In this issue, we discuss the increasing importance of import tariffs and the need to review supplier contracts, the benefits of dual protection for logos, and a recent trademark case where Pepperdine sued Warner Bros. We also discuss securing copyright ownership in employee-created works and work-for-hire agreements.
Read MoreIdentifying a businesses’ core intellectual property (IP) is not always as easy. Each type of intellectual property (IP) has its own quirks that can sometimes have surprising consequences for determining ownership. This article discusses common problems with copyright ownership and offers tips and solutions for avoiding copyright ownership problems in the future.
Read MoreTraditionally, product or brand-placement within a TV series or movie—think Spielberg’s E.T. and Reese’s Piecescandies—requires a license or agreement with the brand to avoid legal issues arising out of trademark. But that’s not always the case. As Pepperdine and Duke have learned in recent months, the intersection of the 1st Amendment with the Lanham Act is a completely different matter.
Read MoreSix steps to better brand protection: avoid trademark scams, protect products from knockoffs, consider “Brand Gating” for online sales with Amazon’s platform, police the market to monitor your trademark, create enforcement policies for intellectual property, and take social media infringement and dilution seriously.
Read MoreProtecting a logo with a copyright registration in addition to trademark registration provides the owner with several advantages including two separate causes of action, enhanced statutory damages, greater chance of recovering attorney’s fees, an easier burden of proof to prevail, and potential to recover two separate statutory damage awards. Read for a discussion of logo and copyright law.
Read MoreAs the proverbial curse provides, “May you live in interesting times.” We now live in such interesting times. Import tariffs, which have not been something that many suppliers or customers have focused on, may be an increasing part of our lives. With the significant increase in import tariffs, the contracts that govern relationships between suppliers and customers will become ever important.
Read MoreLogos can be independently protected by copyright and trademark law. Read this article for a discussion of the benefits of and the strategies for dual protection of trademark and copyright registration for logos as well as some thoughts on the nature of copyrights and logos.
Read MoreRead for a discussion of international patent law on a country-by-country and regional basis. This article includes an analysis of patent requirements in various countries and provides insights on commonalities and differences between countries. Navigate the complexities of international patent law.
Read MoreA federal court has ordered OpenAI to turn over employee messages sent via personal social media accounts, raising complex questions about how social media and privacy are treated in workplace-related litigation.
Read MoreThe TTAB has dismissed Panera’s trademark opposition to Paneralux, ruling no confusion, dilution, or false connection. A key decision for brand owners.
Read MoreThe Sony Music Whitney Houston lawsuit over unpaid licensing fees for 24 recordings used in I Wanna Dance with Somebody has been settled. The lawsuit, dismissed with prejudice, claimed the producers failed to pay despite a licensing agreement.
Read MoreBefore creating holiday-themed promotions, research St. Patrick’s Day trademarks. Protect your business by understanding trademark rights and legal use.
Read MoreA trademark dispute between U.S. pop star Katy Perry and Australian designer Katie Perry has led to a significant appellate court ruling. Learn how prior use, brand recognition, and legal strategy influenced the outcome of the Katy Perry lawsuit.
Read MoreStay informed on the latest FinCEN Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) reporting requirements for 2025. Understand what information businesses must report, recent legal challenges, and how to ensure compliance amid ongoing court rulings.
Read MoreUnderstanding how to trademark a logo is essential for protecting your brand’s identity and legal rights. Learn the key steps, from conducting a thorough search to filing with the USPTO, while avoiding common pitfalls. Secure your logo’s exclusivity and strengthen your brand’s legal foundation with the right approach.
Read MoreA number of our clients doing business with companies in foreign countries have run into trouble policing their trademark rights and in some cases, lost ownership to a trademark. Generally, this happens in countries that follow the “first to file” trademark law without a requirement of actual use in commerce. Read for steps how to reduce these trademark ownership dangers.
Read MoreHow do I protect my new recipe? Trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, patents, and possibly other forms of intellectual property law can be used to protect food creations and recipes. Read for a discussion of the best type of IP to use based on what aspect of the recipe that you are trying to protect. Also access our Intellectual Property Quick Reference Guide.
Read MoreThe Lizzie Magie Monopoly patent story reveals a hard truth—ideas alone hold little value without execution. While she patented The Landlord’s Game, it was Charles Darrow who transformed it into Monopoly and reaped the rewards. This article explores the role of patents, business acumen, and innovation in determining the true worth of an idea.
Read MoreThe death of OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji raises suspicions as his parents claim his private autopsy contradicts official reports. Will his revelations impact the pending copyright lawsuits against OpenAI?
Read MoreOur 2024 IP Law Year in Review delivers insights into last year’s most significant intellectual property developments. From major trademark disputes and AI-driven copyright challenges to shifts in patent strategy and business litigation, this eBook unpacks key legal changes shaping the industry. Stay informed—download now.
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