In this week's post, we look at the Internet of Things (IoT) in the business realm. As IoT is increasingly used in business settings, such as for improvements and cost benefits in warehouse distribution, companies should be mindful of the impact such implementation can have on data privacy. Companies should be aware of data regulations and work to ensure privacy protections are in place before IoT systems are utilized that may affect how private data is handled.

Also, a discussion of the 11 different types of intellectual property that are recognized under U.S. law.  An awareness of the broad scope of valuable but intangible property is particularly valuable when purchasing or selling a business.

Internet of Things Evolves Into Business Use: IoT Transforms Distribution

As the Internet of Things (“IoT”) expands and continues to impact more fields of work and sectors beyond technology, it becomes clear that IoT can transform business for a variety of companies.  The use of IoT for warehousing distribution is one good example of how IoT can create efficiency in business. 

Most commonly, IoT is known for allowing for normal household gadgets to be connected to each other via hubs such as Amazon’s Echo devices or Samsung’s Hue system.  However, experts in the manufacturing field have noted the ability for IoT to transform warehousing, and as a result, increase the efficiency of warehouse distribution.

As IoT becomes implemented and more integral to distribution channels, it is important that companies look to ensure proper technology and data privacy protections are in place.   

Read more here.

11 Different Forms of Intellectual Property

Did you know there are at least 11 different forms of intellectual property (IP) that are recognized in the U.S.? If you search the web for “types of intellectual property,” most of the results will point to articles discussing four or five, but those discussions omit or join several unique forms of legal protection for intellectual property. An awareness of the broad scope of valuable but intangible property is particularly valuable when purchasing or selling a business. 

Most people are familiar with the three cornerstones of intellectual property—copyrights, patents, and trademarks—but there are several other less know forms as well. Trade secrets, trade dress, and the “right of publicity” are also legally recognized forms of intellectual property. But there are several types of intellectual property within those categories and a few extras that most people don’t usually consider that can be among to most valuable of all.

Read the full article here.

Click to read the previous Weekly IP Buzz on Thriving Attorney.

For more posts, see our Intellectual Property Law Blog.

--------

Darin M. Klemchuk is founder of Klemchuk LLP, a litigation, intellectual property, and transactional law firm located in Dallas, Texas. He also co-founded Project K, a charitable movement devoted to changing the world one random act of kindness at a time, and publishes Thriving Attorney, a blog dedicated to exploring the business of the practice of law, productivity and performance for attorneys, and other topics such as law firm leadership and management, law firm culture, and business development for attorneys.

Click to learn more about Darin M. Klemchuk's law practice as an intellectual property lawyer.