IPNews® – Ohio State recently opposed the University of Oklahoma’s trademark application of a drum major image which contains the block letter “O.”
Both universities’ actively use the block “O” in relation to sporting events and on apparel. Ohio State claims that it has been using the block “O” since 1898 and the university has registered three trademarks for different versions of the “O.” To continue reading, click: Ohio State Files an Opposition to Block Oklahoma’s “O” Trademark
IPNews® – A San Francisco brewery recently released an ad featuring a new beer with a logo similar to the In-N-Out Burger logo.
The brewery also tagged the Burger company in the promotional post. In-N-Out responded with a tongue in cheek cease-and-desist letter response that gained a lot of social media attention. To continue reading, click: In-N-Out Burger Sends a Clever Trademark Cease-and-Desist Letter to a Brewery
IPNews® – Billy Goat Tavern defeated a motion to dismiss in its trademark infringement lawsuit against Billy Goat Chip Company for using the trademarked “Billy Goat” name. Billy Goat Tavern is expanding its goods and has run into problems with overlapping goods with Billy Goat Chips.
Though the chip company’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit was denied, the case is far from over. To continue reading, click: Billy Goat Chip Loses a round in Billy Goat Tavern Trademark Case
IPNews® – China has gone from being a small player in worldwide trademark filings to the second largest trademark register in the world.
China’s rate of growth is showing no signs of slowing down. It now appears that by 2020 China will overtake the U.S. to become the world’s largest trademark filer. To continue reading, click: Growth in Chinese-based Trademark Filings is Becoming a Concern
IPNews® – Walmart has recently filed a patent application which details a system that would include audio surveillance in stores.
The system is meant to improve employee performance and customer experience by recording details such as how long customers stand in line, beeps of the scanners, the rustle of bags, and even conversations. In response to privacy concerns, Walmart has stated that the system is only in the planning stages and may not become a reality. To continue reading, click: New Walmart Patent will Monitor and Record Customers and Employees
IPNews® – After two long years Gatorade has won a trademark lawsuit brought against it for the use of “Sports Fuel” in an ad campaign that Gatorade launched in 2015.
SportFuel, a small business based in Illinois, stated that Gatorade knew of the SportFuel trademark and intentionally used it in its marketing. The court determined that the SportFuel trademark lacked distinctiveness and otherwise that Gatorade’s campaign was not likely to confuse consumers. To continue reading, click: Gatorade Wins The SportFuel vs. Sports Fuel Case
IPNews® – Sesame Workshop, creators of Sesame Street, is suing the producers of the new Melissa McCarthy movie “The Happytime Murders” for trademark infringement.
Sesame claims that the film has confused consumers and has threatened the long-standing reputation of Sesame Street since it is an adult film that contains puppet related sex and violence. STX Productions claims they are confident in their legal position. To continue reading, click: Sesame Street Sues Over “No Sesame. All Street” Trademark in Movie Trailer
IPNews® – Trader Joe’s has filed an opposition against a company applying to trademark the name “Trader Schmo.”
Trader Joe’s argues that the names are too similar and will confuse consumers. Part of the reasoning for the alleged confusion is that consumers closely associate the words “Joe” and “Schmo”. To continue reading, click: Trader Joe’s Fights the Trademark Trader Schmo
IPNews® – Last week the US Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that the U.S Patent and Trademark Office’s in-house review does not violate a defendant’s right to have a case judged by a jury and federal court.
Popular tech companies are celebrating the ruling saying it will help fight patent infringement lawsuits and “patent trolls.” Others such as pharmaceutical companies aren’t as pleased with the decision. To continue reading, click: Supreme Court Approves Legality of Patent Review Process
IPNews® – LeBron James’ company is being sued by Adventure Enterprises for alleged trademark infringement of a show called “The Shop.”
The Shop is a barbershop themed show and Adventure Enterprises claims to be the originator of a very similar show called “Shop Talk”. Ironically, James was recently in the news when his company sent a cease and desist letter to the University of Alabama over its show “The Shop” warning the University about copyright infringement due to the similarly themed shows. To continue reading, click: LeBron James’ Company Sued for Trademark Infringement