Local Resident Patents "Sourdough," Shuts Down Corner Bakery

After a six-month review process, the patent office confirmed Tuesday that Harlan Brice of 14 Elm Street has been granted exclusive rights to the term "sourdough" in commercial food applications within a 12-mile radius. The Riverside Bakery, which had operated under that name for 23 years, was served with a cease-and-desist the same afternoon.

Brice, who does not bake, described the filing as "a forward-thinking IP strategy." The bakery has since rebranded as "The Bread Place." Longtime customers say the croissants are unchanged and they don't want to talk about it.