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. 171: Your Patent's First Judge: How the Patent Office Picks Your Examiner
Ever wondered who decides the fate of your patent application—and how they got the job? In Episode 171, Adam Diament pulls back the curtain on the USPTO's examiner assignment process and explains why knowing your examiner can change everything.
Patenting for Inventors Ep. 170: How to Stop Competitors From Patenting Your Idea Without Filing a Patent — Defensive Publications
Sometimes the goal isn't to protect an invention — it's to keep anyone else from owning it. Adam Diament breaks down defensive publications: when to use them, how to do it right, and when they can quietly become your most resourceful IP move.
Patenting for Inventors Ep.169: Using a Petition to Withdraw from Issue to Fix Last-Minute Errors
You've paid the issue fee, the patent is days away from issuing, and you spot an error. Now what? Adam Diament walks through the petition to withdraw from issue — your emergency brake before a patent becomes final.
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.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.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.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.
Patenting for Inventors Ep.139: How Do I Know if My Design is Patently Obvious?
The law may be changing soon on how to determine whether your new design is patentable. In this podcast episode, learn the about the controversy behind the patentability standard for design patent obviousness.
Patenting for Inventors Ep.138: How to Search the New Trademark Search Website
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently revamped its trademark search website. Learn all about the new features and how to determine whether the mark you want to use will cause you any issues in the latest episode of the "Patenting for Inventors" podcast!
META This! Ep.5: Does Your Employer Own Your Invention? Take the Quiz
Adam Diament, our patent attorney, gets into it with Ted Nguyen, who specializes in entertainment law; it’s all about patent prosecution, utility patents, who owns what, and for how long.