top of page
Search


Why You Couldn’t Sing Happy Birthday on TV (Until 2016)
For decades, Happy Birthday to You was one of the most awkward songs in show business—not because people sang it off-key (though that...
Thomas O'Rourke
Jul 8, 20253 min read


IP Ownership in Collaborative Projects: Who Owns What?
Innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. From startups partnering with designers to corporations outsourcing their app development,...
Thomas O'Rourke
Jun 13, 20252 min read


How to Protect Trade Secrets During Times of Transition
Business transitions, especially those involving layoffs, restructuring, or staff turnover, can leave companies vulnerable to the loss or...
Matthew Schuller
May 12, 20253 min read


Can an Invention Be Too Successful? Lessons from the Phillips Head Screw
Innovation drives progress, but what happens when a product becomes so successful that it escapes the inventor's control? Patents are...
Thomas O'Rourke
Apr 8, 20252 min read


The Right to Repair and Copyright Law: What Businesses Need to Know from the McDonald's Ice Cream Machine Case
The "right to repair" movement has gained significant momentum in recent years. It advocates for consumers and businesses to have more...
Thomas O'Rourke
Mar 7, 20254 min read


The EU's Proposed Ban on Gene-Edited Crop Patents: What It Means for U.S. Patent Law and Intellectual Property Rights
Gene editing has rapidly advanced in recent years, promising innovative solutions in agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. However,...
Thomas O'Rourke
Feb 6, 20254 min read


AI and Copyright Law: Why the Rapid Rise of AI Calls for a Reevaluation of Copyright Protections
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has transformed industries and redefined possibilities. However, as AI...
Thomas O'Rourke
Jan 6, 20254 min read


Copyright Myths Debunked: What Every Business Should Know
Copyright laws are essential for protecting creative works, yet misunderstandings about them persist. These misconceptions can lead to...
Thomas O'Rourke
Dec 5, 20243 min read


The Growing Importance of Trade Secrets in the Digital Age
The Role of Trade Secrets in the Modern Economy Trade secrets have long been a vital asset for businesses, providing a competitive edge...
Thomas O'Rourke
Nov 1, 20242 min read


Cultural Appropriation vs. Copyright: Where Do We Draw the Line?
Understanding Cultural Appropriation in the Context of Copyright Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of a marginalized culture...
Thomas O'Rourke
Oct 2, 20243 min read


Protecting Your Content: A Guide for YouTubers on Avoiding Copyright Infringement
With the rise of YouTubers creating content about TV shows, movies, and music, understanding copyright laws is crucial to avoid legal issues
Thomas O'Rourke
Sep 1, 20242 min read


Navigating IP in the Era of AI-Generated Content
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has transformed the landscape of creative works.
Thomas O'Rourke
Aug 1, 20243 min read


Blockchain and Intellectual Property: Opportunities and Challenges
The advent of blockchain technology has brought significant changes to the management and protection of intellectual property (IP) rights.
Thomas O'Rourke
Jul 17, 20243 min read


Understanding the Differences Between Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights
Introduction to Intellectual Property Intellectual property (IP) is critical to protecting businesses' and individuals' creations,...
Thomas O'Rourke
Jun 13, 20242 min read


Suspect Patent Infringement? Navigating the Next Steps
Discovering that someone might be infringing on your patent can be confusing and overwhelming. The emotional impact aside, it's crucial...
Thomas O'Rourke
May 23, 20242 min read


Common Mistakes in Trademark Applications and How to Avoid Them
Navigating the trademark application process is critical for businesses aiming to protect their brand identity. However, this path is...
Thomas O'Rourke
Apr 19, 20242 min read


The Intersection of Technology and IP Law: Emerging Trends and Legal Challenges
Navigating the New Frontiers of IP Law in the Digital Age The rapid advancement of technology brings new challenges and opportunities...
Thomas O'Rourke
Mar 11, 20243 min read


Decoding Trademark Symbols: The Power of ™ and ® in Protecting Your Brand
In the world of trademarks, understanding the significance and use of the ™ and ® symbols is crucial for businesses aiming to protect...
Thomas O'Rourke
Feb 12, 20243 min read


The Role of Trademarks in Building a Brand
Establishing a distinct identity is vital in the bustling marketplace where new brands emerge daily. At O'Rourke IP Law, we understand...
Thomas O'Rourke
Jan 17, 20242 min read


The Role of Intellectual Property in Startups: What Entrepreneurs Should Understand
In the ever-changing world of startups, intellectual property (IP) holds immense importance as it can impact the success and longevity of...
Thomas O'Rourke
Jan 5, 20243 min read
bottom of page