Toll free 888-291-5676 May 2017 Global Intellectual Property (IP) Transactions and Litigation Intellectual Property Intelligence   Chinese Companies Continue U.S. Patent Upswing Data released by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office confirms that IBM again was awarded the most U.S. patents in 2016, but an interesting trend also has emerged. U.S. patent data reveals a 158 percent increase in the number of U.S. patents granted to Chinese companies. Panitch Schwarze contributed to this growth, representing several Chinese companies and research institutes that successfully patented inventions. Read more…   Highlights from Panitch Schwarze       6 Panitch Schwarze Attorneys Named Among 2017 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP is pleased to announce that six of its attorneys have been named 2017 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. Intellectual Property attorneys Martin G. Belisario, Alan S. Nadel, Ronald L. Panitch, and William W. Schwarze have been named to the 2017 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. Additionally, Bridget H. Labutta and Bijal Shah-Creamer have been named among Pennsylvania's Rising Stars, an honor reserved for no more than 2.5 percent of up-and-coming lawyers across the state. Learn more…     Panitch Schwarze Partner Speaks at Joint Patent Practice CLE Alan S. Nadel spoke at the 33rd Annual Joint Patent Practice Seminar on April 27 in New York City. The JPPCLE is an annual seminar that features knowledgeable speakers such as judges, government officials, and attorneys discussing the latest trends and important topics in intellectual property law. Learn more…     Panitch Schwarze Attorneys Named 2017 'IP Stars' We are pleased to announce that IP attorneys Ronald L. Panitch, Alan S. Nadel, and William W. Schwarze have been named 2017 IP Stars by Managing Intellectual Property, a leading source of news and analysis on intellectual property issues worldwide. Learn more…     Corporate Counsel Publishes Panitch Schwarze Attorneys' Article on Venue Panitch Schwarze partner John D. Simmons, along with associate Keith A. Jones, wrote an article entitled, "Is Change on the Way for Patent Litigation Rules?" In the article, Simmons and Jones provide insights on the matter of venue in patent litigation. Learn more…     Featured Practice Area – Trademarks Establishing and protecting trademark rights is a key component of our intellectual property practice. Our attorneys obtain a comprehensive understanding of the clients' business and marketing strategies to ensure that trademarks are both protected against unauthorized use and exploited in a manner that gives our clients assurance that no rights are being violated. Read more about our trademarks practice… Featured Industry – Agriculture Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP serves the agricultural industry, helping businesses safeguard and enforce their intellectual property. We take the time to get to know our clients and their businesses, to determine what needs to be trademarked, if there is anything that needs to be patented, and if there are any trade secrets to protect. Read more about our experience in the agriculture industry…     Did You Know? The Lanham Act permits the USPTO to deny registration to any trademark that "consists of or comprises immoral, deceptive, or scandalous matter; or matter which may disparage or falsely suggest a connection with persons, living or dead, institutions, beliefs, or national symbols, or bring them into contempt, or disrepute." In early 2017, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Lee v. Tam, and will decide if the provision violates the First Amendment. The decision could fundamentally alter trademark law in the United States, and the Panitch Schwarze IP attorneys are following the issue closely. 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. In the United States, for example, utility patents and design patents are valid for differing periods of time. The nonpayment of maintenance fees also can impact a patent’s validity. Read more… Q: Do patent owners have to do anything to maintain patent protection? A: There are two important components of maintaining patent protection. The first – paying maintenance fees – is routine. The second, however, is vital to ensuring that your patent remains enforceable for the remainder of its valid, and valuable, lifespan. Read More…   Visit our website at www.PanitchLaw.com One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 2200, 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. In some states, this correspondence may be considered attorney advertising. Transmission of this document is not intended to create, and receipt does not establish, an attorney-client relationship. 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