The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued more than 10 million patents since 1836 (source 2). The number granted has grown exponentially over the last twenty years, with more than 350,000 patents issued in 2019 (source 1). As the number of patents increases, so does the opportunity for infringement. Patent infringement occurs when a patent owner alleges that products or services being manufactured, sold, or distributed by another company infringe on their patent rights. When this happens, litigation often ensues, with the plaintiff seeking an injunction against further sale of the infringing product or service along with payment of royalties or damages. The cost of defending or settling such a claim can be devastating. As of 2017, the average total cost for defending a patent infringement case worth up to $10 million, was $1.7 million.6 While larger companies may be equipped to handle millions of dollars in legal fees and settlements, patent litigation can bleed small to mid-sized companies dry.

A growing number of organizations are using biometric data, such as fingerprints and retinal scans, as a convenient way to improve security. From touchpads that unlock smartphones and computers, to scanners providing access to places of business, biometric data seems to be a fast, easy and secure way to authenticate individuals and unlock access.

Over the last several years concern around big issues like economic disparity, climate change, and social justice have increased across the country. In light of these issues, many are drawn to the idea of tying investment decisions to personal or social values in an effort to effect social change through environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) investing (source 6). As of 2018, the popularity of ESG investing had grown to include more than $30 trillion in assets, based at least in part on investors’ demands for clarity around a company’s attitude toward social issues (source 5).

A supervisor at a midsize business is watching the evening news, when she sees a disturbing video of people smashing windows and looting stores in the city where her company is based. What she sees next shocks her: one of the looters is not wearing a face mask, despite the coronavirus, and she realizes as he passes the camera that he’s one of her longtime employees.

The impacts of COVID-19 have changed the way we approach much of life, including how Americans receive healthcare. Social distancing, intended to “flatten the curve” and prevent further spread of the coronavirus, has dramatically expanded the use of telemedicine in the area of behavioral healthcare.*