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.4: Act One, Act Two: How David Ackert Turned Creativity Into a Business-Building Superpower

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.

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Every Deal Is a Dance Ep.3: Authenticity in Action: Emily Aiken on Storytelling, Trust & the Era of Creative Abundance

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.

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The Licensing Exchange Ep.2: Licensing in Motion: Steven Ekstract on the Future of Brands, Franchises & Fan Culture

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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