device, while also demanding compensation for damages
inflicted upon 'A.' Alternatively, both parties may enter into negotiations,
striving to strike a deal that ensures just compensation, with or without
the court's intervention.
Imagine that 'A' has developed a fantastic file sharing technology that works
seamlessly with a specific type of TVs or mobile phones. However, 'A' soon
stumbles upon 'C', a brilliant mind who possesses the technology to make 'A's'
device compatible with all kinds of TV sets and mobile phones, breaking free from
limitations. Can 'A' and 'C' strike a harmonious business arrangement?
Absolutely! 'A' can propose the idea of creating a patent pool with 'C'. In a patent
pool, multiple patent holders join forces through an agreement to collectively use
and license their patents to third parties. This paves the way for broader coverage
of their patents and, of course, greater commercial success by expanding their
reach.
Now, with 'A' and 'C' working together, they can attract a larger customer base
and reap more rewards from their patents. However, it's crucial to establish a fair
ratio of patent value within the pool, based on the significance and relevance of
each patent. In this particular case, 'A' may request a 75% share of the product's
value, while 'C' is granted 25% for contributing his invaluable technological know-
how. Accordingly, this consortium can divide the profits amongst themselves, in
alignment with the agreed-upon values.
As the patent pool takes shape, it is essential to formalize all crucial terms and
conditions with mutual understanding. The parties involved must also pledge to
take collective action against any infringers should the need arise, ensuring a
united front against any infringement attempts.
C. Why not Sell your patent?
To explore the option of selling the patent, 'A' can consider utilizing
patent marketplaces where patents can be bought and sold. These
marketplaces provide a platform for connecting patent holders with
potential buyers. Additionally, there are companies that may be highly
interested in purchasing 'A's' patents if they have been causing
rejections for those companies' patent applications.
ns umer
Co ection Trademarks make it easy for consumers to identify
Prot the source of the products and services they rely on,
boosting brand loyalty and safeguarding consumers
from counterfeit or inferior goods.
A FOE?
p olistic
o
Mon encies Strong intellectual property holders may develop
Tend monopolies, making it difficult for new entrants to
compete. This can impede competition and drive up
consumer prices
Patent trolls are entities that purchase patents purely for t Trolls
n
the purpose of suing other companies for infringement, Pate
rather than using the patents for meaningful innovation.
This practise might result in frivolous litigation and high
legal fees.
Striking a balance between preserving innovators' and artists' rights and encouraging
innovation, competitiveness, and access to knowledge is a constant and challenging
endeavour.
How and Who fights
IP wars?
when we learned to earn money from IP, it paved way for another
avenue...
YOU ARE
SUED YOU ARE
SUED EVERYBODY IS
SUED
What are the types of IP Lawsuits???
Digital Millennium
Counterfeiting Licensing
Copyright Act
Lawsuits Disputes
(DMCA) Violations
IP Lawyer & IP
Law Firm
An IP Lawyer plays a crucial role in helping an inventor Oh my God!
or company navigate the complexities of intellectual So many things to do and only
property law and protect their innovations. one person?
Copy-Bee: Ah.. I’m sued! What shall I do now? Ummm, let me take
someone’s help who can get a prior art search done.
Any publicly available knowledge that existed before the filing date of a
patent application or the date of invention is referred to as prior art. It
comprises patents and published patent applications from any country,
as well as academic papers, trade journals, periodicals, internet
resources, brochures, sales materials, and physical specimens.
Patents
Code Books
Prior-Art
Catalogs,
A video Product
demonstration Manuals
Illustrations
Prior-Art Analysis?
While prior art is vital for establishing an invention's novelty and non-
obviousness, certain characteristics of prior art may not be used against an
inventor. These are some examples:
Prior art that is not publicly available: Prior art must have been publicly
revealed prior to the filing date of the patent application in order to be relevant.
Prior art may not be regarded valid if it was not available to the public, such as
confidential records or unpublished research.
Prior art that is not enabling: Prior art must give sufficient information for a
skilled person in the field to practise or duplicate the innovation. If the previous
art is ambiguous, fragmentary, or fails to adequately reveal the features of the
invention, it may not be deemed enabling and may not be utilised against the
inventor.
Non-relevant prior art: Prior work must be related to the same or a similar
technological field as the innovation. If the previous art is irrelevant or not fairly
pertinent to the invention, it may not be regarded relevant and may not be used
to invalidate the invention's novelty or non-obviousness.
Following-generation prior art: Prior art must predate the date of invention or
the filing date of the patent application. If the prior art is published or revealed
after these dates, it cannot be used to invalidate the patent against the inventor.
It is crucial to note that determining prior art and its impact on the
patentability of an invention can be difficult. To thoroughly analyse the
previous art and establish its relevance and impact on the invention, it is
often necessary to hire a patent attorney or a professional patent
searcher.
Landscape Analysis?
Patents give the owner the exclusive right to restrict others from creating, using,
selling, or importing the patented innovation. A patent's scope of protection is
specified by its claims, which describe the exact features or actions that are
protected. If anybody conducts any of these acts without the patent owner's
consent and without a valid licence, they may be infringing on the patent.
Can you find out which IP category does each of these fall into- patent
(utility (U)/design (D)/plant (P)) , trademark (TM), copyright (C) or trade
sceret (TS)?
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IP Fairy Tales
...
When white collars took charge
to preserve ingenuity
When toys went on war!
The Lego V. Megablok Case
Lego, the famed Danish toy business once attempted to trademark their red brick
because they claimed consumers only identified it with their brand. When others used
a similar-looking block, they felt it generated confusion. Mega Brands, the creator of
Mega Briks, was the one that contested Lego's trademark registration. The Canadian
firm accused Lego of attempting to monopolize the appearance of the brick in order to
achieve an indefinite advantage.
Mega Brands emphasized that while patents can protect technical solutions such as
linking toy bricks, their protection is time-limited. Lego's basic brick patents had long
expired, leaving the shape and function available to wider use.
Lego, lost the judicial struggle to defend its eight-studded bricks under trademark law.
It had sought to appeal a 2004 ruling that revoked its trademark for a red toy
construction brick, but their attempts were thwarted by the European Court of Justice
(ECJ)
.
The ECJ ruled that the functional shape of a brick could not be registered as a
trademark. This judgment was a significant victory for Lego's competitor, Mega Bloks,
which manufactures bricks of the same form and size. The court rejected Lego's
argument that the distinctive studs on their bricks qualified them for trademark
protection. The ECJ concurred, finding that safeguarding a product's structure and
function would limit competitors' opportunities.
This legal process serves as a reminder that, while Lego's iconic bricks will continue to
inspire innovation, the company's efforts to establish long-term trademark protection
for the brick's appearance have been futile. The legacy of Lego will live on, but
competitors can now freely use similar ideas, stimulating innovation and creativity in
the world of building blocks.
Patent Drawing of Lego blocks- titled- Toy building brick
(1961) by Christiansen Godtfred Kirk - Lego brick
When its war-time, why spare
food?
The Kellogg V. National Biscuit Case
The story focuses on the early days of shredded wheat cereal and the legal
dispute over trademark and patent rights between the Kellogg Company and the
National Biscuit Company (Nabisco).
In 1893, Henry Perky, the inventor of shredded wheat cereal, presented his
product. Initially, John Harvey Kellogg slammed the cereal, comparing it to
"eating a whisk broom." Nonetheless, Shredded Whole Wheat became popular.
After Perky died in 1908 and his patents expired in 1912, the Kellogg Company
began marketing a comparable cereal.
In 1938, the legal dispute reached the Supreme Court. The court found in favor
of Kellogg Company, ruling that the term "shredded wheat" did not qualify for
trademark protection. Furthermore, they judged the cereal's pillow structure to
be practical, and because shredded wheat is a generic term, they authorized
others to create comparable items when the patent expired.
This decision set an important precedent by stating that generic phrases and
functional shapes cannot be trademarked, even if they were previously linked
with a specific brand or product.
Source Credits: beachpackagingdesign.com
The epic war between Apple and Microsoft over the graphical user interface (GUI) in
their operating systems was observed by the tech industry as one that would
influence the future of personal computing. It all started in the 1980s, when Microsoft
obtained Apple's Macintosh operating system. Bill Gates recognised the opportunity
and recommended licencing the Macintosh software to third-party developers,
foreseeing a new age in computing. Unfortunately, Apple rejected this ground-
breaking concept.
When Windows 2.0 was released in 1987, with even more Macintosh-inspired design
aspects, Apple filed a copyright infringement case, abandoning their earlier diplomatic
strategy.
The legal case revolved around the 1985 licence agreement, which was heavily
scrutinised. The agreement, it turned out, enabled the usage of derivative works in
both existing and future software programmes.
Apple suffered a huge setback as a result of this court failure, while Microsoft and its
Windows operating system surged ahead, dominating the personal computing sector.
However, Apple's fortunes altered with the return of Steve Jobs and a surge of
advancements that cemented the company's dominance in the industry.
The case is seen as a watershed moment in computer history, emphasising the critical
role of intellectual property rights in the fast-paced world of technology.
Interestingly, Microsoft had already started working on Windows before Bill
Gates laid eyes on the Macintosh. Additionally, both operating systems
incorporated technology licensed from Xerox PARC, a key contributor to the
development of the graphical user interface.
The uncanny
resemblance!
The uncanny
resemblance!
Apple sues Microsoft for robbing its design despite the PARC
agreement!
What you wearing might be
costing millions to someone!
The Crocs V. ITC Case
Crocs, the well-known footwear company, won a significant court victory in a patent dispute with
the International Trade Commission (ITC). The Federal Circuit reversed the International Trade
Commission's conclusion that Crocs' patents were invalid and not violated. The case revolved
around two patents: one for breathable footwear and another for an attractive shoe design. Crocs
accused the respondents of manufacturing infringing products in other countries and bringing
them into the United States.
The court pointed out numerous flaws in the claim's interpretation. To begin with, the patent did
not describe a strap that is uniformly wide throughout. The strap was discovered to broaden
towards the heel. Second, as stated in the claim, the holes along the sidewall are not equally
distributed.
The court emphasised the importance of looking at the design as a whole rather than focusing on
tiny elements. They compared the patent design drawings to the accused products and
determined that an average observer would have difficulties distinguishing between them. As a
result, the court ruled that the accused products violated Crocs' design patent.
Crocs' claim of unfair competition was likewise addressed by the court, which required a
"domestic industry" relevant to the protected patent. They compared the design patent to Crocs'
Beach shoe and found that they provided equivalent overall impacts, meeting the domestic
industry criteria.
The court's verdict acknowledged Crocs' patented designs' commercial success as well as
evidence of imitation by others. Crocs' complaint was remanded to the ITC to evaluate
infringement and suitable remedies.
This decision emphasised the need of assessing the overall design, the ability of patents to
protect commercially successful inventions, and the value of distinguishing features in
determining patent validity.
When a parody nearly
went wrong!
Louis Vuitton
V.
Haute Diggity Dog Case
An unexpected court battle erupted in the worlds of fashion and pet products in 2007 when Louis
Vuitton, the famed luxury brand, decided to take on Haute Diggity Dog, a Nevada-based pet
product manufacturer. What is the point of contention? "Chewy Vuitton" is a fun spoof
merchandise line.
Louis Vuitton, famous for its signature branded bags and stylish designs, accused Haute Diggity
Dog of trademark, trade dress, and copyright infringement. But it was the defendant's wacky
product line that made this case truly remarkable. Haute Diggity Dog's spoof lines included
"Chewnel No. 5" and "Sniffany & Co.," which were inspired by other worldwide fashion
companies.
The legal drama reached a spectacular climax when the United States Court of Appeals for the
Fourth Circuit issued an unexpected verdict. They declared that Haute Diggity Dog's products
were a successful parody that did not violate any copyright or trademarks. The court determined
that these pet products were cleverly differentiated from Louis Vuitton's luxury offerings, with the
intention of amusing and entertaining rather than misleading consumers.
The court even questioned whether anybody could confuse "Chewy Vuitton" for authentic Louis
Vuitton merchandise. The answer was a resounding no - no one could mistake a stylish purse for
a cheeky chew toy!
In the end, Haute Diggity Dog triumphed, demonstrating the strength of inventiveness and
humour in the face of high-fashion regulations. It was a triumph for hilarity and parody,
demonstrating that even in the world of high-end brands, a little levity can go a long way.
Products from the Chewy Vuitton Range,
probably our pets could afford these?
www.chewyvuittonstore.com
The non-perishable
future that IP beholds
How IP fuels human
evolution?
Throughout history, human innovation has been intricately
tied to the pursuit of survival, progress, and power. In the
early stages of our existence, survival was paramount, and
innovations were born out of the necessity to overcome
challenges and ensure the survival of our species. As
societies developed and civilizations flourished, the focus
shifted towards progress and the desire to improve the quality
of life. Eventually, the thirst for power emerged, driving
innovation towards conquest, dominance, and influence.
Green
Fire Revolution
Survive
Progress
Power
Nuclear
Weapons Internet
In the modern era, the thirst for power emerged as a
potent motivator for innovation. Nations sought military
supremacy, economic dominance, and geopolitical
influence. The space race, nuclear technology, and
digital advancements are all examples of how the
pursuit of power has shaped the trajectory of innovation.
Referring to the insights by GreyB, one can have a look on Apple's patent
filing trend-
Real-life examples illustrate the significance of
intellectual property in today's innovation-
driven landscape
SHERLOCK HOLMES
SHELDON COOPER
A patent exists because of an innovator (or group of) who dared
n novator/ to dream. If you are creative enough, you can conceive, and
I
r
Invento
create an invention and maybe have your name published as an
“inventor” on a patent application. The only requirements to be an
inventor are creativity, fuelled by expertise in any domain, and a
determination to get your patent granted (independently or with
support from an organization)
BILL GATES
An IP investor identifies value in any particular IP an then
invests in them to generate returns. They acquire rights
through licensing, purchasing, or investing in IP-centric
r
companies.They leverage their IP portfolio to generate Investo
profits through licensing deals, sales, or strategic
partnerships.
YOURSELF IN?
HARVEY SPECTER
IP
er
Lawy An IP lawyer protects & manages IP rights in various forms. They
can secure patents, trademarks, and copyrights, offer legal
advice, enforce IP rights, negotiate licensing agreements, handle
litigation, and manage IP portfolios for clients.
SHAKESPEARE
Patent
A patent Agent is authorized to draft and file patent applications, Agent
conduct patent searches, and communicate with the patent office
on behalf of inventors. They focus on the legal and technical
aspects of patents, ensuring that the application meets the
necessary legal requirements.
EXAMINER
An examiner is responsible for evaluating patent applications to
act: determine their novelty, non-obviousness, and usefulness so that
Fun F orked they do not overlap with existing patents. They review
in w
Einste Swiss documents, conduct prior art searches, and assess the claims
at the ice for 7 made to determine if the invention qualifies for patent protection.
t Off
Paten ears
y
...and if you're innovative enough, you can create your own niche, no bars ;)
Test the waters
Answer Key