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.
Every Deal Is a Dance Ep. 5: World-Building in Real Life: Karen Somers on Creativity, Reinvention & Impact
In this episode of Every Deal Is a Dance, filmmaker, photographer, and property developer Karen Somers joins host Mishawn Nolan to discuss creative reinvention, world-building, and how artists can translate their skills into meaningful impact—from polar bear shoots to Rust Belt housing.
The Licensing Exchange Ep.3: The Power of Licensing: Stu Seltzer on Brand Growth, Collaborations & Competitive Advantage
In this episode of The Licensing Exchange, Stu Seltzer shares his 30+ years of experience—from YSL and DC Comics to founding Seltzer Licensing Group—and breaks down how licensing drives growth through collaborations, risk management, and strategic planning.
Every Deal Is a Dance Ep.4: Act One, Act Two: How David Ackert Turned Creativity Into a Business-Building Superpower
In this episode of Every Deal Is a Dance, host Mishawn Nolan speaks with David Ackert — CEO of PipelinePlus and best-selling author of The Short List — about how his acting roots became the foundation for his work in business development and professional growth.
re:invent(ed) Ep.2: From Syncs to Students: Marat Berenstein on Reinventing the Music Business
In re:invent(ed), Episode 2, host Nick Rosenberg talks with Marat Berenstein about the nuts and bolts of sync, why distribution has become music’s new talent pipeline, and how the Clive Davis Institute is building bridges from classroom to career.
Every Deal Is a Dance Ep.3: Authenticity in Action: Emily Aiken on Storytelling, Trust & the Era of Creative Abundance
In this episode of Every Deal Is a Dance, Mishawn Nolan talks with Emily Aiken, founder of The Story Studio, about trust, authenticity, and the art of being seen as a creator and leader.
The Licensing Exchange Ep.2: Licensing in Motion: Steven Ekstract on the Future of Brands, Franchises & Fan Culture
From the early days of License Global to the rise of YouTube-born IP, Steven Ekstract has seen the licensing world transform. In episode 2 of The Licensing Exchange, he shares how agility, partnership, and optimism keep the industry moving forward.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.