The LOOK.Legal Podcasts: Recent Episodes
Nolan Heimann LLP
LOOK.Legal is an invitation to see what we see as the creative content worlds intersect. We'll explore the new opportunities and forward-looking strategies emerging across our firm's practice areas: Film, Television, Location BasedEntertainment, Fashion, Toys, Games, World Building, Social Influencers,Branded Content, Cannabis, Music, Design, Art, Themed Parks, NFTs, Metaverse(s), Food, and Technology Platforms.
Can you license your invention before your patent is granted? The answer isn’t just yes or no—it’s strategic.
In this episode of Patenting for Inventors, patent attorney Adam Diament breaks down what inventors and companies really need to consider when exploring licensing during the patent-pending stage. You’ll learn:
- What companies are actually paying for when the patent hasn’t issued
- How early licensing can benefit inventors with funding, validation, and speed to market
- Why smart companies avoid “ripping off” pending inventions
- Key clauses to include in a pre-patent licensing agreement
- How to manage risk on both sides of the deal
Whether you're an independent inventor or negotiating with a potential licensee, this episode gives you the tools—and language—you need to navigate this tricky but powerful window of opportunity.
🎧 Listen now and learn how to turn pending into profit.
Joint patent ownership may sound cooperative—but it’s often a legal trap. In this episode, patent attorney Adam Diament explains why sharing ownership can backfire, using real-world cases and practical solutions to help you stay protected.
In Episode 156 of Patenting for Inventors, patent attorney Adam Diament explores the rapidly evolving world of NIL—Name, Image, and Likeness—rights. Once mainly for celebrities, NIL is now essential for influencers, athletes, and anyone online. Learn how courts are addressing everything from unauthorized ads to voice impersonations, and hear real-world cases that highlight what’s at stake. Plus, discover the legal implications of AI voice cloning—starting with this very episode.
Can you patent an illegal invention? Yes.
Can you trademark one? No.
In this episode, patent attorney Adam Diament breaks down why the USPTO allows patents for federally illegal products—like cannabis vaporizers—but rejects trademark applications for those same goods.
Learn how legality affects patents, trademarks, and copyrights, and what inventors in regulated industries need to know to protect their IP.
Can AI be listed as an inventor on a patent? Patent attorney Adam Diament breaks down new USPTO guidance on AI-assisted inventions, explaining who qualifies as an inventor, how “significant contribution” is defined, and what this means for innovation in the age of artificial intelligence.
Think celebrities only shine on stage and screen? Think again! In this episode, we dive into 10 famous figures who hold patents for their inventive ideas. From Michael Jackson’s anti-gravity shoes to Hedy Lamarr’s groundbreaking frequency-hopping technology, you’ll discover how these stars left their mark on the world of innovation.
Join patent attorney Adam Diament as he breaks down the fascinating world of celebrity inventors, dispels common misconceptions about patenting, and reveals how even Hollywood’s biggest names contribute to technological advancements.
Tune in to hear about patents from Jamie Lee Curtis, Eddie Van Halen, Prince, Charlie Sheen, and more! Who knows? You might be inspired to create your own patent-worthy invention.
For help with patents, trademarks, or copyrights, contact Adam at 424-281-0162.
Can a restaurant equipment leg be a trademark? In In re Kason, the TTAB ruled that Kason Industries' telescoping leg was too functional for trademark protection—despite its design and utility patents. Join patent attorney Adam Diament as he unpacks the legal battle, the key differences between design patents and trademarks, and why functionality can make or break your intellectual property strategy.
Writing patent claims can be tricky, but what if we explained it through the lens of Carly Rae Jepsen's hit song Call Me Maybe? In this episode, Adam Diament explores Jepson-style patent claims, a unique format that explicitly acknowledges prior art before highlighting an invention's improvements. Learn how this approach differs from traditional U.S. patent claims and why it’s more common in Europe. Whether you're an inventor or just curious about intellectual property law, this fun and informative episode will have you thinking differently about patents!
Obviousness is a crucial factor in patent law, particularly in biotech. In this episode, host Adam Diament explores Vanda Pharmaceuticals v. Teva Pharmaceuticals, a case that established the reasonable expectation of success standard for determining obviousness.
The ruling invalidated Vanda’s patent for Hetlioz, and when the Supreme Court declined to review the case, the Federal Circuit’s decision became law. What does this mean for future biotech patents? Tune in as Diament breaks down the impact of this ruling and why obviousness remains one of the most challenging issues in patent law.
🎧 Listen now and keep on inventing!
In this episode of The LOOK.Legal Podcast, host Stefan Guttensohn sits down with leadership coach Kelly Algier to tackle a critical issue: the underrepresentation of women in corporate leadership. Why do women—half of the population—still hold only a fraction of executive positions? Stefan and Kelly explore systemic barriers, the impact of leadership biases, and how redefining leadership qualities could create more inclusive workplaces. Tune in for insights on corporate diversity, the role of societal expectations, and what businesses can do to foster real change.
Yarek Niedbala is a distinguished expert in robotics and automation with a rich and diverse career spanning multiple countries. He holds a systems design engineering degree from the University of Waterloo, complemented by business studies degrees in France, and the United States. Yarek's journey in robotics began with his contributions to the development of a PC-based controller for robots and CNCs at Hewlett-Packard's meteorology division. His career took a significant turn when he joined KUKA, a renowned German robotics company, which I'm not mistaken, I believe is one of the biggest robotics companies in the world, and he rose to the ranks to become vice president of sales for KUKA Robotics Canada.
Amber shares her insights on the evolving landscape of virtual worlds, the role of digital fashion in self-expression, and how brands can authentically engage in these immersive experiences. Learn about Muus Collective’s innovative mobile gaming platform and its vision for the future of fashion and ecommerce in the digital age.
Larry Kuperman of Nightdive, and parent company Atari, want to preserve oldies like System Shock and Turok 3.
Morgan Linton, the CTO and co-founder of Bold Metrics talks with David about 3D, VR, AR, and the immersive, visually stunning virtual stores coming soon to the Metaverse.
Adam Diament, our patent attorney, gets into it with Ted Nguyen, who specializes in entertainment law; it’s all about patent prosecution, utility patents, who owns what, and for how long.
David talks with Justin Hochberg, the CEO of Virtual Brand Group about The Voice, now a virtual world, and the huge consumer potential of Decentraland and Roblox.
Jason, CEO of Iocaine Studios, explains ChatGPT and how gaming and digital communities will be transformed with more automated 3D creation tools and plug-ins– and it’s happening very fast.
Wendy, Bryan and guest Maha Haq, the managing director of Highspitality, and the marketing director of StateHouse, talk about where the cannabis business now and where it’s headed; entertainment opportunities, brand experiences, its move into retail lounges, concert venues, livestreaming, and advertising on social platforms such as Twitch and Discord.
Join Stefan and Will for the ultimate Metaverse explainer–from crypto, blockchain, and smart contracts to VR, immersive experiences, gamification, and where your favorite avatar might show up next.
Partners Bryan, Wendy, and Nick talk with political consultant Adam Spiker of Spiker Rendon about how the cannabis industry can best work with the powers that be–city, state and county officials–to navigate regulations and reduce stigma. What have been the effects of Prop 64 in California?
Partners Bryan, Wendy and Nick are back with Adam Spiker discussing cannabis regulation, taxation, retail outlets, and how immersive entertainment and out-of-home entertainment can help move the cannabis lifestyle and businesses forward in a positive way.
The global metaverse market is estimated at over $40B and growing rapidly. This presents a new and unique opportunity for both creators and brands to engage with their customers. David Schnider’s Guest, Justin Hockberg, has created and implemented successful brand strategies in the Metaverse - he has a lot to say about the reality and the potential.
What IS an event license and how could you put it to use? Jackie knows. Also, cannabis myths and misconceptions debunked.
What IS an event license and how could you put it to use? Jackie knows. Also, cannabis myths and misconceptions debunked.
Attorney's Bryan Bergman and Wendy Heimann tee-up their new podcast exploring the opportunities and challenges emerging at the intersection of Cannabis and out-of-home immersive experiences. Bryan has served the burgeoning cannabis industry, state-by-state, where he has developed an unmatched legal expertise. Bryan speaks regularly on industry-related topics and educates operators and other professionals. Wendy is the force behind Nolan Heimann's reputation for being the premiere law practice serving the location based and immersive entertainment industry worldwide. Her entire 30-year career has been solely dedicated to this unique vertical. Get a taste for whats to come when you listen to future Potent Episodes.