Unraveling EPA’s New Gene Edited Plant Rules – Effective July 31, 2023 By Cassie J. Edgar Today, the EPA’s new gene editing rules go into effect, with noteworthy implications for the use of biotechnology in agriculture. This finalizes draft rulemaking that was proposed back in 2020, and these new rules clarify the broad scope of the agency’s jurisdiction over gene-edited crops, specifically those defined as plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) under 40 CFR […] Continue Reading →
No longer a little blue bird, what will IP look like for Twitter’s new “X”? By Ashley E. Holland Recently Twitter announced that they are attempting to rebrand into “X”. When businesses are rebranding, there can be significant implications on intellectual property rights and certain considerations one should consider such as a trademark search, trademark registration, and copyrights. Trademarks and copyrights can cover single letters, like “X”. A trademark is used to distinguish and […] Continue Reading →
Taco Tuesday is for Everyone! By Julie L. Spieker Taco John’s has surrendered its Taco Tuesday trademark. As we reported in May, Taco Bell filed a petition with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to cancel a trademark for Taco Tuesday that rival chain Taco John’s had held since 1989. Along with the petition, Taco Bell launched a nationwide public relations campaign for […] Continue Reading →
Ninth Circuit Sides with Instagram in Case Involving Copyright of Photographers’ Works By Sarah M.D. Luth In a 2-1 decision, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the “server rule” which holds that websites embedding a copyrighted work do not violate the exclusive right to display that content under copyright law (17 U.S.C. § 106(5)) because they do not store or “fix” the copyrighted work in any “tangible medium of expression.” […] Continue Reading →
The Patented Processes for Coffee Decaffeination By Brian D. Keppler, Ph.D. While many of us are unable to function without the caffeine in our morning cup of coffee, not everyone can tolerate its stimulating effects. Thus, decaffeinated coffee is a blessing for those who crave the flavor but seek to limit their caffeine intake. Ludwig Roselius, a German coffee merchant, is credited with inventing the first […] Continue Reading →