Intellectual Property with Steven Forte, Smith & Hopen Law Firm Podcast #98 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn about the latest developments in intellectual property, including Amazon's brand registry and neutral patent evaluation.

Key Insights

• 🔨 Trademark registration with Amazon's brand registry is a powerful tool to prevent counterfeiting and protect brands on the platform.
• 🎮 Amazon's "Project Zero" offers trademark holders greater control over removing infringing content without relying on Amazon's approval.
• 🛄 Filing patents requires careful consideration of the claims and adherence to legal requirements.
• 👨‍💼 Small businesses can benefit from consulting with intellectual property attorneys for guidance in fighting trademark or patent claims.
• 🗯️ Intellectual property is critical for protecting brand integrity and ensuring legal rights are upheld in the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce.
• 💗 The field of intellectual property is likely to continue growing as businesses recognize the need to protect their intellectual assets.
• 😒 Trademark renewal is a relatively simple process that involves submitting a new specimen and declaration of continued use.
• 🥺 The success of fighting trademark or patent claims depends on expert advice, as missteps can lead to wasted time and resources.

Transcript

intellectual property is not a sexy topic but it is a hot topic in 2020 as the landscape is changing amazon's making it easier to control ip get on brand registry faster so today we talked to steven forte who's with an ip law firm smith hopin to learn some of the latest and greatest best practices and latest news this is the my amazon guy podcast i... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does registering a trademark with Amazon's brand registry help protect against counterfeit goods?

By registering a trademark, sellers gain access to tools that help prevent counterfeit goods and infringing marks, such as a search and reporting tool. Amazon will evaluate reported content and remove infringing listings if necessary.

Q: What is Amazon's "Project Zero" and how does it benefit trademark holders?

"Project Zero" is a tool within Amazon's brand registry that allows trademark holders with more than 90% verified reports of infringement to unilaterally remove infringing content without requiring Amazon's approval.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when filing a trademark?

Common mistakes include choosing a name that is too descriptive, filing the trademark under the wrong entity name, and not conducting a thorough search to ensure the viability of the trademark.

Q: How can small businesses effectively fight trademark or patent claims?

It is recommended to consult with an experienced intellectual property attorney who can provide guidance and assess the viability of fighting the claim. Many attorneys offer free consultations to determine the best course of action.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Intellectual property is an important and evolving topic, especially in relation to Amazon's brand registry and patent evaluation processes.

• Registering a trademark with Amazon's brand registry helps protect against counterfeit goods and infringing marks, with the added benefit of being able to report and remove infringing content.

• Amazon's neutral patent evaluation allows patent holders to report and potentially remove infringing products through a mediated process.