Business competition is the name of the game. One industry in particular, however, is taking the term “friendly competition” to heart.
Collaborative brewing, in which two or more breweries join forces to create a [new] product, has rapidly swept through the craft brewing industry. While brewery rivalries certainly exist, many brewers have discovered the benefits of teaming up. It allows brewers to expand their horizons, creating beers outside of brewers’ comfort zones. Breweries gain exposure to new markets and gain credibility. Consumers, on the other hand, relish the typically unconventional brews resulting from the pairing. Sometimes it even helps avoid legal battles, such as the case of Avery Brewery and Russian River Brewery’s “Collaboration Not Litigation” ale. Continue reading “Think Before You Brew” »
Just as the Halloween pumpkins are getting used to their wicked perches on our doorsteps, the fall and winter holidays will soon take their place. Perhaps not so expectedly, however, agritourism regulations may apply to your business operations. From wedding vendors to wineries, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms, to petting zoos and bed and breakfasts, knowing whether your activity is defined as “agritourism activity” is important. Being classified this way comes a number of requirements including posting of a warning limiting liability resulting from the inherent risks associated with agritourism activity.
Continue reading “Let ‘Em Pick Pumpkins, Trees, and Apples…But Post Your Warnings!” »
A few weeks ago, I discussed the legal significance of patent markings on products sold in the United States. That article raised a more basic question among some readers: “What is a patent?” In this post, I discuss the reason the United States issues patents, how to determine whether your invention is patent eligible, and how to understand the different parts of a United States Patent.
The American Founders decided to grant patents in order to spur economic growth and to encourage inventors to reveal their discoveries to the public. Thus, Article I, section 8, clause 8 of the United States Constitution authorizes Congress to allow for patent rights, or limited time monopoly rights for inventions, stating that Congress has the power
To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.
Continue reading “Reading and Understanding a United States Patent” »