Blackletter

Join Tom Dunlap on this week’s episode as he discusses the fascinating history and legal battles of the "Happy Birthday" song. Once subject to stringent copyright claims by Warner Chappell Music, this beloved tune has finally entered the public domain. Discover how filmmaker Jennifer Nelson challenged these claims, leading to a landmark 2015 ruling that freed "Happy Birthday to You" from copyright...

Join Tom Dunlap on this intriguing episode of the Black Letter Podcast Monday Morning Minute, where he discusses the landmark copyright law case between Google LLC and Oracle. This episode unpacks the complex legal battle over Java APIs, a critical component in software development that facilitates interoperability between applications. Tom breaks down the essence of APIs, the heated legal argumen...

Today, we're joined by attorney Ryan Kennedy from Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, who brings a wealth of experience in real estate and real property law. With over 15 years in the field, Ryan shares his journey from an intrigued law student to a seasoned attorney deeply involved in property development and zoning cases. Tune in as we explore some of Ryan's most challenging and rewarding cases, includ...

In this episode of the Blackletter Podcast, Tom Dunlap explores a landmark legal battle between tech giants Apple and Samsung, commonly referred to as the "Smartphone Wars." Starting in 2011, this series of over 50 lawsuits across 10 countries highlights the complexities of design and utility patents in the tech industry. Tom discusses the specifics of the case, including Apple's initial billion-d...

Welcome to the first episode of "The IP Chronicles," a 10-part mini-series on the Black Letter podcast. Join Tom Dunlap as he delves into the intriguing world of intellectual property law, kicking off with the landmark case of Disney Enterprises Inc. vs. Redbox Automated Retail. Discover how the first sale doctrine was challenged in the digital age, pitting the media giant Disney against the renta...

In this episode of the Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by Jennifer Morris, a partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, and Toby Musser from MNS Group. Together they discuss the intricate details of CMMC 2.0, a standard encompassing physical, operational, and cybersecurity measures. They look into the real-world application of the standard, focusing on compliance challenges, audit hurd...

In this episode of the Blackletter Podcast, Tom Dunlap discusses the complexities of CMMC 2.0 with insights from Jennifer Morris, a partner at DBL Law, and Toby Musser of MNS Group. They provide a comprehensive breakdown of the new cybersecurity requirements imposed by the Department of Defense for government contractors. Listeners will gain an understanding of the legal and technical implications...

What does the future hold for non-compete clauses in the U.S.? In this compelling episode, Tom Dunlap explores the sweeping changes introduced by the FTC's recent ruling that bans most non-compete agreements from late August 2024. This episode examines the lawsuit filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce challenging this decision and discusses the potential impacts if the ban is upheld or overturned....

In this episode of the Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by Jennifer Morris, a partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, and Toby Musser from MNS Group. Toby Musser, an expert in cybersecurity and compliance, discusses the trajectory and focus of MNS Group, a technology company providing specialized services to government contractors and law firms. The conversation sheds light on the CM...

What does the FTC's new rule on non-compete clauses mean for you and the U.S. workforce? Today, Tom Dunlap walks us through the landmark decision that bans non-compete agreements for most employees starting at the end of August 2024. He offers a detailed analysis of when the rule takes effect, its implications, exceptions for certain roles and industries, and the ongoing role of state laws. Tom fu...

Join Tom Dunlap for a crucial Monday Morning Minute aimed at entrepreneurs and startup employees. This episode dives into the often misunderstood or overlooked 83(b) election—a vital tax strategy for those receiving stock as part of their compensation. Tom explains the potential for massive tax savings by making an 83(b) election early when stock is granted, rather than when it vests. He uses a cl...

What does it take to achieve true happiness and high performance in today’s demanding world? Discover the answers as Tom Dunlap engages with well-being expert Jackie Quan on the Blackletter Podcast. This episode takes a deep dive into the transformative power of mindfulness, physical activity, and social connections in enhancing both personal and professional well-being. Jackie Quan shares her exp...

In this episode, Tom Dunlap discusses the transformative changes in the European patent landscape with the introduction of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and the European Unitary Patent system. Designed to simplify the patent process across the European Union, this new system allows for a single patent application to cover all EU countries. Tom explains the significant benefits and potential drawb...

Dive into the world of high-performing teams with the Blackletter Podcast as host Tom Danlap and guest expert Jackie Quan unravel the secrets to creating an effective, empathetic, and resilient work environment. In this episode, they dissect the anatomy of high-performing teams, explore the destructive role of stress, and share groundbreaking insights from leading experts in the field. Listeners w...

How can Amazon’s Brand Registry empower business owners in today’s competitive online marketplace? In this episode of the Blackletter Podcast, Tom Dunlap unravels the complexities of Amazon’s Brand Registry, following the insights from Amazon’s 2023 Brand Protection Report. He discusses the platform's significant investments in fighting counterfeit operations and enhancing brand safety. With exper...

In this episode of the Blackletter Podcast, Tom Dunlap explores the legal and practical considerations of using a competitor's trademarks in search engine advertising. He discusses the fundamentals of trademark law, the concept of initial interest confusion, and the varying opinions among legal circuits. Tom advises businesses to exercise caution and take precautions when bidding on competitors' t...

Dive into the world of high-performing teams with The Blackletter Podcast as we welcome Jackie Quan, a distinguished research administrator and program manager with an impressive track record in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. With decades of experience, including significant roles working with the National Cancer Institute and leading the management of multi-party, complex clinical trials...

Start your week off right with Tom Dunlap on the Blackletter Podcast's Monday Morning Minute. In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking settlement reached by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) that's making waves in the real estate world. Join us as we explore the NAR's $418 million settlement over four years, which marks a significant change in their practices, particularly in the...

Join Tom Dunlap as he dives into the recent guidance released by the USPTO on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the invention process. From debunking myths to outlining the PANU test, Tom provides valuable insights and practical advice on how to navigate the intersection of AI and patents. Plus, he shares the five big principles from the USPTO's guidance and highlights the importance of d...

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, President, Founder, and CEO of sbLiftOff Sharon Heaton, along with Wright Lewis, Partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, join host Tom Dunlap to discuss the role of M&A lawyers in the selling process of a business. The conversation uncovers the preparations that businesses need for a successful sale, including business valuation and business successi...

In this insightful episode, Tom Dunlap explains the complexities of patent eligibility under Section 101, focusing on its critical role in the world of software and abstract ideas. This episode illuminates the foundational requirements for patent-eligible subject matter and addresses the notable exceptions that pose challenges for inventors, such as laws of nature, natural phenomena, and abstract...

On this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, Tom Dunlap is joined by Sharon Heaton, the president, founder, and CEO of sbLiftOff. Together, Tom, Sharon, and Wright Lewis, a partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, uncover the role of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) lawyers in helping businesses sell through preparation processes like business valuation and business succession strategies.  On...

In the United States, the timing of patent filings and public disclosure play a significant role in preserving your rights. Join Tom Dunlap as he discusses the pitfalls and crucial considerations regarding the protection of your innovative ideas and public disclosure. Discover what constitutes public disclosure and the level of information necessary to enable someone to replicate your invention. F...

On this special bonus episode of The Blackletter Podcast, Tom Dunlap is joined by Gerald LeMelle , an immigration attorney and Partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, to discuss the upcoming deadlines for employment-based visas, green cards, and other immigration status documents. Gerald enlightens listeners on the intricacies of these complex residency processes and discusses his role as an immig...

In this episode Tom Dunlap discusses the controversial topic of patenting human genes. Specifically, he discusses the landmark Myriad decision in 2013, where the Supreme Court ruled that nobody could own human genes under a patent. Prior to this decision, research organizations and pharmaceutical companies argued that they spent millions of dollars discovering unique gene sequences and should have...