Rethinking Design Patents for Digital Products

Rethinking Design Patents for Digital Products

Today we’re diving into new supplemental guidance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office that could have an effect on how design patents are drafted for digital products. On March 13, 2026, the USPTO published this guidance in the Federal Register specifically addressing design patent applications claiming computer-generated interfaces, icons, and even holograms.  Read the article * USPTO Issues Supplemental Guidance on Design Patents for Computer-Generated Interfaces and Icons [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/insights/alerts/uspto-issues-supplemental-guidance-design-patents-computer-generated-interfaces-and] Abou the authors * Alex Wharton [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/alexander-wharton] * Jacob Wharton [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/jacob-s-wharton]

The Algorithm Economy: Emerging Tech, Escalating Risks

Today, we’re unpacking findings from the 2026 Womble Bond Dickinson Client Survey, which paints a clear picture of where business leaders are right now. Innovation—especially artificial intelligence—is accelerating faster than the rules meant to govern it. And that gap is creating both opportunity and real risk.  Read the article * Emerging Tech, Escalating Risks: What Corporate Leaders Reveal in the Womble Bond Dickinson Client Survey [https://pov.womblebonddickinson.com/post/102mkq2/emerging-tech-escalating-risks-what-corporate-leaders-reveal-in-the-womble-bond] About the authors * Tara Cho [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/tara-n-cho] * John Gray [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/john-gray] * Mark Henriques [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/mark-p-henriques] * Chris Jones [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/christopher-w-jones]

Crypto at a Crossroads: Inside the Push for Regulatory Clarity

As crypto assets move deeper into the financial mainstream, the U.S. government is under pressure to create clearer, smarter rules. In this episode, our hosts break down why crypto regulation has been so fragmented, how federal agencies currently divide responsibility, and why Congress may be the key to long‑term clarity. We explore what a risk‑based regulatory framework could look like—and what it means for businesses, investors, and the future of digital assets in the U.S.  Read the full article * A Framework for Crypto Asset Regulation [https://fedgov.womblebonddickinson.com/post/102mpqo/a-framework-for-crypto-asset-regulation]   About the authors * Louis Froelich [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/louis-froelich] * JD Uglum [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/jd-uglum]

Guardrails for Crypto: California’s Approach

California residents to be licensed—or have an application pending through NMLS—by July 1, 2026. This episode covers who must comply, key consumer protection requirements under AB 39 and SB 401, new rules for crypto kiosks, and what digital asset companies should be doing now to prepare for DFPI oversight.   Read the article * California’s New Digital Financial Assets Law Requires Application for Cryptocurrency Licenses to be Submitted by July 1, 2026 [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/insights/alerts/californias-new-digital-financial-assets-law-requires-application-cryptocurrency]   About the authors * Amy Greenwood-Field [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/amy-greenwood-field] * Derek W. Edwards [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/derek-edwards] * Scott J. Hyman, CIPP (US/E), CIPM, CIPT [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/scott-hyman] * Robert W. Savoie [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/robert-savoie]

Psychedelic Therapy Meets Patent Law

Today’s episode focuses on a fascinating intersection of science, law, and economics: the rise of psychedelic therapy and the legal frameworks shaping its future.  In this era of industrialized capitalism, there are strong incentives to promote products in emerging industries. Intellectual property law has always played a key role in fueling innovation and now, it’s poised to do the same for psychedelic therapies.  Read the full article * Actualizing Therapy from Psychedelic Compounds Requires Acknowledging the Past Pioneers as well as Encouraging Cooperation from Current Market Players [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/insights/alerts/actualizing-therapy-psychedelic-compounds-requires-acknowledging-past-pioneers-well] About the author * Ben Bourke [https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/people/ben-bourke]