Technology evolves at the speed of light these days. Tech giants such as Google and OpenAI work to perfect their products for consumer usage, but power also lies in the name of these products. To explain, let’s look at two well-known names, Google and ChatGPT, to consider the trademark implications. Trademarks 101 First, what is a trademark? A trademark is a word, symbol (logo), or … Continue reading Trademarks in Tech: Securing Innovation
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
Alisha Feustel is a founding partner at Akona IP who focuses on all aspects of intellectual property law, especially patent prosecution (the writing, filing, and handling of patent applications with the US Patent and Trademark Office) and patent portfolio management (the strategic handling of one’s patent assets). She works closely with clients in a variety of technologies, including semiconductor device packaging, biomedical devices, computer memory and storage technologies, and many others.
Continue reading “From Engineering to Entrepreneurship: An Interview with Alisha Feustel”
Many students interested in intellectual property (IP) get asked a lot of the same questions. In my experience, the common questions have been:
“Why IP? Do you need to know if you’re interested in IP before law school? What about during law school? Do you need to have a science background for IP? What opportunities are there for students interested in IP at Loyola? How do you network in IP?”
I am sure prospective law students are wondering the answers to some of the questions posed above. As a former undergraduate tour guide, I love answering questions like these, so here’s the perspective of a current 1L (first-year law student) at Loyola.
Continue reading “Taking a Tour of Intellectual Property at Loyola”
My interest in a career in the creative industry started early in my academic endeavors at the University of North Texas, a college known for its local music and art scene. However, I never expected that interest to manifest into pursuing intellectual property (IP) until I started law school at Loyola University Chicago.
As a child, my pharmacist father instilled a natural curiosity in science in me, that later translated into a love affair with research, and a passion for intellectual property law.
Continue reading “Love, Loss, and Legalities: A Journey from Science to Law”
Imagine this: It’s 4 am and you’re working as an EMT running 911 calls. Dispatch notifies you that you need to respond to a call… now! You turn on the lights and sirens, also known as Code 3, and make your way to the call. You show up. It’s chaotic and you grab the gurney, nitroglycerin, and oxygen tubing amongst others. You save the patient, and everyone is happy. You clean the ambulance and sit down for a moment to relax. But dispatch rings and you’re off again.
Interviewer: “So, what’s your favorite Coca-Cola product?”
Me: I draw a blank at the simple question, trying to think of any Coca-Cola product in existence. A picture of the classic Coca-Cola can flashes in my mind; the bold cursive letters against the vibrant red background. “Well, it has to be Coca-Cola, of course!”
Continue reading “Trademark Tale: From a Mistaken Coca-Cola Enthusiast to Aspiring IP Attorney”
When you think of “Golden Arches,” a black “swoosh,” and a red “target,” modern brands should immediately come to mind. (Yet, if you’re having a hard time imagining what these symbols represent, they are McDonald’s, Nike, and Target, respectively).
Continue reading “Putting the Puzzle Pieces of My Career Together: IP Law & Marketing”
Epilepsy: a life-altering word. Time stood still as the doctor gave me her diagnosis. My knuckles whitened as my grip tightened on the armchair. After years of not knowing the root cause of my health issues, I now had an answer. My diagnosis changed the trajectory of my life as I knew it. This pivotal moment separated my life into a “before” and an “after.” The love for math and science from my “before” life melded into a passion for navigating the landscape of innovation and technology. This passion defined my “after” life, and eventually propelled me into intellectual property law. But, let me start at the beginning with the “before.”
