Innovative technology start-up leverages IP protection to fuel its venture We recently spoke with Mike Papineau of Sarasota, Florida, CEO of RideFlag Technologies, Inc. RideFlag is a vehicle occupancy validation app that permits government agencies to validate vehicle occupancy using highly innovative patented optic biometric technology.  The tool encourages carpooling and legitimate use of HOV lanes. RideFlag’s technology helps reduce traffic congestion and, as a result, reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Thank you, Mike.  What was…

AI-powered brand protection solution for trademark attorneys and teams We recently spoke with Jeff Baher, Head of Product Marketing, Bolster, Inc., about digital brand protection. Bolster® builds AI/ML technology to protect brands and customers from bad actors on the Internet.  Well-known brands from technology to eCommerce trust Bolster’s software and platform to detect and takedown threats that might attack their customers, employees, or partners. Thank you, Jeff.  How would you define “brand protection?”  There…

Editor’s Note: This is summary of Benelux law regarding contested trademark proceedings. Filing an opposition against a trademark application in Benelux is a fairly inexpensive and effective tool of brand protection. In Benelux, a trademark opposition may be filed by a trademark owner or authorized licensee.  To do so, the Opposer must be the owner of an older trademark against a recently filed identical or similar trademark.  Other grounds may apply.  Below is a summary…

U.S. Trademark law update at American Intellectual Property Law Association Spring event The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) is holding its 2021 Annual Spring Meeting virtually on May 10 thru 14, 2021.  The focus is on master classes designed to enhance various IP practice skills. The Program Agenda may be found here. Topics of interest include: A combined trademark and copyright law update with moderator Jeffrey Samuels, former Assistant Commissioner of Patents and…

New U.S. trademark opposition and cancellation laws will be effective December 27, 2021. Practitioners should take note of new laws that will effect U.S. trademark opposition and trademark cancellation proceedings at the end of this year. I.   Summary The Trademark Modernization Act of 2020 (TMA) was signed into law on December 27, 2020 and will be implemented by December 27, 2021.   The goal is to give the Director and third-parties tools to reduce trademark clutter and deadwood…

Become a contributor to our new global trademark and brand protection publication Welcome to The Trademark Interview.    TTI is a digital publication and podcast that provides practical insight and commentary from today’s IP leaders on the following subjects: International trademark & brand protection rules and best practices; Contested proceeding strategies, including oppositions, cancellations, and expungements; Trademark infringement and counterfeiting; Brand protection technology solutions partners; and Trademark case developments TTI’s goal is to highlight the…