Blackletter

In this episode of the Black Letter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap unveils a groundbreaking initiative by Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig: the Small Business and Inventor Hub (SBIH). This new hub is dedicated to aiding independent inventors, creators, and small to medium-sized business owners who find high-level intellectual property services financially out of reach. Tom discusses the importance of this initiative in empowering small businesses and inventors to protect their intellectual property, thereby contributing significantly to America's innovative landscape. He highlights the hub's features, which include facilitating the filing and management of patents and trademarks, and providing access to experienced IP lawyers. With staggering statistics on small businesses' contributions to patents and employment of scientists and engineers in the U.S., this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and intellectual property law.

In this episode of The Black Letter Podcast, Ryan Kennedy, a seasoned real estate lawyer, returns to share his indispensable insights tailored for anyone involved in the real estate market. From buyers and brokers to small-time landlords, Ryan unpacks critical advice to navigate the complexities of real estate transactions and legalities. He emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding contracts, maintaining awareness of regulatory obligations, and the advantages of engaging with professional property management. This episode is a must-listen for professionals seeking to safeguard their interests and optimize their real estate endeavors.

In this captivating episode, host Tom Dunlap discusses the landmark intellectual property case involving Marvel characters and their co-creator, Jack Kirby. Tom explores the intricate legal battles fought by Kirby's heirs in their attempt to regain control over the iconic Marvel characters such as the Avengers, X-Men, and The Fantastic Four. With insightful analysis, Tom explains the nuances of "work for hire" under the Copyright Act of 1976, and how it impacted Kirby's rights to his creations. This discussion not only sheds light on the complexities of copyright law but also serves as a crucial reminder about the importance of clear contracts in creative and commissioned works. Join Tom as he breaks down this pivotal case and its broader implications for creators and the creative industry.

In this episode, host Tom Dunlap discusses the landmark Supreme Court case, Matal v. Tam, and its profound implications on trademark law and free speech. Through the story of Simon Tam and his band The Slants, Tom explores the journey of challenging the disparagement clause of the Lanham Act—a case that ultimately led to a unanimous Supreme Court decision supporting the right to re-appropriate racially disparaging terms under the First Amendment. Join Tom as he unpacks the intricacies of trademark regulations, the concept of commercial speech, and how this case has reshaped legal precedents and cultural dialogues around offensive trademarks.

In this episode of the Blackletter podcast, host Tom Dunlap discusses the intricacies of real estate and real property law with Guest and parter at DBL, Ryan Kennedy. The spotlight of the discussion is on the recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and a major class action lawsuit, which has introduced significant changes in the way cooperative compensation is handled in the real estate industry. Ryan sheds light on how these changes could potentially reshape the dynamics between buyers’ and sellers’ agents, affect commission structures, and influence the overall cost of housing. Furthermore, the episode explores the unexpected ways local governments use public real estate listings for assessing property taxes and permitting issues, adding another layer of complexity to property transactions. Join us as Tom and Ryan offer insights that are crucial for anyone involved in real estate transactions, whether they are buyers, sellers, or industry professionals.

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 restrictions. Tom explores the complexities of copyright law, changes over the decades, and what this means for public access to creative works. Don't miss this insightful exploration of copyright, creativity, and the liberation of one of the world's most famous songs.

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 arguments, and the transformative notion of fair use that led to Google's victory in the Supreme Court. Whether you're a software developer, a legal enthusiast, or just curious about how major tech companies defend their innovations, this episode offers a comprehensive look into a case that has shaped the landscape of software development and copyright law.

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, including a significant zoning opposition that protected sensitive wetlands. Whether you're a legal professional, a business leader, or just curious about the interplay of law and real estate, this episode offers valuable insights into the complexities and impacts of real property law.

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-dollar victory and the eventual Supreme Court decision that reshaped the outcome. Tune in to understand how this epic intellectual property struggle not only influenced legal precedents but also consumer perceptions and the dynamics of the global smartphone market.

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 rental service Redbox over the resale of digital download codes. Explore the nuances of copyright law, the evolution of digital commerce, and what this case means for the future of IP. Whether you're a legal enthusiast or just looking for something new to discuss at your next happy hour, this episode is packed with insights and engaging commentary. Don't miss it!

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 hurdles, and handling data breaches, especially for government contractors. The conversation also covers the nuances of legal and insurance responses to cybersecurity issues, offering valuable advice for maintaining robust security protocols and ensuring compliance with both federal and state regulations.

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 of CMMC 2.0, the role of assessments, and the strategic importance of early compliance. This discussion is essential for any entity involved with DOD contracts, providing both legal and practical perspectives on navigating the updated CMMC landscape.

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. Tom provides a thorough analysis of the pros and cons of the enforcement of this ban, considering its effects on job mobility, business practices, and innovation across industries. Join him for a detailed breakdown of these legal transformations and what they could mean for employees and employers nationwide.

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 CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) standards and MNS Group's role as an authorized C3PAO to offer audit and assessment services to the defense industrial base. Jennifer Morris complements the discussion by diving into her role in compliance and cybersecurity from a legal perspective, explaining how their collaboration benefits clients needing comprehensive audit and remediation solutions. The episode provides valuable insights into the intersecting realms of technology, law, and government contracting compliance.

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 further explores the FTC’s motivation to enhance job mobility and stimulate innovation by eliminating these restrictive agreements. The episode also highlights a recent lawsuit that questions the FTC’s authority to enforce this ban. Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown and its potential effects on employment dynamics nationwide.

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 clear example to illustrate how making the right tax choices early on can save thousands in the long run, especially as the value of the startup grows. Also discussed are the benefits of qualifying for long-term capital gains treatment sooner, and the risks involved if the employment is terminated prematurely. Whether you're a startup co-founder or an employee with equity compensation, understanding the 83(b) election can significantly impact your financial future. Tune in to make informed decisions and potentially save on taxes as your shares vest.

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 expert insights on how daily mindfulness practices can lead to greater mental clarity and resilience, while physical movement acts as a crucial stress reliever and mood enhancer. The conversation also unfolds the importance of nurturing quality relationships, revealing their profound impact on our happiness and success. Together, Tom and Jackie explore how these core elements are interconnected and essential for building high-performing teams, improving work output, and ultimately leading a more satisfied and balanced life.The Blackletter PodcastThe Blackletter Podcast is a podcast for CEOs, Corporate Counsel, & Ent

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 drawbacks for US companies, highlighting how these changes can streamline operations but also pose risks. Tune in to this insightful episode to understand the full implications of the UPC and how it could affect your patent strategy in Europe.

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 will gain a deeper understanding of the crucial balance between empathy and stress management, learn the neuroscience behind resilience, and discover practical strategies to foster a culture of mindfulness and positivity. Whether you're a leader aiming to elevate your team or an individual seeking to thrive in a high-stakes setting, this episode offers invaluable wisdom and tips for transforming workplace dynamics and achieving peak performance. Join Tom and Jackie on a journey to decode the elements of success in team settings and harness the power of collective mindfulness for lasting happiness and efficiency.The Bl

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 expert advice on the importance of trademark registration and strategic utilization of Amazon’s ecosystem, Tom guides listeners through the process of securing their brand on Amazon. Through real-life examples and actionable tips, he highlights the benefits and challenges of the Brand Registry, making this episode essential for anyone aiming to safeguard their products and leverage Amazon’s tools for business success. Join us to discover how to use Amazon’s Brand Registry effectively while protecting your brand.