Recently, 10 of the world’s largest companies were accused of infringing design patents claiming animated graphical user interfaces (GUIs). These assertions were made in addition to at least ten other lawsuits filed since September 2021 asserting animated GUI design patents.

In celebration of Women’s History Month which commemorates and encourages the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history, join the USPTO on March 29 for an interactive fireside chat with women entrepreneurs and technology business leaders as they share their story of unexpected challenges and how they overcame those obstacles to rebuild and strengthen their business.

On Feb. 24, 2022, in In re: Steve Elster, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board's refusal to register a trademark application for "TRUMP TOO SMALL" holding the denial unconstitutionally restricted free speech in violation of the First Amendment. Applicant Steve Elster sought registration of the mark "TRUMP TOO SMALL" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in 2018 based on an intent to use the mark with clothing items.

The American Bar Association recently awarded the Louis M. Brown Select Award to the Indianapolis Bar Association’s Virtual Ask a Lawyer program last week. Winning the award was quite a feat as the other finalists were programs run by state bar associations. This national recognition reveals the special and unique nature of our legal community, which is so willing to help those in need.

The Intellectual Property Section is promulgating a new blog series called "You Should Know This." This series will feature quick, to-the-point information that intellectual property practitioners should be aware of. The goal of the series is to keep intellectual property practitioners up to date on recent changes in practice or the law, key decisions rendered by U.S. courts and administrative panels and any other information or news that affects the practice. So, the next time a client or colleague brings up a new development, you can say, "yeah, I knew that." With that introduction, the following is the inaugural You Should Know This notice.

A recent Federal Circuit decision, Junker v. Med. Components, Inc., serves as a warning to prospective filers that making pre-filing offers for sale, or engaging in discussions for future sales, can be detrimental to one’s ability to obtain both design and utility patents.

Recent challenges, ranging from the pandemic to widespread social unrest born of racial inequalities, have caused employers across all industries to take a careful look at their diversity and inclusion practices in the workplace and likewise have created a unique need for diverse legal counsel. The Indianapolis Bar Association takes pride in its diverse legal community and is committed to promoting continued diversity as evidenced in its annual Diversity Job Fair, and we need your help.

It is a common myth that intellectual property matters are reserved only for larger companies and do not affect small or medium-sized businesses. However, like other myths and fairy tales, this is fiction. Just like its larger corporate counterparts, a small or medium-sized business’s intellectual property can account for some of its most valuable assets and may be critical to its growth and success.

The IndyBar is proud to be a finalist for the ABA's 2022 Louis M. Brown Award for Legal Access! You can help our Virtual Ask a Lawyer program win the Brown Select Award, which is determined by public vote.

Disney has always proven to be exceptional at protecting its intellectual property rights, but it may be out of options to protect its enforcement rights in the highly valuable copyrights associated with Winnie the Pooh.