By Matthew D. Lincoln North Carolina statute N.C.G.S. Section 84-5 prohibits corporations and limited liability companies from practicing law in this state. This prohibition occasionally arises in the litigation context when an entity—usually domiciled in another state—serves a pro se answer (or other response) to a complaint filed in a North Carolina court. Given that […]
Check out the NCBA social media channels for updates from the ongoing attorney exchange to Japan led by the International Law & Practice Section. The delegation landed in Tokyo earlier this week and has a packed schedule of meetings with law firms, government officials, businesses and bar organizations. In between, they’re taking in all the […]
Dear IP Section Members: We are seeking additional volunteers to draft posts for the NCBA Intellectual Property Law Blog. Please electronically forward any submissions to us at [email protected] and [email protected]. Posts can be short and can address any topic related to recent developments in IP Law. Some suggestions include: Analysis of recent Federal Circuit Decisions […]
By Courtney Dabbiere and Allison Dobson Under 35 U.S.C. § 325(d), the Patent Trial and Appeal Board has the discretion to deny a follow-on inter partes review petition where multiple petitions are filed against the same patent. In exercising its discretion, the board may consider whether “the same or substantially the same prior art or arguments […]
By Joyce Brafford The thought of chasing your dream can feel like an impossibility. With financial, professional and personal goals so closely tied to success as an attorney, there seems to be little opportunity to leave a traditional job in favor of something more fulfilling. But it can be done. In this article, three lawyers will reflect […]
By Katherine Escalante Can you put a value to a certain smell? Play-Doh thinks so. In February, Hasbro, Inc. filed its application for the scent of Play-Doh. Scent has a powerful way of evoking particular emotions in consumers. We all have a scent that brings us back to a cherished memory — something unique to our […]
By Tara Muller In a much-anticipated ruling on May 22, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court in TC Heartland v. Kraft Foods narrowed the definition of venue for patent infringement cases. Until last week, a patent holder could sue an alleged infringer in any venue where the defendant was doing business, causing forum shopping and a […]
By Art MacCord Art MacCord is a patent attorney with 38 years of experience. He keeps an eye on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Copyright Office for new rules and practice tips of interest to intellectual property attorneys. Please click on the links below for the most recent updates. Roundtable discussion […]
As a reminder, on Wednesday, Oct. 18 starting at 6 p.m., the NCBA Health Law Section will host a “Mix, Mingle and Network” event at the Presidents Lounge, Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville. We are excited for an opportunity for our members and friends of the section to have a way to mingle in person […]
By Brandon Huffman I recently attended the Clio Cloud Conference in New Orleans – thanks to an NCBA social media contest (#myNCBA)! The conference was a tremendous chance to surround myself with other lawyers and professionals who view changes to legal technology as opportunity. I was able to see the reveal of a new Clio […]