To help explain the complexities of the United States Patent & Trademark Office’s new inter partes review (IPR) process, Perkins Coie has developed a short animated video that walks viewers step-by-step through the entire process. The recent adoption of the America Invents Act (AIA) offers a broader variety of cost-effective Patent Office procedures for strengthening or invalidating patent claims. The IPR process is one of the new options that, depending on the circumstances, can benefit either patent holders or challengers. Watch the video.
When Should I Form a Legal Entity?
As startup lawyers, we often receive inquiries from passionate entrepreneurs and founders seeking guidance on when they should consider taking their side projects to the next step by forming a legal entity. Forming a company is a “crossing the Rubicon” moment for any startup. It’s an essential step…
Investment Company Status Considerations for Cash Positioning in Wake of Bank Failures
Given this week’s headlines, many emerging companies may be asking themselves: “Why am I holding so much cash?” The Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) may be to blame. “But I don’t have any intention of being an investment company. Aren’t those mutual funds or…
Distressed Bank Update as of March 16, 2023
In the three days since federal authorities announced sweeping measures to protect depositors of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank and help prevent additional bank failures (as discussed in our update of March 12, 2023), the U.S. banking system appears to have stabilized, at least temporarily.…