U.S. Patent No. 9,888,703 was issued on February 13, 2018, for “Method for Making Coffee Products Containing Cannabis Ingredients,” to Christopher Bhairam. It is one of the latest issued patents directed to subject matter involving cannabis. The disclosure is directed to methods of making coffee containing doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extracted into the coffee pod. …
Category: Cannabis IP
CannabIP: U.S. Patent No. PP27,475 P2
U.S. Patent No. PP27,475 was issued on December 20, 2016, for “Cannabis Plant Named ‘Ecuadorian sativa’.” It is the first plant patent issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a new strain of a cannabis plant. Botanical details as specified in the specification note that it is taxonomically in the genus Cannabis, and …
CannabIP: U.S. Patent No. D798,739
U.S. Patent No. D798,739 was issued for “Cannabis Storing Container with Individual Tear Off Lids,” a design patent, on October 3, 2017. It was issued to Brian K. Reaux. The invention is actually the ornamental features of an adhesive lid covering the container, and not the container itself. Patents are issued for: subject matter which …
CannabIP: Why the USPTO Will Not Register Marks for Cannabis-Related Goods or Services
It is perplexing there is still a belief (even among some trademark practitioners) that it is possible to file federal trademark applications at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for cannabis-related goods or services when the likelihood of such registrations is virtually impossible. The reason is the continued refusal by USPTO, affirmed by the Trademark …
CannabIP: Clarification on California’s Trademark Regime for Cannabis Goods & Services
There have been a few observers, commentators, and practitioners who have been reporting that state trademarks/service marks can be freely registered through the Secretary of State’s office. This is not accurate. This post will hopefully clear up the misconceptions surrounding registration of a state trademark or service mark for cannabis-related goods or services. First, legislation …
CannabIP: Trump Administration Rescinds Cole Memo
On January 4, 2018, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions officially rescinded the so-called Cole Memo limiting federal prosecution of marijuana offenses. The Cole Memo was enacted in 2013 under former President Barack Obama’s administration, and was guidance to U.S. Attorneys on Justice Department enforcement of federal marijuana laws. It specifically outlines those activities which should …
CannabIP: California Releases Cannabis-Related Trademark Guidelines
On January 1, 2018, the largest market in the U.S. is set to begin licensing and commercializing adult-use marijuana. California’s adult-use marijuana start date is highly anticipated by many in the cannabis industry. The Secretary of State has recently launched Cannabizfile, an online business portal to cannabis regulation, business licensing, corporate registration, and trademark/service mark …