A Guide for Inventors at INL — 2017 17 Marks must remain distinctive. For example, ever wonder why the waiter specifies Pepsi® or Coca Cola®? It is so that the trademark remains connected to the brand and does not become a generic term for the type of goods.An owner must be diligent in protecting use of the trademark, or over time, the mark becomes generic and is no longer enforceable. Examples of marks that are no longer enforceable include Aspirin, Crock-Pot, and Hula Hoop. By request,TD offers tailored training to help researchers understand IP and technology transfer, and to learn skills to develop commercially relevant patents.Training topics can include: • IP basics and managing IP in contracts • what every researcher should know about technology transfer at INL • how to maximize the production of commercially relevant IP from research • how to leverage IP to bring in funding to departments • how to manage IP in software development and deployment William Apel 2007 Highlights of commercial developments: William’s research areas included microbially catalyzed metal and radionuclide transformations and extremophile microbiology. Internationally recognized for his distinguished biological research and its application, he has won three R&D100 awards and a NOVA award for technical excellence. He has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed technical publications and delivered more than 100 presentations at international conferences. He holds more than 50 U.S. patents and has an additional six patent applications pending. organization, even before registration. When directorates want trademarks associated with academic and research activities, INL’s legal counsel helps advise and file. For more information on patents, copyrights, and trademarks, visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office Website at www.uspto.gov.