Industries

Cannabis Patents and Trademarks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration held its first public hearing in 2019 on cannabis regulation. This was due to the popularity of cannabis-derived substances, such as cannabidiol. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the list of controlled substances, opening up new opportunities for businesses in the hemp-derived products and hemp industry.

The regulatory and business landscape for cannabis are dynamic and constantly changing. Several acquisitions have involved cannabis patent portfolios. Cannabis is rapidly becoming an industry in which cutting-edge biotechnology and informatics are driving competition. Already, the race for intellectual property in cannabis is underway. This will only get more intense as federally-approved pathways and regulations mature.

For those who are interested in learning more about what the cannabis tech world is up to, this article is for you. Here we will discuss some of the latest developments and trends in the industry, including vertical farming, automated grow apps, and even gene editing for cannabis cultivation.

Legalization of cannabis

The cannabis industry has grown rapidly over the past few years. While it’s still a relatively new business, it has already become a vital part of many people’s lives. It’s used to treat various medical and recreational needs. But it’s still not legal on the federal level. However, it is being increasingly regulated in states where it’s legal.

As more and more states become more willing to allow it, the legalization of cannabis tech trends will continue to expand. Cannabis companies will have more opportunities to reach their target audiences and build infrastructure to support more operations.

In addition to creating more jobs, the industry also provides a source of much-needed tax revenue to local communities. This can be especially valuable for public projects.

With increasing consumer demand, the industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 18.3% over the next five years. By 2030, the industry could be worth $100 billion. Despite these projections, the cannabis industry is not out of the woods.

Although the federal government has not taken any active role in regulating the industry, a number of efforts have been introduced in Congress. Some of these bills are sponsored by senators like Merkley and Daines, while others are backed by members of the House.

While the marijuana market has seen a significant increase in sales over the last few years, there are a number of challenges that face the industry. For example, the supply chain is undergoing significant disruption. Consequently, government-approved dispensaries are experiencing shortages of products.

Blockchain technology

The use of blockchain technology has begun to make an impact on the marijuana industry. Many companies are leveraging it to manage and enhance their production processes. It can also serve as a tool for tracking the various transactions involved in legal cannabis sales.

The marijuana industry is an emerging industry, largely a technology-driven one. This means that cannabis businesses have a clear advantage over their more traditional counterparts when it comes to implementing cutting-edge tech into their business model.

Using AI to optimize their production process is a common strategy amongst startups. One company, Eaze, uses the technology to predict the demand and supply of cannabis.

One of the more intriguing uses of this technology is the ability to track a marijuana plant from seed to sale. This is not without its challenges. For example, cannabis plants are difficult to control and manipulate. In order to maximize yields, growers have to keep a constant watch over the plants.

Another promising use of this technology is in the distribution of cannabis products. Some companies are allowing customers to buy cannabis by using a digital token. These crypto-currency payments are secure and fast.

Another promising use of this technology is the ability to track and trace the inventory. By tracking and tracing cannabis inventory, the cannabis industry can prove its products’ authenticity and legality.

Blockchain is a great way to help regulators better regulate the marijuana industry. Since it is transparent and efficient, it helps to improve regulatory compliance.

Artificial intelligence

In the modern day cannabis industry, the advent of AI and automation have improved production, processing, and user experience. These innovations have become vital to the growth of the industry.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology that uses data to make informed decisions about a specific situation. In the case of cannabis, it can help determine the best growing methods, predict costs and energy usage, and monitor inventory.

Machine learning is another technology that will change the way we grow marijuana. It can automatically alter temperature, light, and humidity levels. This will reduce waste, save money, and improve crop yields.

There are several companies out there that are using AI in cannabis tech developments and trends. One example is Eaze. It uses artificial intelligence to optimize cannabis distribution, reduce waste, and improve consumer satisfaction.

Other applications of AI are in the cannabis supply chain. Using AI to monitor product distribution ensures that legal standards are met. Another use of AI is for marketing. By analyzing user behavior, companies can tailor their marketing campaigns to specific customers.

While this technology has been around for a while, it is only now making a major impact on the cannabis industry. Companies are finding that it helps to increase revenue and decrease costs.

As new products are developed, more and more farmers are turning to these systems to streamline and automate their processes. Some of these products are automated growing apps, which improve productivity and yield.

Gene editing for cannabis cultivation

Gene editing for cannabis cultivation is an emerging technology that may make plant production more sustainable and affordable. With the growing demand for cannabinoids and other cannabinoid-based therapeutics, research into high-yielding cultivars has gotten more attention.

The emergence of CRISPR technology has changed the face of genetic engineering. It allows for changes in the plant’s DNA at a rapid pace. This is a huge benefit, because it can help make the plant more resistant to diseases. But it is not always ideal to have genetically modified plants.

Many cannabis growers are uneasy about the use of genetically modified crops. Several growers prefer to maintain traditional practices, such as propagating by cuttings and clones. Still, there are many growers who are interested in developing medical cannabis seeds.

For years, researchers have been working on techniques that advance plant research. One of these is tissue culture. Tissue culture is a method of introducing genetic material into a plant’s protoplast, which enables a newer and more reliable testing procedure.

In addition to tissue culture, the cannabis industry has developed gene editing techniques. Over the last two decades, these techniques have advanced the field of genetic engineering. However, some varieties of Cannabis are resistant to in vitro culture.

Researchers have also looked into improving phytocannabinoid synthesis within the plant. In this regard, they have identified candidate genes that contribute to cannabinoid biosynthesis. However, they haven’t been fully validated.

Automated grow apps

Automated grow apps help you track the growth of your cannabis crop. It also enables you to make changes remotely. These applications can save you both time and money.

In addition, automated technology can help ensure the integrity of the harvested product. This will reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 infections.

Automation has become a necessary element in many industries. The cannabis industry has been no exception. Using cutting-edge technology can improve the efficiency of your cannabis cultivation and reduce energy consumption.

For example, you can configure your cannabis cultivation to suit the soil texture and climate of your farm. Another benefit is that it can be done with minimal human interaction. Getting rid of these manual labor hours can cut costs by as much as 80%.

Moreover, you can automate the lighting. Compared to HPS bulbs, LED lights use less electricity and last longer.

Likewise, you can automate ventilation and air conditioning. A system containing a variety of controllers can allow you to do so. You can control your lighting and temperature through the app.

One such application is GrowBuddy. It is designed by growers for growers. It comes with a grower forum and a marketplace for growing equipment. Users can also track their plant growth through reminders and pictures.

Another cannabis tech advancement is the internet of things. The Internet of Things refers to physical objects that have sensors that enable them to detect and react to their surroundings. Some outdoor growers use IoT systems to monitor their irrigation, weather and other factors.

Vertical farming

Vertical farming is a new technology that is growing in popularity. The technology is designed to increase crop yields using a smaller amount of space, water and electricity. It can be used to produce many different crops, including cannabis.

It also reduces emissions associated with energy supply. As it increases in popularity, the vertical farming industry is expected to grow significantly. However, the process of vertical farming can be quite costly.

Unlike traditional agricultural methods, vertical farming uses a small footprint, which means fewer resources and less pollution. In addition, vertical farming techniques are protected from natural disasters.

The use of LED lighting systems is one of the most notable developments. The use of LED technology helps farms produce crops year round even in harsh weather conditions. These systems run at lower temperatures and cost less to operate.

Another important innovation is the use of blockchain technology. This is a secure digital system that increases transparency in the supply chain. Consumers can track products from farm to shelf.

Other notable technologies include a smart irrigation system, artificial light and the ability to produce more food in a small space. There is still a significant market gap for fresh local food in the urban setting.

Cannabis vertical farms will help fill that gap. However, they have to deal with the same challenges as other agriculture crops. For instance, laws requiring food safety are just as applicable to hydroponic indoor growers as they are to outdoor farmers.

PatentPC has extensive experience in patent portfolio development, trademarks, and trade dress protection in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology areas. The firm has the expertise to help innovators in the cannabis sector develop and protect IP for their products and brands. It assists innovators at all stages, from large pharmaceutical companies to start-ups. No matter your size or stage of development, our IP professionals will help you build robust and defendable patent and trademark portfolios that generate substantial shareholder value.

Our services are available to cannabis companies across all aspects of intellectual property.

• We prepare and prosecute patent applications before the U.S. Patent Office and foreign patent offices.
• We also prepare and prosecute trademarks both domestically and internationally.
  • Important to remember is that trademark registrations by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office have been resisted for products and services without a legal use of the mark in commerce. There are currently limitations to the availability of trademark protection on cannabis brands.
  • Registration of copyright for logos and marketing materials is a good way to protect brand-related materials. Sterne Kessler can assist with registration.
• We take the lead in patent office litigation when patent validity is under question. This is done in post-grant proceedings before Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”)
• We represent disputes arising from patent or trade secret litigation before the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”).
• We represent brands in disputes involving trademarks, trade dress, or other aspects of brand security.
• We offer counseling and freedom of expression opinions for those involved in collaboration, licensing, or commercializing innovations.
• We also conduct IP due diligence to assist our clients who invest in promising technologies or make acquisitions.

Disclaimer: It is a federal crime to possess, use, distribute, or sell marijuana. This content is not meant to be legal advice. It does not suggest that marijuana or marijuana use are legal in federal law.