Darden Betts Strategic Intellectual Property Counselors

#Innovation that solves a greater range of problems requires the perspectives of individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly because innovators tend to focus on problems that impact their lives in some way. The old adage that “necessity is the mother of invention” still applies in the 21st century. Thank you Trish Costello for the work you are doing through Portfolia to support #women #entrepreneurs and #innovators. Darden Betts Strategic Intellectual Property Counselors Marcya Betts

Celebrating Women Innovators & Trailblazers on #InternationalWomensDay ? Tomorrow is #IWD2025, and we honor the incredible women who inspire, create, and lead in every industry. From inventors and entrepreneurs to artists and brand builders, women continue to shape the world in remarkable ways. At Darden Betts, we love helping women protect their ideas, brands, and innovations- ensuring their hard work is recognized and their legacies thrive. Here’s to the dreamers, the doers, and the changemakers. Your ideas matter, your creativity is powerful, and your impact is lasting. ?? ?? Tag a woman who inspires you and let’s celebrate them today! #WomenInBusiness #WomenInnovators #DardenBetts #CelebratingWomen #WomeninLaw #WomeninIP #WomeninEngineering

Lukas Stangl the Growth Mindset philosophy is the cornerstone of my teaching at The George Washington University Law School, where I am thrilled to help shape the mindset of the next generation of impactful, community focused #IP attorneys. We also practice what we teach at my IP law firm, Darden Betts Strategic Intellectual Property Counselors, where we are continually learning about and employing new technologies and staying knowledgeable of case law and legislative developments. #trademarks #patents #copyright #entertainment

If an AI creates a masterpiece, who owns it? The AI? The user? No one? ?? Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping creative industries, generating everything from art and music to books and business ideas. But here’s the big legal question: Can AI-generated content be protected by IP laws? ? Copyright Law: The U.S. Copyright Office says only works created by humans qualify for protection. So, if AI wrote your book, it might not be yours to claim. ? Patent Law: AI is being used to invent new technologies, but most jurisdictions say an AI can’t be listed as an inventor—only humans can. ? Trademarks: AI can help create logos, slogans, and branding, but trademarks still need human control to be legally enforceable. The law is evolving, but one thing is clear: If you’re using AI for content, branding, or innovation, understanding IP rights is crucial. What do you think—should AI-generated works be protected by IP law? Let’s discuss! ?? #ArtificialIntelligence #CopyrightLaw #AIOwnership #IntellectualProperty #TechLaw Marcya Betts Loletta Darden

Tiffany Blue. Louboutin Red. UPS Brown. Did you know some brands own their signature colors? But can any business do the same? Color trademarks are real—but they’re hard to get. To trademark a color, a company must prove: ? Consumers associate it exclusively with their brand ? It’s not functional (e.g., you can’t trademark orange for safety gear) ? It’s been used consistently in the market So, can your business trademark a color? Maybe—but only if it truly sets your brand apart. CTA: Want to know if your brand’s color could be protected? Read the full blog here! https://lnkd.in/e2pR-z85 #TrademarkLaw #BrandProtection #IntellectualProperty #ColorTrademark #BrandIdentity #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #IPLaw #TrademarksMatter #LegalInsights Marcya Betts Loletta Darden

? Protecting Your IP, Empowering Your Business ? At Darden Betts, we don’t just file trademarks or patents—we craft strategic IP solutions that align with your business goals. Unlike traditional law firms that focus solely on legal filings, we take a business-first approach, helping you leverage your intellectual property as a competitive asset. Whether you’re a startup securing your first trademark or an established company managing a complex IP portfolio, our guidance is practical, proactive, and results-driven. ? Deep Industry Expertise – From consumer products and professional sports to medical devices and wearable tech, we understand how IP drives growth in your field. ? Insider Knowledge – With former USPTO Examining Attorneys and Chief IP Counsel on our team, we know what it takes to get applications approved and how to avoid costly roadblocks. ? Commitment to Underrepresented Founders – We’re not just lawyers; we’re advocates for closing the innovator diversity gap and ensuring Black, African American, and women entrepreneurs have the tools to protect their brands. At the end of the day, IP isn’t just paperwork—it’s power. Let’s make sure you’re using it to your full advantage. ?? Ready to talk strategy? Let’s connect --> https://lnkd.in/ecZXrukS Marcya Betts Loletta Darden #IntellectualProperty #IPStrategy #Trademarks #Patents #BrandProtection #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #BlackOwnedBusiness #StartupSuccess

Darden Betts Strategic Intellectual Property Counselors #BlackHistory post recognizes Lyda D. Newman. In 1898, Newman “received a patent for a hairbrush with fine synthetic bristles and an inner chamber that trapped dust and dirt. Reflecting expertise collected from her career as a hairdresser in New York City, Newman's invention paved the way for other Black innovators to further revolutionize the hair-care industry. Newman's innovative mind blazed a trail for others to follow in many important areas. In the 1910s, she led efforts by the Woman Suffrage Party (WSP) to involve Black women in the struggle for the vote. Having built a grassroots suffrage campaign in her Manhattan neighborhood of San Juan Hill, she was approached to lead the effort for women's suffrage among Black New Yorkers in 1915. The New York Times and other papers took notice of some of Newman's strategies, including providing a daycare at WSP headquarters in San Juan Hill so that mothers wouldn't have to choose between childcare and political involvement.” Information taken from USPTO Blog, Beyond Baker’s list: Black innovation then and now | USPTO. Marcya Betts Thomas Darden Black Woman Owned Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE) The WIP | Women in Intellectual Property

That viral catchphrase you just made popular—can you trademark it? ?? Social media trends come and go, but some stick around long enough to become business opportunities. If you create a viral phrase, meme, or challenge, can you own it? The answer: It depends. Here’s what you need to know: ? Trademarks protect brand identifiers—not just words alone. If you use a viral phrase as part of your business, product, or merch, you might be able to register it. ? Copyrights protect creative expression—not ideas. A viral video or image can be copyrighted, but a general concept or dance move? Not so much. ? Timing is key—trends fade fast, and if you don’t secure protection early, someone else might. Want proof? Think of brands that successfully trademarked viral moments—like “Can You Hear Me Now?” or “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!” ?? Have a viral brand moment? Let’s talk about protecting it before someone else does! ?? #TrademarkYourTrend #BrandProtection #ViralCatchphrase #IntellectualProperty #SocialMediaLaw #OwnYourIP Loletta Darden Marcya Betts

?? Feel-Good Friday: Let’s Celebrate Your Wins! ?? It’s Friday, and we’re all about good vibes! This week, we’re celebrating the entrepreneurs and innovators in our community who are working hard to protect their ideas, grow their businesses, and make an impact. ?? Whether you’ve filed a trademark, secured a patent, launched a new product, or just had a breakthrough idea, we want to celebrate YOU! ?? Remember: Every step forward is a step toward your legacy. ?? Drop your win, big or small, in the comments so we can cheer you on. Let’s end the week on a high note! ?? Loletta Darden Marcya Betts #FeelGoodFriday #EntrepreneurWins #InnovationNation #TrademarkSuccess #BusinessGrowth #CelebrateSuccess

Did you know that 35% of trademark applications get refused because of common mistakes? Don’t let that be you! That’s why you need Loletta Darden’s book, USPTO Trademark Law and Practice. It’s your ultimate guide to navigating the trademark process like a pro! ?? Pro Tip: Always double-check your specimen of use- it’s one of the most misunderstood requirements! ?? Grab your copy today: https://bit.ly/40RRWqQ