“I assume you want to go into IP or patent law then”
– Everyone.
That’s the typical response I receive after introducing myself, a former engineer turned law student. Yes, that assumption for the most part is true. Here’s a little bit about the beginning of my journey into IP law.
Continue reading “An Indirect, Yet Unsurprising Path To IP Law – My Journey”
The Legend of Zelda is a Nintendo video game series centered around protagonist Link. One of the newer installments of the series, Breath of the Wild, has won several awards in the gaming industry. But, what in the world does the Legend of Zelda have to do with patent law?
I have always been easily overwhelmed with multiple options when making an important decision. When deciding where to go to law school, the important decision-making process regarding my education was downright terrifying – at first. After obtaining my bachelor’s in biology at the University of Cincinnati I worked in oncology clinical research for two years. This experience provided me with the certainty that I had the desire to pursue a legal career in the field of intellectual property (“IP”). I found myself drawn toward IP. It felt like the perfect mix between science and law. IP presented me with a unique opportunity to continue to explore my interest in STEM from a different perspective. After taking the LSAT, I began my school search. Contrary to my previous difficulties with decision-making, I quickly discerned that Loyola University Chicago School of Law (“Loyola”) was the best fit for me to launch my career in IP.
Continue reading “Why, in a World of Tough Decisions, The Decision to Attend Loyola Was an Easy One”
Ever since I stowed away Wheeljack in my backpack and took him to summer school, I had been determined to provide him with additional Transformers companions. While he was essentially a plastic toy, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to collect more.
Continue reading “More than Meets the Eye: Intellectual Property Law Edition”
Since the inception of the National Collegiate Athletic Association otherwise known as the “NCAA”, student-athletes were not able to collect any type of financial benefits while they were playing collegiate-level sports. Fast forward to today, student-athletes are now allowed to make profits off of their “name, image, and likeness” aka “NIL,” a type of intellectual property right that’s grouped under the right of publicity (essentially gives each person the exclusive right to use and license their identity for commercial promotion). What I and many others were once not allowed to partake in, is now available and encouraged for all student-athletes. Some student-athletes are already making millions in deals and sponsorships!
Continue reading “NCAA Sports and IP – The Perfect Merger”
Small Details, Sizable Impact
It was late into the night and several hours into overtime. I was running on adrenaline, a second cup of steaming coffee, and the hefty pressure of a deadline that was now right around the corner.
Continue reading “How Video Journalism Opened Up the World of IP for Me”
Nearly every business relies on confidential information for a competitive advantage. Famous examples include secret formulas, like the recipes for Coca-Cola and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Other examples include valuable algorithms, processes, data, and practices kept reasonably secret by all different types of businesses. If information is kept secret and gains economic value from its secrecy, a trade secret exists, and its owner has the legal right protect it.
Continue reading “Trade Secrets in Staffing: Best Practices”
Networking. I’m sure you’ve heard the word thrown around in various professional and academic settings. It’s a term sure to send shivers down the spines of every first-year law student. The reason many students fear networking is likely because they aren’t sure exactly what it entails. For many students with an interest in IP, however, networking can be the key to success once you learn how to use it to your advantage.
Continue reading “Networking in IP: Identifying Your Interests And Finding A Job”
Two of the biggest brands in the fitness industry went head-to-head recently in a lawsuit for trademark infringement, which means one company is using some form of a trademark that another company believes is too similar to their own. Peloton has sued Lululemon over trade dress, which is a type of trademark that encompasses product design or product packaging.
Continue reading “A Trademark War in the Athletic Arena”
Brad Loren is an associate at McAndrews Held and Malloy Ltd. (McAndrews).
Prior to attending law school, Brad attended the University of Iowa where he 
earned a B.A. in Chemistry and Political Science. After earning his undergraduate degrees, Brad attended Purdue University where he earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry. Brad’s Ph.D. research focused on pharmaceutical development, specifically organic synthesis and drug delivery. After earning his Ph.D., Brad attended Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he graduated cum laude in 2021. Continue reading “A Journey from the Lab to the Office: An Interview with Brad Loren”
