Paula_Nerja

US Elelctions. Huffingtonpost Blog

2008-09-16T18:27:00Z

Judging by El Pais, many of you are interested in the upcoming US elections.

Read my blog posted on the Huffingtonpost.com blog site. Link Below The Huffingtonpost is one of the most famous U.S.blog sites, and has articles from everyone from Hollywood movies stars, famous authors, and political figures.

Feel free to write a comment on the blog.. you just have to push Post Comment and follow the directions.

Cheers to all and I await my return to Espana!

Paula

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paula-mays/world-watching-and-has-an_b_126832.html

Did you know that both the traffic signal and the gas mask were invented by an African American man who held the patents for these inventions?

2008-08-08T16:47:00Z

In keep with my goal of Intellectual Property education, I thought it would be interesting to point out that both the traffic signal and the gas mask were invented by a person of color, an African American man, Garrett Morgan, the son of a former slave. I have an interesting video on my website which explains the invention and talks to his ancestors.

This is important because it was around the 1920´s, the traffic signal in 1923 after a terrible horse and carriage accident, and although he invented two of the most important and life saving devices he probably couldn´t drive on the street where his invention was implemented or use the gas mask he invented to save lives, merely because he was black in America during the era of the Jim Crow laws, which excluded black Americans in all areas of life.

It also goes to show that any of us can be creative and who knows what life saving things we can come up with, if the son of a former slave subject to exclusion from Jim crow can create something, the traffic signal that is used everyday all around the world?

General Electric Company apparently bought the patent for 40 thousand dollars later and developed the signals still in use today around the world.

Although Mr. Morgan likely did not get what he deserved for these life saving devices, imagine if he had not patented his ideas? The GE company would have become mega moguls from his invention and he would have gotten nothing!!

A good lesson in Intellectual Property protection!

Connecting the World of Intellectual Property...

2008-07-28T21:41:00Z

I have noticed that a lot of businesses are being formed in this area. The reasons are obvious, it is a beautiful location, the weather is fabulous, the food is good and it´s International. In fact, I am one who desires to join my fellow ex-pat community.

But in my business, I want to help your business operate correctly and to prevent long term problems. Using the knowledge and skill I have gained in the US Patent and Trademark Office, I want to make sure you have secured the proper legal protection of what is known as your Intellectual Property, generally patents, trademarks and copyrights.

A lot of people ask "What is a Trademark?" Ironically, the fact is you use trademarks every day. Everytime you order a "Coca cola," look for your "Nike" shoes, get dressed in your "Polo shirt," and eat your "Wheaties," you have just experienced a trademark.

Why do you choose these products? It is because the name conjures an image in your mind of quality and assurance. You wouldn´t want to order a coca cola and get a "sprite," another trademark would you? Then it´s the same wih your business. You don´t want people to confuse your high quality product or service with a lesser imitation so you must protect your valuable asset!