From Engineering Labs to Runway Tags: My Journey Into IP Law

My fascination with intellectual property (IP) began during my time as an undergraduate mechanical engineering student at the University of Michigan and continues today. My curiosity of IP didn’t come just from textbooks or lectures. It came from real-world experiences that showed me just how deeply IP is woven into engineering and everyday life.  Let me explain.

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From Pitch to Patents: How Soccer Led Me to IP

My first pair of shoes was a pair of children’s Adidas Sambas. My dad, an avid soccer fan, gave me this first pair as a baby gift. Soon after, I developed a love for the game. The rhythm of play, the strategic thinking, and the creative maneuvers gave me a sense of tranquility. On the pitch, I was at ease. Little did I know, part … Continue reading From Pitch to Patents: How Soccer Led Me to IP

Securing Sisterhood: My First Introduction to IP

Since 2022, I have proudly worn the symbols of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Delta). Delta is a Black Greek Letter Organization committed to sisterhood, scholarship, public service, and social action. Before law school enrollment, I noticed a “®” symbol on my Delta crewneck. Now, I’ve noticed this symbol on things like Stanley Cups. But what would it have to do with my public service … Continue reading Securing Sisterhood: My First Introduction to IP

No Offense, But Can This Trademark Be Registered?

A primer on the immoral or offensive bar to trademark registration Trademarks are all around us—from the Apple symbol emblazoned on a MacBook to a “Loyola Chicago” logo printed on a sweatshirt. (Spot three trademarks in that sentence!) Trademarks exist across different industries and evoke different things to a consumer. However, all trademarks serve an essential purpose: to identify and distinguish a good or service … Continue reading No Offense, But Can This Trademark Be Registered?

Likelihood of Confusion on Ice: The Utah Hockey Club’s Trademark Face-Off

The 2024-25 National Hockey League (NHL) season officially kicked off on October 8th. The introduction of a new team based in Salt Lake City, Utah has made this hockey season especially exciting. The new professional hockey team, which picked up the players and assets of the Arizona Coyote’s Hockey Team, after its suspension, is currently going by “The Utah Hockey Club.” As the hockey team … Continue reading Likelihood of Confusion on Ice: The Utah Hockey Club’s Trademark Face-Off

From Code to Care: Debugging the Barriers Between Innovation and Access

If a system is broken, how do you fix it? I’ve been asking this question for years. First as a healthcare technology consultant, now as a law student studying the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and health law. At Epic, I was part detective, part problem-solver, and part translator. I dove into messy software bugs. I helped clinicians by implementing tools to check insurance coverage in real … Continue reading From Code to Care: Debugging the Barriers Between Innovation and Access

Trademark MythBusting – The MythBusters Trademark Dispute and Misconceptions Surrounding Trademark Registration

A common misconception many people have about trademark law is that trademarks are only valid if they are registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). I had the opportunity recently to debunk this fallacy at a family holiday dinner. I’ll explain how. Mythbusting at Christmas Dinner [Every family experiences awkward table talk over holiday dinner. But when you’re in law school, apparently the … Continue reading Trademark MythBusting – The MythBusters Trademark Dispute and Misconceptions Surrounding Trademark Registration

Navigating FemTech and Patents: An Interview with Giordana Mahn

Giordana Mahn is a patent prosecutor who has focused her career on working with female inventors, including ones who have founded companies. Prior to law school, she obtained a mechanical engineering degree from University of Michigan in 2009. During her time at Michigan, Giordana decided to take a patent law seminar that changed the trajectory of her career and set her sights on intellectual property … Continue reading Navigating FemTech and Patents: An Interview with Giordana Mahn

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A Tale of Two PuckerButt Peppers: Patent Protection for Craft Agriculture

Introducing Some of the Hottest Siblings You May Not Know About

When you think of the hottest siblings on the planet, do you think of the Hemsworth brothers or the Kardashian sisters? In the world of celebrities, hotness is relative and hard to measure. In the world of super-hot chili peppers, hotness is measured in Scoville Heat Units and can be scientifically tested. When making super-hot chili peppers is your business, protecting your intellectual property (IP) is a spicy subject.

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GRIDIRON TO COURTROOM: WHO OWNS “8”?

When two NFL quarterbacks battle for control, fans typically expect a showdown on the field. But what happens when the competition moves from the gridiron to the courtroom?

The trademark dispute between Troy Aikman and Lamar Jackson offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of intellectual property law, where athletes strive to protect their brands through trademarks. Whether you’re a Ravens fan, a Cowboys supporter, or an intellectual property enthusiast, this case illustrates the intersection of branding, identity, and legal conflict.

Consider this a playbook to understanding the legal game behind the “8.”

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