SPOOKY IP: CREEPY, CLEVER, AND CREATIVE HALLOWEEN INVENTIONS
SPOOKY IP: CREEPY, CLEVER, AND CREATIVE HALLOWEEN INVENTIONS
Each October, familiar symbols of Halloween—carved pumpkins, illuminated candy buckets, and mischievous treat bowls—return for their annual appearance. Behind these traditions, innovators and inventors contributed to a fascinating story of creativity and intellectual property. Instead of overnight changes, these icons grew through steady improvements: safer lighting solutions replaced candles, designers added visibility features to costumes and accessories, and inventors introduced a bit of theatricality for extra fun at our doorsteps. In this blog post, we’ll explore six notable U.S. patents that helped shape the Halloween experience from the 1950s through the 2010s.
1) A safer jack‑o’‑lantern light (1954)
Before LED tea lights were a thing, pumpkin lighting usually meant open flames. This invention swaps the candle for a small battery bulb on a frame that clips inside the pumpkin—keeping the classic glow while dialing down heat and mess.
U.S. Patent No. 2,685,022: Lighting device for jack‑o’‑lanterns and other hollow toys
2) Trick‑or‑treat bucket that’s also a lantern (1989)
Part container, part night light: a pumpkin‑shaped shell lit from within so kids can see—and be seen—without juggling an extra flashlight.
U.S. Patent No. 4,802,071: Lantern candy carrier
3) The carving kit that upgraded home pumpkins (1989)
Small saws, simple drills, reusable patterns, and clear instructions—sold together so detailed designs were realistic for weekend carvers, not just artists.
U.S. Patent No. 4,828,114: Pumpkin carving kit
4) Glow‑in‑the‑dark costume mask (2004)
Instead of wires and batteries, this mask channels glow‑stick chemistry to outline brows, cheeks, or lips. The result is low‑heat light and better visibility in the crowd.
U.S. Patent No. 6,832,392: Chemiluminescently illuminated costume safety mask
5) The “gotcha” candy bowl (2010)
An interactive bowl whose movable ‘fingers’ part to let a hand through—sometimes paired with motion sensors, sound, and lights for the classic doorstep surprise.
U.S. Patent No. 7,806,551: Halloween trick bowl
6) LED glow bucket with sound (2015)
A layered, translucent outer shell around an inner bucket, with LEDs arranged for patterns, floodlighting, and a halo effect. Some versions also play audio to match the mood.
U.S. Patent No. 9,022,595: Illuminated Halloween candy container
Together, these six filings create a practical checklist for Halloween night: you get light without flames, keep your hands free for walking and knocking, and add a little mischief for good measure. From all of us at Suiter Swantz IP, we wish you and your family a Happy Halloween!
Suiter Swantz IP is a full-service intellectual property law firm providing client-centric patent, trademark, and copyright services. If you need assistance with an intellectual property matter and would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please contact us at info@suiter.com.
Suiter Swantz IP Adds a New Attorney
Suiter Swantz IP is thrilled to announce the addition of a new attorney to the team.
Attorney Courtney M. Cournoyer was officially sworn in on Thursday, September 25, 2025, allowing her to practice law in the state of Nebraska.
Courtney M. Cournoyer is a May 2025 graduate from the University of Nebraska College of Law and holds a B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Courtney has worked as a law clerk at Suiter Swantz IP for the past two years and brings an impressive background of achievements and involvements to the team. Prior to joining Suiter Swantz IP, Courtney worked in a variety of fields including Agriculture Processes and Cosmetic Manufacturing. Outside of the office, Courtney enjoys video games, baking, and curling.
Suiter Swantz IP is a full-service intellectual property law firm providing client-centric patent, trademark, and copyright services. If you need assistance with an intellectual property matter and would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please contact us at info@suiter.com.
USPTO Enforces Stricter IPR Petition Requirements: Explicit Mapping of Claim Elements Required
Ian Sannes is a patent attorney with Suiter Swantz IP. Ian graduated with honors from North Dakota State University, receiving his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School. Ian is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Patent challengers and owners alike should take note of a significant shift in Inter Partes Review (IPR) practices at the USPTO.
Effective September 1, 2025, the agency will strictly enforce a rule mandating that IPR petitions explicitly identify where each element of a challenged claim appears in the relied-upon prior art patents or printed publications—without relying on general knowledge, common sense, or similar evidence to bridge any gaps. This change, outlined in a July 31, 2025 memorandum from Acting Director Coke Morgan Stewart, is poised to make it more difficult for petitioners to institute reviews, thereby tilting the balance toward patent owners and potentially reducing the number of successful IPR challenges.
This adjustment could substantially impact litigation strategies, as petitioners who previously leaned on broad interpretations or expert insights to fill evidentiary voids may now face denials of institution. For patent owners, it enhances defenses against invalidity attacks, preserving the value of their intellectual property portfolios. Understanding these nuances is essential for navigating post-grant proceedings effectively.
Overview of the Change
The core of the new guidance stems from 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)(4), which requires that an IPR petition "must specify where each element of the claim is found in the prior art patents or printed publications relied upon." See 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)(4). Previously, the USPTO had issued memoranda in August 2020 and June 2022 providing guidance that allowed petitioners flexibility to incorporate general knowledge—such as applicant admitted prior art (AAPA), expert testimony, or common sense—to address missing claim limitations in certain circumstances.
That guidance is now superseded. The July 31, 2025 memorandum revokes the prior approach and mandates full compliance, meaning petitions failing to map every claim element directly to qualifying prior art (patents or printed publications) shall be denied under 35 U.S.C. § 312(a)(4) for failing to comply with Rule 42.104(b)(4).
This aligns with the statutory scope of IPRs, which limits challenges to grounds based "only on the basis of prior art consisting of patents or printed publications." See 35 U.S.C. § 311(b).
Key Restrictions on General Knowledge and AAPA
Under the enforced rule, "general knowledge"—a broad category encompassing AAPA, expert declarations, common sense, and other non-patent or non-printed publication evidence—cannot be used to supply a missing claim limitation. For example, if a prior art reference lacks a specific element, petitioners can no longer argue that a person of ordinary skill in the art (POSITA) would inherently understand or fill that gap based on background knowledge.
This extends explicitly to AAPA, which refers to admissions in the patent specification or prosecution history. While AAPA was previously combinable with prior art under the now-rejected "in combination" approach, the memorandum clarifies it qualifies as general knowledge and thus cannot bridge evidentiary gaps. This stance responds to Federal Circuit precedents, including Qualcomm Inc. v. Apple Inc., 24 F.4th 1367 (Fed. Cir. 2022) and Qualcomm Inc. v. Apple Inc., 134 F.4th 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2025), which rejected the use of AAPA as a basis for challenges when it supplies missing elements.
However, not all uses of general knowledge are prohibited. It remains permissible for supporting a motivation to combine references or demonstrating how a POSITA would interpret or apply a prior art disclosure. See, e.g., Unification Techs. LLC v. Micron Tech. Inc., 2024 WL 3738401 (Fed. Cir. Aug. 9, 2024) (allowing expert testimony and AAPA to explain POSITA understanding without supplying missing limitations).
Petitioners must carefully distinguish these roles to avoid denial.
To Whom Does This Guidance Apply?
The memorandum applies universally to all IPR petitions filed on or after September 1, 2025, regardless of the technology area or parties involved.
It does not retroactively affect ongoing proceedings or petitions filed before this date. For petitioners, this raises the bar for institution, requiring meticulous claim charting and potentially more robust prior art searches. Patent owners, conversely, gain leverage: incomplete petitions can be challenged at the outset, potentially deterring frivolous or weakly supported attacks. Notably, the guidance may create tension with recent case law. For instance, in Shockwave Medical, Inc. v. Cardiovascular Systems, Inc., No. 2023-1864 (Fed. Cir. July 14, 2025), the Federal Circuit held that AAPA could supply missing limitations without violating 35 U.S.C. § 311(b), suggesting the USPTO's rule enforcement might be narrower than statutory allowances.
Future litigation could clarify this interplay.
Rationale and Effective Date
The USPTO's rationale emphasizes clarity, efficiency, and fairness in the patent system. Enforcing the rule ensures petitioners provide a complete legal and factual basis upfront, giving patent owners proper notice and streamlining Board decisions. It also aligns with economic considerations under 35 U.S.C. § 316(b), promoting the integrity of patents by curbing over-reliance on non-qualifying evidence.
As noted, the changes take effect for petitions filed on or after September 1, 2025. Practitioners should review and adjust strategies immediately, as the window for filing under the old regime closes soon.
Other Considerations
Navigating these updates requires precision in petition drafting. Petitioners are advised to conduct thorough prior art analyses and include detailed mappings for every claim element, avoiding any dependence on general knowledge for core limitations.
Patent owners might proactively strengthen specifications to minimize AAPA vulnerabilities. Internationally, while IPRs are U.S.-specific, similar post-grant opposition systems in Europe (e.g., at the EPO) or Japan often require explicit evidence mappings without heavy reliance on general knowledge, so global strategies should account for these parallels. In the U.S., failure to comply could lead to denied institutions, underscoring the need for diligent preparation in an increasingly patent-owner-friendly landscape.
Suiter Swantz IP is a full-service intellectual property law firm providing client-centric patent, trademark, and copyright services. If you need assistance with an intellectual property matter and would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please contact us at info@suiter.com.
Fireworks and Filing Marks: Firework Related Trademarks
Fireworks and Filing Marks: Firework Related Trademarks
Fireworks are believed to have originated as early as the second century B.C. in ancient Liuyang, China. The earliest “firecrackers” were said to have likely been bamboo stalks that exploded with a loud pop when thrown into a fire, caused by the intense heat building inside their hollow chambers. These natural blasts were thought to scare away evil spirits.
Between 600 and 900 A.D., legend tells of a Chinese alchemist who combined potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal to create the first version of gunpowder. When this new powder was packed into hollow bamboo (and later paper tubes), the first man-made fireworks were born.
Then, in the 13th century, fireworks came to Europe. By the 15th century, Italians had discovered a way to manufacture fireworks, which European leaders enjoyed using for special occasions. Early settlers then brought fireworks to the United States and other continents.
Now, many centuries later, we mark Independence Day and other celebrations with fireworks. Enjoy these trademarks related to fireworks.
Reg. No. 1710506 FIREWORKS BY GRUCCI
The Gruccis are widely considered the “First Family of Fireworks.” They even hold the Guiness World Record for the “Largest Fireworks Display” ever recorded (a display of 479,651 fireworks against the Dubai skyline!) and “Largest Pyrotechnic Image.”
In 1870, Angelo Lanzetta was one of the first to bring fireworks to the U.S., when he immigrated from Italy to New York. His son Anthony and nephew, Flex Grucci, took the helm after his death and carried the family’s fireworks company through the years. Grucci displays have been seen at the White House, Olympics ceremonies, Super Bowls, and more.
Other Recognizable Firework Trademarks
Reg. No. 3444705
Reg. No. 6964378
Fireworks trademarks like these brands and more help the creators behind these spectacular products protect their assets.
If you need help securing protection for your own intellectual property, the team at Suiter Swantz IP can help.
Baseball and IP: How Trademarks Protect America’s Favorite Pastime
Baseball and IP: Trademarks in Honor of the College World Series
Baseball is a long-standing American tradition. Iconic events like the upcoming College World Series® are recognizable tournaments in the sport. Event names like these and other items in the world of baseball are protected by trademarks; even beloved ballpark snacks like Cracker Jack® have trademarks! Next time you’re at a ballpark watching baseball, be sure to look around and enjoy the intellectual property!
Baseball and Branding: Baseball Trademarks
Trademarks play a crucial role in protecting the identity of major baseball events. The World Series®, one of the most prestigious championships in professional sports, is a registered trademark owned by Major League Baseball (MLB). The MLB was formed in 1903, so that’s over 122 years of high-quality professional baseball – as an organization and as a business.
In college athletics, both the Men’s College World Series and Women’s College World Series are trademarks held by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). These marks ensure that only authorized entities can use the names in promotions, merchandise, and official branding. The College World Series, set to start soon here in Omaha, was first trademarked in 1988.
2025 College World Series Team Trademarks
One of the eight teams that advanced to the College World Series is Coastal Carolina University, located in Conway, South Carolina. No stranger to the CWS, Coastal Carolina captured the national title in 2016. Although the university’s National Championship-specific logo is not federally registered, Coastal Carolina enjoys common law trademark rights in the mark. These rights stem from the university’s use of the logo in commerce and association it has built with the university’s historic win.
Coastal Carolina also has many other trademarks associated with their university’s logos.
Reg. No. 4710989
Their mascot draws a lot of attention as well. Chanticleers is an unfamiliar term to many. It’s pronounced “shon-ti-cleer” and it means rooster.
Murray State, located in Kentucky, is another one of the eight teams in this year’s CWS, and it’s their first-ever appearance! They will play UCLA in Game 1 of the series.
Did you know there is a difference between federally registered and state trademarks? Murray State has trademarks filed through the state of Kentucky, like the logo below.
We wish all eight teams and their fans the best this College World Series!
Cracker Jack®: A Snack with a History
No baseball game is complete without Cracker Jack®, the caramel-coated popcorn and peanut mix that has been a staple of ballparks for over a century. Cracker Jack has been a registered trademark since 1906! While the original trademark has evolved and been renewed over time, Cracker Jack and its history remains an iconic part of baseball culture, even earning a mention in the classic song Take Me Out to the Ball Game.
Why Trademarks Matter in Baseball
Trademarks aren’t only legal jargon and protection. They help preserve the history and identity of baseball’s biggest events. It is trademarks that ensure that the parent organizations retain exclusive rights, preventing unauthorized commercial use.
As the game of baseball continues to change and grow, intellectual property remains a key component in the future of the sport. Continued protection of the innovations and intellectual property associated with baseball and its traditions will help keep the love of the game alive.
Suiter Swantz IP Welcomes Luke McGowan as Summer Associate
Luke C. McGowan is a summer associate at Suiter Swantz IP. Luke graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
Luke is currently a student at University of Nebraska School of Law and expects to receive his Juris Doctor in May 2027.
Luke is the Secretary for the Student Intellectual Property Law Association (SILPA), assisting students interested in the study and practice of IP law.
Outside of the office, Luke enjoys golfing, traveling, and watching Kansas Basketball.
For more information about Luke refer to our team page.
Suiter Swantz IP is a full-service intellectual property law firm providing client-centric patent, trademark, and copyright services. If you need assistance with an intellectual property matter and would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please contact us at info@suiter.com.
Father’s Day Gifts Inspired by Patents: Innovation for Every Dad
Father’s Day Gifts Inspired by Patents
Father’s Day is this month, and it’s time to celebrate dads everywhere! If you’re still looking for a Father’s Day gift, here are some practical gadgets and quirky creations to consider from patent history.
Golf Tees, U.S. Patent No. 1,493,687
The first patent for a golf tee was issued in 1889. The patent was for a cylinder-shaped rubber tee with an artificial ground surface to practice, similar to the set up at a driving range.
There were a handful more golf tee designs throughout the late 1800s, with this more modern version being issued a patent in 1924. This golf tee design is a wooden peg with a funnel shape. For the sporty dad, you can never have too many tees.
Poker Cards, U.S. Patent No. 7,398,973
Does your dad love games? Then perhaps a nice new pack of cards and some time together to play?
This patent for a “Hold’em poker” game and unique deck of cards from 2008 looks like a good option. The patent describes a card deck that has two additional values (e.g., 11 and 12) and unsuits two values (e.g., 10s and 11s). The game is played almost identically to traditional Texas Hold’Em with a few exceptions related to the unsuited cards.
Flashlight Armband, U.S. Patent No. 6,062,700
For the outdoorsy dad who loves camping, jogging, or working on projects in the garage, a flashlight armband is a game-changer. This wearable light source keeps hands free while providing bright, focused illumination—ideal for outdoor evening adventures or fixing things around the house.
Beer Mug, U.S. Patent No. 4,555,034
Whether your Dad enjoys a cold beer or a refreshing soda, patented beer mug designs like this one have introduced features like built-in cooling elements and spill-resistant lids. Innovations like these ensure that every sip is perfectly chilled, making it a great addition to dad’s collection of barware essentials.
Gas and Ceramic Grill Combo, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0312732
If your dad is a grill master, consider this grill for his next backyard BBQ. This design is the best of both worlds and allows for a customizable cooking set up for both low and high heat grilling.
Celebrating Father’s Day with Innovation
Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful, practical or fun Father’s Day gift, this list proves that creative thinking makes everyday life–and Father’s Day–even more special. Our team at Suiter Swantz IP wishes everyone a great Father’s Day!
Softball Patents that Improve Play and Safety
Softball Patents that Improve Play and Safety
This week marks the championship series of the Women's College World Series (WCWS). Now in its 9th year, excitement builds for one of the biggest events in collegiate softball. The Nebraska Cornhuskers softball team fell short this year, but we are proud of their season, and we celebrate not only the incredible talent and dedication of the athletes but also the innovations that have helped shape the game of softball. The final games of the WCWS bracket will take place in Oklahoma City, OK, with four teams remaining: Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas Tech.
Softball Patents - the Basics
Softball Design – U.S. Patent No. 4840378
This patent was granted June 20, 1989, almost 36 years ago. The patent application details the softball’s core and cover materials to optimize performance. The design, approximately 12 inches in diameter, makes it a key innovation in the sport.
Softball Bat – U.S. Patent No. 5415398A
The evolution of the softball bat has been critical to improving hitting power and control. This patent introduced a tubular aluminum bat with a unique internal structure designed to enhance impact response, allowing players to achieve greater slugging distances while maintaining durability.
Protective Face Guard – U.S. Patent No. 5661849A
Safety should be the top priority in any sport, and this patent improved protection for softball players’ helmets. The design features a rigid, curved bar system that shields the face while maintaining clear visibility for tracking pitches. As the game has grown more competitive, protective gear like this has become essential for player safety.
Celebrating the Women's College World Series
The Women's College World Series—a phrase trademarked by the NCAA, by the way—is an impressive showcase of skill, perseverance, and teamwork. Our team here at Suiter Swantz IP recognizes the dedication of every athlete who has worked tirelessly to reach this stage. Softball continues to evolve and gain popularity, not just through talent but through innovation, ensuring that players have the best equipment and protection to perform at their highest level.
Honoring Memorial Day Through Innovation: A Look at Patents That Celebrate Remembrance
Honoring Memorial Day Through Innovation: A Look at Patents That Celebrate Remembrance
Memorial Day is a time for reflection, gratitude, and honoring those who have served our country. Many observe the holiday through ceremonies, parades, and gatherings, however innovation has also played a unique role in shaping the way we can commemorate this day. Over the years, inventors have sought to create meaningful ways to enhance Memorial Day traditions, leading to patents that help preserve the spirit of remembrance.
The Earliest Memorial Day Patent
Floral Figure, U.S. Patent No. 489,218
One of the earliest patents related to Memorial Day—then known as Decoration Day—dates back to 1893. U.S. Patent No. 489,218 introduced a Floral Figure, designed to be placed on graves as a tribute to fallen soldiers. Flowers have long been a symbol of remembrance, and this provided a structured way to honor loved ones with floral arrangements that could be displayed on special occasions.
The Electric Lawn Ornament
Fast forward to 1958, and innovation took a more modern turn with U.S. Patent No. 2,857,507, which disclosed an Electric Lawn Ornament. This invention allowed families to illuminate their tributes, ensuring that memorial displays remained visible even after sunset. The use of light in remembrance has become a common practice, symbolizing eternal gratitude and the lasting impact of those who served.
The Commemorative Flag Holder
Flags are a central part of Memorial Day observances, representing national pride and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. U.S. Patent No. D506,703 introduced a combination Commemorative Flag Holder, Flag Pole, and Flag, providing a structured way to display flags. This reinforces the tradition of placing flags at cemeteries, ensuring they remain upright and properly presented.
Innovation Can Reinforce Remembrance
These patents highlight how innovation has contributed to Memorial Day traditions. As we observe Memorial Day, our team at Suiter Swantz IP recognizes not only the sacrifices made but also the ways in which innovation continues to shape how we remember and pay tribute.
Troy Anderson returns to teaching at the College of Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Troy Anderson returns to teaching Legal Considerations for Engineering Managers at the College of Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Suiter Swantz IP shareholder and patent attorney, Troy Anderson, is once again teaching the course on Legal Considerations for Engineering Managers for the Masters of Engineering Program at the University of Nebraska Lincoln.
The course provides a comprehensive survey of various legal topics that are crucial for businesses, particularly for engineering managers. Students delve into subjects such as intellectual property, contracts, torts, the role of federal agencies, antitrust law, and agency law.
Troy is honored to be a part of this prestigious program, which is ranked in the top 5 of all online engineering masters programs in the country and attracts students from across the nation. This is Troy's second year teaching this course, and he enjoys sharing his expertise with rising engineering leaders.
Troy holds an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, a Ph. D and M.S. in Optics, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law. He is also admitted to the Nebraska Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court of Nebraska and is also registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Join us in wishing him and his students a successful and enlightening semester!
Suiter Swantz IP is a full-service intellectual property law firm providing client-centric patent, trademark, and copyright services. If you need assistance with an intellectual property matter and would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please contact us at info@suiter.com.
Celebrating National Inventors Month and 2025 National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees
Honoring the Inventors Who Are Shaping the Future: 2025 National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees
May is National Inventors Month! Established in 1998, this month-long recognition highlights significant innovations, past and present. As part of the celebration of innovation each year, the National Inventors Hall of Fame welcomes a remarkable class of inductees whose contributions have shaped industries and improved lives. Among them this year are four inventors whose groundbreaking work has left a lasting impact: Virginia Holsinger, Richard Schatz, Virginia Norwood, and Pamela Marrone. Our team at Suiter Swantz IP congratulates these and all other 2025 inductees.
Virginia Holsinger: Advancing Dairy Science for Global Nutrition
Dairy Product Innovations, U.S. Patent No. 6,258,391
Virginia Holsinger revolutionized the dairy industry with her research on enzymes and digestion, leading to the development of Lactaid®—a product that made milk accessible to those with lactose intolerance. Her work also improved nutrition in American schools and international food donation programs, ensuring healthier dairy products reached communities worldwide. Holsinger’s contributions continue to benefit millions, proving that scientific innovation can drive meaningful change.
Richard Schatz: Pioneering Life-Saving Coronary Stents
Palmaz-Schatz Coronary Stent, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,195,984; 5,902,332
Cardiologist Richard Schatz collaborated with fellow Hall of Fame inductee Julio Palmaz to develop the Palmaz-Schatz coronary stent, a breakthrough in treating coronary artery disease. Since its introduction in 1988, this stent and its derivatives have saved millions of lives by significantly reducing mortality and morbidity. Schatz’s dedication to medical innovation has reshaped cardiovascular care, making life-saving treatments more effective and accessible.
Virginia Norwood: First Satellite to Study and Monitor Earth’s Landmasses
Multispectral Scanner, U.S. Patent No. 2,746,035
With a natural aptitude for mathematics, and a degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Virginia Norwood created the Multispectral Scanner (MSS), a groundbreaking satellite instrument that has helped image Earth for decades. First launched in 1972, the MSS revolutionized remote sensing technology, which provided valuable data for studying our planet.
Pamela Marrone: Championing Sustainable Pest Control
Biological Pest Control, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,060,051; 11,382,331
Entrepreneur and entomologist Pamela Marrone has led the charge in biological pest control, developing environmentally responsible solutions for plant health and pest management. Her work in biopesticides has provided farmers with sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides, reducing environmental impact while maintaining agricultural productivity. Marrone’s dedication to innovation in agriculture underscores the importance of science-driven sustainability.
Honoring Inventors Who Shape the Future
At Suiter Swantz IP, we celebrate the achievements of the 2025 inductees and recognize the importance of protecting intellectual property across all industries. The legacies of these–and all 2025 inductees–remind us that innovation is not only about creating—but improving lives and changing our communities for the better.
To learn more about the entire 2025 National Inventors Hall of Fame inductees, visit the official site.
Chad Swantz returns to teaching Patent Law at Creighton University
Chad Swantz, Co-Owner and Patent Attorney at Suiter Swantz IP, returns to teaching Patent Law course at Creighton University
Suiter Swantz IP Co-Owner and Patent Attorney, Chad W. Swantz, returned for his second year as an Adjunct Professor at Creighton University School of Law and is teaching Patent Law at the law school this semester.
The course examines the legal protection available through patents, with emphasis on the acquisition, maintenance, exploitation, limits and enforcement of patent rights.
Chad enjoys teaching fundamental patent law principles and practical techniques to his students. Chad began teaching at Creighton in 2023.
Chad holds an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, a Master’s in Business Administration, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law. He is also admitted to the Nebraska Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court of Nebraska and is also registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Suiter Swantz IP is a full-service intellectual property law firm providing client-centric patent, trademark, and copyright services. If you need assistance with an intellectual property matter and would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please contact us at info@suiter.com.