IP Funny -- Intellectual Property Humor

Automated detection of pornographic images (other than in your ABA CLE presentation)

Via Boing Boing:   Mention of US Patent No. 6,751,348 .

Abstract

A method of detecting pornographic images, wherein a color reference database is prepared in LAB color space defining a plurality of colors representing relevant portions of a human body.  A questionable image is selected, and sampled pixels are compared with the color reference database.  Areas having a matching pixel are subjected to a texture analysis to determine if the pixel is an isolated color or if other comparable pixels surround it; a condition indicating possible skin.  If an area of possible skin is found, the questionable image is classified as objectionable.  A further embodiment includes preparation of a questionable image reference shape database defining objectionable shapes.  An image with a detected area of possible skin is compared with the shape database, and depending on the results of the shape analysis, a predefined percentage of the images are classified for manual review.

Buck Naked Burritos?

PHOSITA blog on buck nekkid burrito trademarks. 

Someone else must have put those there, honest

What to do when porn images pop up on screen during the CLE you are teaching...

Forget yellow page advertising, hand out swimsuit calendars

Via law.com, a "Miami-based mediation group, made up of 25 attorney-mediators" has paid "to have its name emblazoned across the bottom of a 2005 swimsuit calendar."

Trademark Blog on: Trademark Law

Trademark Blog on:  Trademark Law and Adult Novelties

Necessity is the mother of invention---for prisoners?

An incarcerated artist's illustrations of "many incredible inventions made by prisoners to fill needs that the restrictive environment of the prison wouldn't allow.  The inventions cover everything from homemade sex dolls, condoms, salt and peper shakers to chess sets."  [<-- BoingBoing <-- Near, Near Future]

I love my dolls

Via Greg Aharonian's free newsletter PATNEWS, mention of a fascinating example of how to NOT write a pro-se patent application.  US20030143917, entitled "I love my dolls."

Snooze bar this!

Mondays.  I always have a hard time getting up and going come Monday morning.  My wife gets pissed every time I smack that snooze bar.  She'd love to install one of these: 

"...whereby the frame is at the proper time permitted to fall onto the sleeper's face [and] strike a light blow..."

USPN 256,265 (Applegate)

Lava Lamp expired and exploding

AP:  Exploding lava lamp kills man

USPTO:  "Display Device" (a.k.a. Lava Lamp)

Novelty, OH

I wish all my inventors lived in this town.

A USPTO search reveals 163 issued patents with listed inventors residing in Novelty.  Not bad, considering that Russell township, which contains Novelty, had a population of 5529 in the 2000 census.