July 28, 2026

On July 31, 1790, President George Washington signed the very first United States patent, granting inventor Samuel Hopkins protection for an improved process of making potash. That single document, issued just one year after the Constitution took effect, launched what…

July 22, 2026

If you have recently filed a trademark application or are planning to file one, knowing what to expect in terms of timing can make a significant difference in how you plan your business, marketing, and brand protection strategies. The USPTO…

July 10, 2026

Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky and Charles P. Schmal Artificial intelligence has fundamentally changed the way software is written, and tools like Claude Code, Cursor, Devin, Windsurf, Lovable, and GitHub Copilot sit at the center of one of the most…

July 1, 2026

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, it is a fitting time to recognize the inventors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and companies that helped shape American life. Indiana has long been known for manufacturing, agriculture, motorsports, pharmaceuticals, food production,…

June 2, 2026

Authored by: Chris Roberts Navigating the costs associated with U.S. trademark prosecution can feel daunting, particularly for applicants managing portfolios across multiple jurisdictions. The good news is that with a bit of strategic planning, it is entirely possible to keep…

May 29, 2026

Have you ever had a brilliant invention idea but felt completely overwhelmed by the journey from concept to finished product on store shelves? You’re not alone — and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) wants to help bridge that…

May 27, 2026

Today, we celebrate 40 years of service and leadership by Daniel J. Lueders. For four decades, Dan has exemplified excellence in intellectual property law, advocacy, mentorship, and client service. From high-stakes litigation and IP strategy to mediation and teaching the…

May 21, 2026

At Woodard Emhardt, we are proud to represent clients who are not just building businesses — they are changing lives. We are thrilled to spotlight our client, Tactile Engineering Inc., whose innovative technology is transforming the way people who are…

May 14, 2026

Authored by: Blake R. Hartz Understanding trademark specimen requirements is one of the most misunderstood aspects of U.S. trademark prosecution. A specimen that fails to meet the USPTO’s requirements can lead to office actions, delays, and additional costs that are…

April 9, 2026

Authored by: Blake R. Hartz When filing a U.S. trademark application, one of the fundamental decisions applicants face is whether to seek registration on the Principal Register or the Supplemental Register. While many applicants may not be aware that two…

March 12, 2026

Authored by: Blake R. Hartz U.S. trademark applicants must establish both a filing basis and a registration basis. While this may sound straightforward, the distinction between these two concepts and the specific requirements associated with each can be a source…

January 8, 2026

CROCS, INC. v. ITC Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky A recent decision from the Federal Circuit highlights the importance of timely appeals and the limits of relief when some parties default in trademark disputes at the International Trade Commission (ITC).…