On Monday, November 21, 2022, the United States Supreme Court granted a petition for a writ of certiorari in Jack Daniel's Properties, Inc. v. VIP Products LLC. The lawsuit seeks to clarify whether VIP's Jack Daniel's themed dog-toys are protected from trademark infringement claims due to VIP's First Amendment interest in using Jack Daniel's trademarks on the toys.
Articles Posted in Trademark Law
Netflix Sues “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical” Creators for Trademark and Copyright Infringement
Netflix filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the creators of "The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical" on Friday, July 29, 2022, alleging trademark and copyright infringement.
Fox Sports Sued for United States Football League Trademark Infringement
On Monday, February 28, 2022, Fox Sports, Inc. was sued for trademark infringement by The Real USFL, LLC, in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California. The lawsuit claims that Fox Sports, Inc.'s United States Football League "is an unabashed counterfeit."
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Intellectual Property, Trademark Law
Snap Takes Trademark Battle Over “Spectacles” to Federal Court
Snap argues that the name "Spectacles" qualifies for protection because consumers have begun to associate the name with its product, but the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office has consistently disagreed.
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Intellectual Property, Trademark Law
Coachella Music Festival Scores Victory in Trademark Infringement Claim
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against an advertiser of a New Year's Eve outdoor music festival near the site of the famous Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. This prevents the event from being advertised under its current name, due to potential consumer confusion.
Cleveland Baseball Team Faces Trademark Lawsuit Over New Name
A roller derby team known as the Guardians argues that the Cleveland MLB team knowingly chose the same name as a replacement for their traditional but racially insensitive name.
Amazon and YETI Teaming Up Against Alleged Counterfeiters
YETI is the latest company to join Amazon's crackdown on counterfeiters with a joint lawsuit filed in the United States District Court the Western District of Washington.
Posted in:
Intellectual Property, Trademark Law
ASU Sues Facebook Over Instagram Account Promoting “COVID-19 Parties” on Campus
The Arizona Board of Regents is suing in federal court to shut down an Instagram account that uses ASU trademarks in spreading misinformation about the coronavirus.
Supreme Court Issues Key Trademark Decision, Expanding Scope of Eligibility
The Court determined that internet companies can trademark the combination of a generic word and ".com" if the combination has acquired a secondary meaning.
Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Epic Games, Inc. in Trademark Lawsuit Concerning a Fortnite Dance Emote
On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, Judge John Padova, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, ruled mostly in favor of Epic Games, Inc. in a lawsuit involving the Fortnite dance emote "Phone It In." Judge Padova granted Epic Games, Inc.'s motion to dismiss concerning plaintiff Leo Pellegrino's causes of action concerning the following claims: (1) unauthorized use of name or likeness; (2) misappropriation of publicity; (3) invasion of privacy by misappropriation of identity; (4) unjust enrichment; (5) unfair competition; (6) trademark infringement under Pennsylvania common law; and (7) trademark dilution under the Lanham Act. However, Judge Padova ruled that plaintiff's claim for trademark infringement under the Lanham Act could proceed.
