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.
Patenting for Inventors Ep.168: How Universities Handle Inventorship and IP Rights for Student Inventions
Think your university owns every idea you come up with on campus? In Episode 168, patent attorney Adam Diament breaks down the real rules around student inventions — using the University of California system as a model — and explains exactly when students keep their rights and when ownership shifts.
Patenting for Inventors Ep.167: How to Use the Patent Office Patent Assignment Database Like a Pro
In Episode 167 of Patenting for Inventors, host Adam Diament explains who actually owns that patent. Adam walks you through the USPTO Assignment Database — one of the most powerful (and underused) tools in the patent world.
Patenting for Inventors Ep.166: Patent Thickets: When Owning Too Many Patents Is the Point
In Episode 166 of Patenting for Inventors, host Adam Diament explains how big tech companies use patent thickets—dense webs of overlapping patents—to create leverage, protect investments, and shape competitive landscapes. Learn why understanding these strategic forests matters for inventors and startups.
Patenting for Inventors Ep.165: Help! My Co-Inventor Refuses to Sign the Patent Application!
A co-inventor refusing to sign your patent application is a problem — but it's not a dead end. Patent attorney Adam Diament breaks down your legal options and how to move forward.
Patenting for Inventors Ep.164: Patent Pools: Cooperation That Looks Like Competition
In Episode 164 of Patenting for Inventors, host Adam Diament breaks down how patent pools simplify licensing in the tech industry—helping companies avoid legal gridlock, reduce costs, and get products to market faster. Learn why these behind-the-scenes tools are essential for modern innovation.
Patenting for Inventors Ep.163: Can You Patent an App? What You Need to Know Before You File
Can you patent an app? Patent attorney Adam Diament explains when apps qualify for patent protection, why ideas alone aren’t enough, and what inventors need to know before filing.
Patenting for Inventors Ep.162: Zootopia 2: The Shocking Fraudulent Patent That Drives the Entire Plot!
Zootopia 2 unexpectedly hinges on a patent dispute. In this episode, Adam Diament explains what the movie gets hilariously wrong about inventorship, “forged patents,” and why real patents don’t support century-long empires.
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.
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.