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If you’ve ever used the terms patent, copyright, and trademark interchangeably, you’re not alone. The difference between the three can sometimes feel negligible at best. Instead of mistaking definitions, however, here’s a brief overview of each term and how they apply to the confusing world of intellectual property. NOTE: While this is a general guide …

If you ever invent something original and useful, one of the first things you’ll hear is “make sure you get it patented!” It seems like solid advice- after all, a patent gives you the right to stop others from making, selling or using your idea without permission. But there are plenty of ideas, products, and …

Patents provide important protection to a successful idea, but few people know how complicated the process of obtaining one can be. The US patent system has a long and complicated history. Or at least it was a complicated, until now, thanks to our crash course in the history of patents in the United States. Before …

Some inventions, while important, don’t radicalize the world. Society wasn’t particularly impacted when, for example, chip clips were introduced. But there are some ideas that leave such an impact that the world changes once they hit the market. In no particular order, here are ten of them. THE WHEEL (approx. 3100 BC) While the inventor’s …

A three-hour car ride home from a lacrosse tournament doesn’t sound all that bad. However, a three-hour car ride home from a lacrosse tournament with a pile of stinky, sweaty gear in the back of the car may make you think twice about going on that road trip. This is exactly what happened to the …

There is nothing better than hanging at a picnic with family and friends during the 4th of July. Sunshine, food, drinks, friends, and bees. Wait, what? Bees? Yes, bees, even though no one invited them to the party, they are one sure thing that will bring your picnic to a screeching halt if you get …