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Latest News and Insights from Our IP Attorneys

Patent

Provisional Patent Applications

What Is A Provisional Patent? A provisional patent can be a good first step in commercializing an idea. A provisional patent application is a legal document filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that establishes an early filing date for...

Headshot of attorney Tom Kading with the title Provisional Patent Applications.
Business Entities

Term Sheets 101

Term Sheets Introduction The path from concept to execution is involve a series of strategic decisions. Among these critical steps, understanding terms sheets stands out as a fundamental step. A terms sheet serves as a preliminary blueprint outlining essential...

attorney austan wellman photo in blog on terms sheets
Patent

Benefits of Patents for Inventors

Benefits of Patents: Introduction In the world of innovation, where creative thinkers come up with game-changing ideas, protecting those ideas becomes crucial. Patent protection is like a shield that keeps your ideas safe. But...

Headshot of attorney Tom Kading with article title The Benefits of Patents For Inventors
Business Entities

What is the SEC?

The SEC's Role in the U.S. Financial Regulatory Landscape: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was established in response to the Great Depression and the ensuing stock market crash in 1929. It was given a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of U.S....

headshot of attorney Austan Wellman, in an article about what is the SEC
Trademark

Benefits of Trademark Protection

Trademark Protection Introduction In the dynamic world of business, where branding plays a pivotal role, protecting your intellectual property is of paramount importance. One powerful tool at your disposal is trademark protection. This blog will go into the...

headshot of stephanie arniel with blog about benefits of trademark protection
Patent

The Essentials of Patent Portfolio Management

Patent Portfolio Introduction In the realm of intellectual property, a well-crafted patent portfolio serves as a fortress that shields your inventions, and as a sword that fosters growth to secure your competitive advantage. This blog will highlight the importance...

Attorney Tom Kading with the article highlighting the importance of a patent portfolio.
Trademark

To Catch a Phrase: The Value of a Catch Phrase

As a business and intellectual property attorney here in Murrieta, California, I am part of several networking groups that are made up of small businesses with unique backgrounds that span across several industries including carpet cleaning, dentistry, legal...

Attorney Martin Vu and his article: To Catch A Phrase: The Value Of A Catch Phrase
Trademark

PepsiCo Trademark Dispute: Key Takeaways

PepsiCo Trademark Legal Case Outcome PepsiCo Inc. recently emerged triumphant in a legal battle against Rise Brewing Co., where the latter accused the beverage giant of trademark infringement related to its MTN Dew Rise Energy drink. The dispute revolved around the...

Headshot of attorney Stephanie Arniel with the article title, highlighting the PepsiCo Trademark Dispute.
Patent

Make Informed Patent Decisions: PPO vs FTO Search

Introduction: PPO and FTO searches When it comes to protecting your intellectual property, thorough research and analysis are crucial. Two important searches that can help you navigate the complex world of patents are the Preliminary Patentability Opinion (PPO)...

Trademark

4 Common Misconceptions About Trademarks

Introduction: Trademarks play a pivotal role in safeguarding your brand's identity and reputation. However, there are several misconceptions surrounding trademarks that can hinder businesses from effectively protecting their intellectual property. In this blog...

Trademark Misconceptions Blog Image with photo of attorney Austan Wellman
Patent

Licensing An Alternative to Patents

Being in the intellectual property (IP) space, I aim to protect my clients’ IP rights including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights. The most rewarding part of my job as an intellectual property attorney is to work with bright inventors who have...

Patent

You Lose Cash When You Flash

We live in a day and age where posting selfies, food, and vacation spots are more than a trend. Naturally, people are proud of what they have, what they are doing, and who they are involved with. However, oversharing can have some drawbacks with public backlash or...

About FP&BL

Finding a Lawyer

Usually, you should hire an attorney when you become involved in a lawsuit. While you  may do it yourself (e.g., acting pro se), hiring an attorney usually avoids costly  mistakes. Initially, you have a decision to make, which is what type of attorney do...

Patent

What is Patent Profanity?

December 31, 2021  What is Patent Profanity? Patent profanity is a real thing.  It is kind of an odd concept, but yes it is a real thing.  Different people have different standards as to what patent profanity actually is, but there are some general guidelines which...

Trademark

What is a Trademark?

JUNE 4, 2021 What is a Trademark? A Trademark is a name, symbol, or device which identifies the source of the product or service.  Registering your trademark provides some distinct benefits in protecting your brand.  Trademarks protect a brand in all 50 states when...

Trademark

When Do I Need a Trademark?

MAY 28, 2021 May 2021 Email - When Do I Need a Trademark? This month I wanted to provide some information about when it is a prudent decision to register a Trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on your brand.  A Trademark is a name,...

Patent

What Kind of Patent Do I Need?

What Kind of Patent Do I Need? There are three main types of patents and a variety of subcategories. The three main categories include utility patents, design patents, and plant patents.  Of the three, the most common is the utility patent.  The second most common...