Blackletter

In this episode, host Tom Dunlap explores the intricate world of underwater salvage law. He discusses the conventions guiding salvage efforts, the complexities of balancing salvor rights with the interests of nations and original owners, and highlights the famous "ship of gold" case involving the SS Central America. The case showcases the legal battles over ownership of treasures found in sunken s...

Step into the world of intellectual property and patent monetization with the Blackletter Podcast. In this episode, host Thomas Dunlap welcomes back Anthony Brown, an expert from Tech Search, to delve into the intricacies of patent ownership and enforcement. Throughout the conversation, Anthony shares his wealth of experience in the field, recounting tales from the early '80s when computer technol...

Join host Tom Dunlap in another enlightening episode as he discusses the intriguing topics of bioprospecting and biopiracy. He explores the distinction between these practices, with bioprospecting involving the ethical search for beneficial biological resources and biopiracy encompassing the unauthorized exploitation of such resources without proper credit or consent. Tom shares prominent examples...

Join Tom Dunlap as he delves into the fascinating world of micronations—tiny, self-declared independent countries often existing in legal gray areas. Exploring the concept of micronations as symbolic gestures, protests, or declarations of sovereignty, Tom introduces listeners to notable examples like the Republic of Molossia, Hutt River Province, and the Conch Republic. However, the highlight of t...

What important lessons can be learned from patent lawsuits? On the Blackletter podcast this week, host Tom Dunlap is joined again by guest Anthony Brown, a former lawyer and President of Cascades Ventures, as they continue his three-episode interview series. Anthony is a patent monetization expert who has joined the show to discuss his insights on patent litigation. On this episode, Anthony shares...

Delve into the fascinating realm of music publishing and royalties with Tom Dunlap as he explores the iconic collaboration between Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney on the song 'Say Say Say,' leading to an unexpected twist involving The Beatles' catalog. Discover how Michael Jackson's strategic acquisition of music rights paved the way for a lavish lifestyle and dig into the intricate world of me...

In this compelling episode, Tom Dunlap delves into the intricate world of witness tampering, examining its profound significance, legal ramifications, and evolving challenges in the age of social media. Drawing from recent headlines surrounding former President Donald Trump's alleged witness tampering on the Truth Social platform, Tom takes you on a thought-provoking journey through the dark corne...

What role do lawyers have in the business of patents and intellectual property? On the Blackletter podcast this week, host Tom Dunlap sits down with episode guest Anthony Brown, a former lawyer and President of Cascades Ventures, who made a significant switch in his professional path when he began working in patent monetization. After spending the beginning of his career as a law firm partner and...

In this episode, Tom Dunlap delves into a groundbreaking Supreme Court case involving Jack Daniels Properties and Bad Spaniels. The battle over a trademark takes an unexpected turn when Bad Spaniels claims their parody chew toy is protected by the First Amendment. But what will the Supreme Court decide? Does the First Amendment shield them from trademark infringement claims? The verdict holds sign...

What advice would an expert give on maintaining business security and compliance? On the Blackletter podcast this week, host Tom Dunlap interviews episode guest Jennifer Morris, a former attorney for the CIA with law experience inside the government and businesses. Jennifer is here to share her insights on business compliance, risk balancing, and risk management. As a professional with top-secret...

In this episode, Tom Dunlap delves into the recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down the ability of universities to use race as an additional factor in student admissions. He provides a comprehensive overview of the history of affirmative admissions practices, the key legal cases that shaped these practices, and the subsequent changes in admissions policies. Tom examines the Supreme Court's op...

How can law professionals break through the barriers to achieve their success? On the Blackletter podcast this week, host Tom Dunlap revisits some prior season 9 episodes where he and guest speakers discussed professional success and how to achieve it. The power of small numbers with Gordan Sumner (0:44) As a former Army officer, Gordon Sumner had to make significant changes to succeed with his no...

In recent news, the United States and the Dutch government have announced tighter regulations on exports of certain circuit boards and semiconductor chips to China. Tom Dunlap discusses the importance of understanding three essential rules for exporting and importing from the United States. Export Administration Regulations (EAR): Deals with commercial goods and non-controlled, non-military items....

This week on Monday Morning Minutes, Tom Dunlap discusses the controversial Apple trademark case happening in Switzerland. Apple is trying to trademark a 2D image of an apple without a bite taken from it. The 111-year-old Swiss Fruit Union, which protects the interests of fruit growers, is concerned. Tom takes on this odd situation and what he thinks will happen next. Tune in to this episode of Mo...

On the Blackletter podcast this week, host Tom Dunlap concludes his three-part interview with Mark Fava, an attorney who works as an ombudsman and Vice President for Boeing Corporation. Together Tom and Mark discuss Mark’s advice for listeners trying to launch their career success.  Building success in business and aviation law took Mark several years and lots of hard work. On this episode, M...

This week Tom discusses how to love the practice of law and strategies for being a happy lawyer. A lot of these strategies apply not just to law, but apply to any job that anyone's in, but they're things that especially affect professionals who work in a high stress career. Listen to the episode for tips on improving your lifestyle through 1. establishing your boundaries, 2. taking breaks, and 3....

How can we pass along wisdom gained from our professional leaders? On the Blackletter podcast this week, host Tom Dunlap speaks once more with Mark Fava, an attorney who works as an ombudsman and Vice President for Boeing Corporation. Tom and Mark discuss how Mark leveraged the knowledge that he gained throughout his career to mentor and lead other veterans and attorneys. He describes the lessons...

On this episode of Monday Morning Minutes, Tom Dunlap pulls back the curtain on a taboo subject – why lawyers quit law. Drawing on research and personal experience, he covers the top reasons why lawyers leave either temporarily or permanently. Stress and burn out, lack of work-life balance, mental health issues and more–it can be tough being an attorney. However, Tom discusses how the legal profes...

How can legal professionals launch their careers in aviation law? On the Blackletter podcast this week, host Tom Dunlap is joined by Mark Fava, a practicing attorney who works as an ombudsman and Vice President for Boeing Corporation. Together they speak about Mark’s career background that led to his current position and his work mentoring other veterans and attorneys. Mark is a senior executive l...

Where is the line between art, and advertising? The unresolved question is testing the direct democracy of a small New England town, where a painting of pastries has led to zoning dispute, a First Amendment lawsuit and a local vote. The town zoning board got involved, deciding that the pastry painting was not so much art as advertising, and so could not remain as is because of its size. Faced with...

Did you know there is a naming committee in Iceland called Mannanafnanefnd and they are a governmental body that regulates the naming of children. Upon a further look, they aren't the only country to have regulated the naming of children. This week Tom discusses illegal naming from around the world and some of the strict rules to protect a child from a name which could be deemed offensive or embar...

How can professionals form and identify valuable business connections? On the Blackletter podcast this week, host Tom Dunlap concludes his interview with Jason Levin, founder of Ready, Set, Launch. In this episode, Jason discusses the key themes of his book "Relationships to Infinity: The Art and Science of Keeping in Touch" and how individuals and entrepreneurs can apply its lessons to succeed in...

This week on Monday Minutes, Tom Dunlap digs into the world of trial by combat – how it originated, how it evolved and how it relates to the legal profession. Tom explains how two men would face off in battle to settle charges, accusations and more. Nobles would hire a sword to stand in their place, and the practice became a complex game. Tune in to hear how trial by combat transformed to a jury o...

In today's episode, we discuss consumer privacy laws and their importance. Recently, two states, Montana and Tennessee, passed new Consumer Privacy Act laws. Along with the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), a privacy law that requires businesses that collect personal information to provide certain disclosures, these newly passed laws make it are easier for you to fall into compliance. Compli...

What is the best way for people to stay connected with their business contacts? On the Blackletter podcast this week, host Tom Dunlap is joined once more by Jason Levin, author of "Relationships to Infinity: The Art and Science of Keeping in Touch" and founder of the firm Ready, Set, Launch. In this episode, Jason breaks down the importance of maintaining connections with professional contacts and...