Future Forward Insights

Each of us at Nolan Heimann has an affinity for new frontiers, from immersive entertainment and influencer brands to blockchain, DAO’s, and the metaverse(s), we are attorneys with deep knowledge that provide detailed expertise in executing novel aspects of our clients’ strategies. Protecting IP, while planning for its future growth and monetization, is at the heart of what we do.

These insights are offered as an expression of our commitment to helping all creators and business makers structure their ventures on solid, authentic foundations to enable growth and transformation. Keep up-to-date with our monthly newsletter. Subscribe at the bottom of our site.

Adam Blair 10/28/25 Adam Blair 10/28/25

Every Deal Is a Dance Ep.2: Building Change: Zubaida Bai on Engineering Empathy and Empowering Women to End Poverty

Engineer and social entrepreneur Zubaida Bai, President & CEO of Grameen Foundation, joins Mishawn Nolan to explore how empathy and alignment drive sustainable change for women worldwide in this episode of Every Deal Is a Dance.

Adam Blair 10/20/25 Adam Blair 10/20/25

Patenting for Inventors Ep.161: The Robots Are Coming… to Help You Patent! The Patent Office’s New Pilot Program for AI Patent Searches

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has invited AI to the patent table. In this episode of Patenting for Inventors, partner Adam Diament explains the new Automated Search Pilot Program — where artificial intelligence helps examiners identify prior art before human review.

Adam Blair 10/13/25 Adam Blair 10/13/25

re:invent(ed) Ep.1: Renowned Attorney Brett Ward on Reimagining Law Practice in an Era of AI and Extraordinary Change

In the debut episode of re: invent(ed), host Nick Rosenberg sits down with Brett Ward, Co-Chair of Litigation at Blank Rome LLP, to discuss what it means to reimagine a legal career in an era of AI and extraordinary change.

Adam Blair 10/13/25 Adam Blair 10/13/25

The Licensing Exchange Ep.1: From Garage to Global: Cindy Levitt on Building Hot Topic and the Evolution of Licensing

In the premiere of The Licensing Exchange, David Schnider and Greg Pan sit down with Cindy Levitt — former Senior VP of Licensing at Hot Topic — to explore how creative risk-taking turned niche ideas into a global licensing phenomenon.

Adam Blair 10/13/25 Adam Blair 10/13/25

Every Deal Is a Dance Ep.1: The Business of Being Human: Jess Weiner on Creativity, Change, and the Power of Authenticity

In the debut of Every Deal Is a Dance, host Mishawn Nolan speaks with Jess Weiner about how creativity and empathy become powerful business engines — and why staying human is your competitive edge.

Adam Blair 9/1/25 Adam Blair 9/1/25

Patenting for Inventors Ep.160: When Ideas Defend Themselves: The Strange Rules of Intellectual Property

When do your creative ideas gain legal protection? Patent attorney Adam Diament breaks down the surprising rules of copyright, trademark, patent, and trade secret law in this episode of Patenting for Inventors.

Adam Blair 8/22/25 Adam Blair 8/22/25

Patenting for Inventors Ep.159: Lululemon Sues Costco - A Fashion Lawsuit You Can’t Just Downward Dog Out Of

Lululemon is suing Costco, claiming knockoffs of its iconic activewear infringe patents, trademarks, and trade dress. In this Patenting for Inventors episode, Adam Diament explores the legal showdown between boutique brand and big-box giant.

Adam Blair 6/20/25 Adam Blair 6/20/25

Patenting for Inventors Ep.158: The Pre-Patent Power Play: Can I License My Invention While It’s Still Patent Pending?

Wondering whether you can license your invention before the patent is granted? In this episode, patent attorney Adam Diament unpacks the practical strategies—and legal risks—of licensing while your patent is still pending. From early cash to future royalties, here’s what’s at stake.

Adam Blair 5/30/25 Adam Blair 5/30/25

Patenting for Inventors Ep.157: The Risk of Joint Ownership in Patents – & Why It’s a Trap

Joint patent ownership may sound cooperative—but it’s often a legal trap. In this episode, patent attorney Adam Diament explains why sharing ownership can backfire, using real-world cases and practical solutions to help you stay protected.

Adam Blair 5/21/25 Adam Blair 5/21/25

Patenting for Inventors Ep.156: Face Value: Protecting Your Identity with Name, Image, & Likeness Rights

This episode explores how NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights are becoming essential in a world of social media, deepfakes, and AI. Learn how the law is evolving to protect your personal brand and identity.

Adam Blair 5/12/25 Adam Blair 5/12/25

Patenting for Inventors Ep.155: Trademark Refused, Patent Approved: Illegal Intellectual Property Explained

Can you patent something illegal? Yes. Can you trademark it? No. Learn why the USPTO treats patents and trademarks differently in legally gray industries like cannabis and crypto.

Adam Blair 5/2/25 Adam Blair 5/2/25

Patenting for Inventors Ep.154: Can AI be an Inventor? Guidance from the Patent Office

Can AI be named as an inventor on a patent? Not yet. In this episode, patent attorney Adam Diament breaks down the latest guidance from the USPTO on AI-assisted inventions. Learn what counts as a “significant human contribution,” how AI can (and can’t) support the patent process, and why proper inventorship still matters in the age of machine collaboration.

Adam Blair 3/31/25 Adam Blair 3/31/25

Patenting for Inventors Ep.153: Lights, Camera, Patent! 10 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were Patent Holders

Celebrities aren’t just stars on stage and screen—they’re inventors too! From Michael Jackson’s anti-gravity shoes to Hedy Lamarr’s revolutionary technology, discover how famous figures have made their mark in the world of innovation.

Adam Blair 3/24/25 Adam Blair 3/24/25

Patenting for Inventors Ep.152: Can a Fancy Leg Stand on Its Own as a Trademark? The Recent Case of In re Kason

Can a metal leg stand on its own as a trademark? In In re Kason, the TTAB rejected Kason Industries' attempt to trademark its telescoping restaurant equipment leg, ruling it was too functional for trademark protection. In this episode, Partner Adam Diament explores the key differences between design patents and trademarks, the legal hurdles of trade dress protection, and why functionality plays a critical role in intellectual property law.

Adam Blair 3/17/25 Adam Blair 3/17/25

Patenting for Inventors Ep.151: Patent Me Maybe: (Carly Rae) Jepson-Style Patent Claims

In this episode, host Adam Diament delves into the world of patent claims, focusing on Jepson-style claims. He creatively illustrates the differences between traditional and Jepson-style claims using a hypothetical patent inspired by Carly Rae Jepsen's hit song "Call Me Maybe." The episode highlights the strategic considerations in writing patent claims, particularly the implications of admitting prior art in Jepson-style claims, which are more common in Europe than in the U.S.

Adam Blair 2/25/25 Adam Blair 2/25/25

Patenting for Inventors Ep.150: What is Obviousness? A “Reasonable Expectation of Success” or “Predictable Results”?

Obviousness is a crucial factor in patent law, particularly in biotech. In this episode, host Adam Diament explores Vanda Pharmaceuticals v. Teva Pharmaceuticals, a case that established the reasonable expectation of success standard for determining obviousness.

The ruling invalidated Vanda’s patent for Hetlioz, and when the Supreme Court declined to review the case, the Federal Circuit’s decision became law. What does this mean for future biotech patents? Tune in as Diament breaks down the impact of this ruling and why obviousness remains one of the most challenging issues in patent law.

Adam Blair 2/19/25 Adam Blair 2/19/25

Women in Leadership Ep.1: The Barriers, Biases and Solutions: Interview with Leadership Coach Kelly Algier

Why do women—half of the population—still hold only a fraction of executive positions? Stefan and Kelly explore systemic barriers, the impact of leadership biases, and how redefining leadership qualities could create more inclusive workplaces.