In a notable decision on January 22, 2019, the Supreme Court of the United States reinforced the pre-AIA interpretation of “on sale” language and held that a “secret sale” could …
January 2019 Patent Search Snapshot from InnovationQ
We have made it through a long, cold, and troublesome January here in the United States. And the innovation train never stopped. Despite the government shutdown from December 22, 2018 …
What Happened to Doorbot, the Original Smart Doorbell?
Do references to robots working alongside us touch a nerve, cause a pinch of uneasiness that grew out of mid-20th century cautionary films? Are they taking our jobs, taking over …
Internet of Things: 20 Years from a Term to a Tenure
The Internet is the most pervasive worldwide communication network. For many business and consumer users, the Internet’s primary function is to act as the pipe through which to send and …
Laches, Limitations and Infringement
Laches (lach-iz) “is the legal doctrine that an unreasonable delay in seeking a remedy for a legal right or claim will prevent it from being enforced or allowed if the …
How Popular Inventions Came to Life: The Treadmill
As you stand at the gym in your new cross-trainers, trying to figure out how to operate the cardio apparatus with the complex user interface, you might be surprised to …
History and Engineering behind New Year’s Eve Ball
The last minute of any given year is arguably its most exciting. Starting at 11:59 pm Eastern Time, millions watch the spectacle happening in New York City – the New …
Top games and toys for inventive kids
What do the names Sarah Buckel, Cassidy Goldstein, George Nissen all have in common? They all invented commercially-successful products when they were children. While they conceived of these ideas on …
Four inventions that made 2018 life easier
At the end of each year, Time Magazine reveals its selections for person(s) of the year. These are people who have significantly impacted the world, whether for good or for …
Early IP: Dewey Decimal System (and why it’s still relevant today)
The number of digital-dependents and e-reader apostles is growing to the extent that some argue that the physical book or periodical will soon be obsolete. Librarians and other dedicated lovers …