Intellectual Property | Attorneys.Media

Ghost in digital screen with legal gavel

The Digital Replica Law That Lets the Dead Sue You From the Grave

Artificial Intelligence & Technology, Digital Rights & Privacy, Entertainment & Media, Ethics & Society, Law & Legal Affairs / Jack Gilbert

More than half of U.S. states now recognize a post‑mortem right of publicity, and newer “digital replica” statutes are expanding that protection to AI‑generated voice and likeness. These laws can let a deceased person’s estate sue if you use a realistic digital double without permission—even in ads, games, or online content. This article explains what […]

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What the ‘AI Non-Sentience Act’ Really Means for Your Business

Artificial Intelligence, Business & Law, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Technology Policy / Jack Gilbert

The AI Non-Sentience Act states that AI systems are not sentient and have 0 legal rights or personhood. This clarification keeps legal responsibility with the humans and companies that develop, deploy, and rely on AI in products, services, and decisions. This article explains the practical business impacts on liability, contracts, compliance, and risk management. Understanding

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Synthetic Influencers Are Now Legally Different From Real Ones — Here’s How

Advertising Law, Artificial Intelligence, Consumer Protection, Social Media / Jack Gilbert

Synthetic influencers are legally treated differently because AI avatars can’t “hold” rights or intent, shifting liability to brands and creators under FTC endorsement rules. Regulators still require clear, conspicuous disclosure and truth-in-advertising compliance, while IP, publicity, and consumer protection claims attach to the humans/companies behind them. This article explains the evolving rules, key risks, and

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Cybersquatting concept with domain names and lock icon

What is cybersquatting?

Domain Name Disputes, Internet Law & Cybersquatting, Trademark Law / Jack Gilbert

Cybersquatting is when someone registers, uses, or sells a domain name that’s identical or confusingly similar to a trademark—typically in bad faith—to profit or mislead consumers. It can divert web traffic, damage brand reputation, and expose the registrant to claims under the U.S. Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) or ICANN’s UDRP process. This article explains

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What is patent pending?

Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law, Patents and Trademarks / Jack Gilbert

“Patent pending” means a patent application has been filed with the USPTO (or another patent office) and is awaiting examination; it is not an issued patent. The phrase can deter copycats and preserve priority rights, but it does not grant the enforceable right to stop others until a patent is granted. This article explains what

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What is a provisional patent application?

Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law, Patents and Trademarks / Jack Gilbert

A provisional patent application is a USPTO filing that establishes an early priority date for your invention and gives you 12 months to file a nonprovisional patent application. It’s not examined and never becomes a patent by itself, but it can let you use “patent pending” while you refine the invention or seek funding. This

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Prior art concept illustrated with documents

What is prior art?

Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law, Patents and Trademarks / Jack Gilbert

Prior art is any publicly available information—like patents, publications, products, or public use—that existed before a patent’s filing (or priority) date and can affect whether an invention is patentable. It’s used by the USPTO and courts to assess novelty and nonobviousness, and it can invalidate or limit patent claims. This article explains what counts as

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Royalty percentage coins and crown illustration

What is a royalty?

A royalty is a contract-based payment—often a percentage of revenue or a fixed per-unit fee—paid to an owner for the right to use their intellectual property, natural resource, or asset. Royalties commonly apply to music, books, patents, trademarks, franchising, and oil and gas, and the rate and payment method depend on the agreement and industry.

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Licensing agreement document with signature

What is a licensing agreement?

Contract Law, Contracts, Legal Agreements & Contracts / Jack Gilbert

A licensing agreement is a written contract where a licensor grants a licensee permission to use specific intellectual property, typically in exchange for royalties or a flat fee. It defines scope, duration, territory, quality control, and termination to protect the owner’s rights. This article explains the basics of IP licensing, common terms, and how these

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Legal document with gavel for IP cease and desist

What is a cease and desist for IP infringement?

A cease and desist for IP infringement is a written notice demanding a party stop unauthorized use of intellectual property or face legal action. It typically identifies the IP, describes the alleged infringement, and sets a deadline to comply. This article explains what these letters include, how to respond, and when to involve an IP

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