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The scope and nuance of intellectual property law is constantly evolving. Once, copyrights, patents and trademarks were relatively straightforward, as nearly every intellectual property right granted by the government related to a physical object that had just been invented or improved upon. However, in an age of digital innovation and abstract idea protection, the nature of intellectual property protection and intellectual property litigation has evolved rapidly.
It is therefore important for individuals concerned with intellectual property rights to both consult an experienced attorney about their needs and to keep up on the evolution of this area of law. Understanding how recently filed, settled and contested cases have impacted current law can help you to better anticipate when you may need to take action to either protect or litigate your own intellectual property rights.
At present, several high-profile intellectual property cases promise to impact the way that current laws are interpreted and applied. For example, rival tech giants Apple and Samsung are currently involved in litigation that is inspiring the two to act as friends rather than foes. Essentially, they are battling a patent troll that Microsoft has opted to settle with. Given the potential costs of intellectual property litigation, this might have been the best option for Microsoft. However, the outcome of the litigation against Samsung and Apple may influence the high-profile issue of patent troll litigation for good.
In addition, the new Intellectual Property Exchange International platform is changing the way that intellectual property is treated as a commodity. The IPXI is the world’s first financial exchange platform for the trade and license of intellectual property rights. Following how this platform is evolving may be beneficial to any individual or business with an interest in these rights.
Source: Inside Counsel, “The 5 intellectual property stories you need to know right now,” Rich Steeves, Aug. 8, 2014
