Toll free 888-291-5676 August 2019 Global Intellectual Property (IP) Transactions and Litigation Intellectual Property Intelligence     USPTO Announces New Trademark Rule Requiring Foreign Entities to be Represented by Qualified U.S. Attorney Effective August 3, 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") has amended its Rules of Practice in Trademark Cases to require foreign applicants, registrants, and parties to trademark proceedings before the USPTO's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to be represented by a qualified U.S. attorney.           Overview of USPTO Requirements for Specimens of Use What is a Specimen of Use and when is one required? This article answers that question, what constitutes an acceptable specimen and the application filing basis.         Highlights from Panitch Schwarze     Chambers USA Ranks Panitch Schwarze Among Top IP Attorneys for 2019 Panitch Schwarze was again ranked among the top law firms in intellectual property law by Chambers USA, a leading legal ranking guide. In addition, the firm's Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware IP attorneys Martin G. Belisario, Ronald L. Panitch and Clark A. Jablon have been ranked individually for their prowess in IP law.           6 Panitch Schwarze Attorneys Named Among 2019 PA Super Lawyers The firm announced that six of its intellectual property attorneys have been named 2019 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. A program of Thomson Reuters, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who, through a peer review and independent research process, have been identified as attaining a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.           Human Resources Manager Promoted to Firm Administrator Panitch Schwarze promoted Krista Hart to the position of Firm Administrator where she is responsible for managing the administrative operations of the firm. Krista previously served as Human Resources Manager.             Featured Practice Area – Trade Secrets Trade secret protection can serve as a valuable way to protect certain intellectual property rights. Trade secret protection can last indefinitely, and thus, trade secrets can offer an advantage over patent protection, which only lasts for a specifically limited period of time. However, through methods such as reverse engineering, trade secrets can also be lost. Our attorneys understand these complexities and rely on their experience and skill to tailor legal strategies that will afford the best possible intellectual property protection for each client. Featured Industry – Pharmaceuticals | Biotechnology | Chemicals Panitch Schwarze serves the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical industries, helping companies/clients safeguard and enforce their intellectual property, while avoiding infringement of valid intellectual property rights of others.     Did You Know? Did you know that the U.S. Supreme Court recently struck down a U.S. ban on trademarks with "immoral" or "scandalous" words and symbols? Learn more about this ruling for the clothing brand with the indelicate name that could result in an uptick in requests to the USPTO to register trademarks that would have previously been considered scandalous or immoral. Connect with Us Frequently Asked Questions About IP Q: How long does a patent last? A: The terms of patent protection vary from country to country and with the type of patent. Read more… Q. How do I find out if my invention was already out there? A: For an invention to be "patentable," it must be useful, novel and nonobvious. Read more…   Visit our website at www.PanitchLaw.com Two Commerce Square, 2001 Market Street, Suite 2800, Philadelphia, PA 19103 // (215) 965-1330 Wells Fargo Tower, 2200 Concord Pike, Suite 201, Wilmington, DE 19803 // (302) 394-6030 Copyright © Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP is a premier intellectual property law firm based in Philadelphia, Pa and Wilmington, De. The firm provides individuals with intellectual property and trademark law legal counsel and representation in copyrights, IP protection, licensing, litigation, patents, trade secrets, trademarks and related matters. The firm prides itself on leadership within the profession and a strong record of success. 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