Intellectual Property Law

I’ve been attending the IP Institute for years now, and every year I am reminded why I love the practice of IP – the intersection of technology and law gives us an everchanging practice full of new and fascinating developments. A happy side effect of this is that every year the Institute is packed with curious minds and fascinating people ready to talk about IP law. Read more

This will be a relatively flat but somewhat long urban hike, starting at Fort Funston, cutting a diagonal across San Francisco, and ending at the Ferry Building, in the Embarcadero. The hike will be about 15 miles. We will stop for lunch along the route. We did the crosstown trail last in June of 2024, from Candlestick Point to Land's End. This will be another fantastic opportunity to experience San Francisco's green spaces and unique character. Read more

This year’s Institute provided a wide range of cutting-edge and compelling presentations on patent, copyright, trademark, AI, ethics, and more. Read more

The Copyright Office is adjusting certain compliance dates related to the reporting requirements for cable operators under the section 111 statutory license detailed in its December 12, 2024, final rule. Read more

In Kadrey vs. Meta, authors including Richard Kadrey, Sarah Silverman, and Ta-Nehisi Coates have alleged that Meta has violated their intellectual property rights by using their books to train its Llama AI models, and that the company removed the copyright information from their books to hide the alleged infringement. Read more

The USPTO rescinded the June 21, 2022, memorandum entitled “Interim Procedure for Discretionary Denials in AIA Post-Grant Proceedings with Parallel District Court Litigation” (Memorandum). Read more

The USPTO considers the effects of the wildfires in California beginning on January 7, 2025, to be an “extraordinary situation” within the meaning of 37 CFR 1.183, 2.146(a)(5), and 2.148 for affected patent and trademark applicants, patentees, reexamination parties, and registered trademark owners. Read more

Do you have a duty to practice with civility?   Many State Bars have guidelines regarding civility and professionalism.  And some states include civility in the oath to practice law.  In this session, you will learn... Read more

The time for the Institute is finally upon us! I look forward to seeing many of you in Long Beach! For those of you who may be missing out, there’s still time to sign up and join us. Read more

California Lawyers Association’s (CLA) Intellectual Property (IP) Institute is considered the premier event of its kind. Now in its 48th year, attorneys in the IP field connect to discuss the numerous shifts impacting this legal specialty. This year’s event takes place from March 6-8, 2025, in Long Beach, California. However, this is not an article about the upcoming Institute. This is a recognition of exceptional people. Andy Gass Each year, CLA’s IP Section honors outstanding legal professionals for their contributions… Read more