A question I frequently get from prospective clients is, “Is my invention patentable?” Variations on this inquiry include the following: • “Can I patent an improvement to a device that is already available?” • “Is it correct that in order for something to be patentable, it has to be at least 10 percent different than [...]
Do you or your company have a product or process that you’ve been developing for some time but have yet to patent? If so, a new law could considerably affect your ability to patent. In 2011, Congress passed the America Invents Act (AIA), with the provisions of the act to be amended over time. The [...]
There is a well-known phrase known to businesses relying on the internet to help drive marketing and sales: “Content is king.” That phrase has expanded, in the wake of businesses turning to Facebook and YouTube and in the development and use of better consumer digital cameras and video. That new and improved phrase is this: [...]
This is about pain — the avoidable kind. Lawyers can get a bad rap for shark-ism and sometimes, that’s fair. In this case, however, the pain is shared across the board, by both the lawyers and the clients. No one, including a hard-working and ethical attorney, likes seeing people have to spend blood, time and [...]
Some of you may have noticed that our firm has not published a new column in a few weeks now. The reason for this is that we were engaged in a Major Office Move. You know the kind: anguished over for months, thought about repeatedly at 3 a.m. and again at 6 a.m. and over [...]
Since I counsel a lot of online businesses, including online retailers, I am often asked about the sales tax implications of online sales. Generally speaking, the answer is pretty easy: If you are a Colorado business and sell goods to individuals residing in Colorado, then you have to collect Colorado sales tax and the appropriate [...]
When launching a new company or adding a new product or service, a name must be determined to brand the company, product or service. In the legal field, we refer to brand names and logos identifying a good as a trademark; and brand names and logos referring to services as service marks. However, the [...]
Generally speaking, the old adage “you get what you pay for” holds true. While we may find the super deal or bargain now and then, most often you are better off paying a bit more and getting a quality product. The same holds true for legal services and, in particular, trademark search services. In the [...]
Last summer my nine-year-old twins set up a lemonade stand and sold the yellow elixir to thirsty Parade of Homes passersby. They learned the thrill of running their own business and having people buy and enjoy their wares. They learned about the cost of raw materials and pricing their product to make a profit. They [...]
by Peter C. Lemire, Esq. A few days ago, a glorious 60 degree February day in Colorado allowed me to run outside in shorts and a short sleeved shirt. This brief respite from winter reminded me that spring is around the corner and with it the traditional spring cleaning at our house. Springtime is also [...]