Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm, LLC

04/29/2026

As a proud sponsor of South Carolina Research Authority - SCRA, we are honored to play a role in fueling South Carolina’s innovation ecosystem. We enjoyed the connections and conversations at last night’s SCRA Startups on Tap in the Lowcountry and extend particular congratulations to 🐴 Horse Spot and 🌱💊 Safe Med Waste on their SCRA grants, presented last night!

And congratulations to the entire SCRA team on the completion of an eventful and successful South Carolina Innovation Awareness Month connecting founders, investors, and innovators from across South Carolina's innovation ecosystem.

04/21/2026

We are proud to announce that attorney Hunter Freeman has been named a Leader in the Law by South Carolina Lawyers Weekly as part of their 2026 Excellence in Law list! 🎉⚖️

With 20+ years of experience in intellectual property law, Hunter helps businesses of all sizes protect and grow what they have built, from emerging startups to global enterprises. 💡🌍
Congratulations, Hunter!

04/18/2026

04/09/2026

The Masters Tournament isn’t just a sport — it’s a masterclass in intellectual property protection. ⛳️

Augusta National, Inc. owns registered trademarks for “MASTERS,” “ROAD TO THE MASTERS,” and the instantly recognizable map logo.

While the golfers are chasing the perfect swing and green jackets, the tournament’s organizers are mastering strong IP protection for the goods and services that keep it on course.

Masters Tournament

04/08/2026

Kim, Lahey & Killough was honored to sponsor and attend the Clemson University Research Foundation’s 2026 Innovation Awards last night, celebrating innovation at Clemson University and honoring the technology and research advances resulting in and license agreements.

We are proud to support the strengthening of South Carolina’s innovation ecosystem and the advancing the commercialization of university research!

04/02/2026

This morning, Kim, Lahey & Killough was proud to sponsor the IAM 2026 Kickoff Breakfast, the launch event for South Carolina's fourth annual Innovation Awareness Month. The conversations in that room: about AI, life sciences, cybersecurity, advanced energy, and the next generation of South Carolina companies...they are exactly why intellectual property strategy matters.

As an IP law firm, moments like this are a reminder of why our work exists. Behind every patent, every startup, every research breakthrough is a question of how to protect what's been built, and how to turn an idea into lasting value.

As Elizabeth Dougherty of the UUnited States Patent and Trademark Officereminded attendees this morning: commitment to innovation has been part of our national DNA since the Constitution itself. South Carolina is honoring that legacy: the state now generates more than 1,300 patents annually, with more than 26,000 attributed to state inventors over time. That number will keep growing.

Our founder Douglas Kim hosted the event as the Immediate Past Chair of IInnoVision Awards Organizationalong with attorney Hunter Freeman who currently serves as Chair of the organization. We're grateful to play a role in celebrating the innovators shaping this state's future. InnoVision has spent 27 years recognizing South Carolina's most groundbreaking companies and individuals, and the 2026 call for entries is officially open through May 31.

If you or someone you know is doing innovative work in South Carolina, we encourage you to apply. 👉 innovisionawards.org

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03/27/2026

Some brands are recognized at first sight. Others...at first scent.

In 2024, Crayola became registered a sensory trademark (U.S. Reg. No. 7,431,203) for that unmistakable smell. Unlike traditional trademarks that protect logos or brand names, a sensory mark protects something you experience, like a scent.

That’s right – some trademarks aren’t just seen...they’re experienced.

The official description? “Reminiscent of a slightly earthy soap with pungent, leather-like clay undertones.” Unofficially? Smells like childhood, in a box.

So, the next time that familiar scent takes you back...remember that’s not just nostalgia. That’s a trademark.

03/26/2026

This morning, Kim, Lahey & Killough’s Doug Kim presented at the Upstate SC Alliance Coffee & Conversations: "AI: Real Risks, Real Rewards: Harness the Power Before It Harnesses You" Upstate SC Alliance

03/19/2026

03/18/2026

Innovation is always in play – even during . 🏀

As fans fill out brackets and cheer for buzzer beaters, know that inventors helped shape the game of basketball itself.

In 1929, inventor George L. Pierce received U.S. Patent No. 1,718,305 for a basketball design. A few years later, in 1936, inventor Alvie E. Sandeberg made improvements to the basketball goal with U.S. Patent No. 2,053,635.

From the ball to the basket, innovation is always part of the starting lineup.