IPNews® – A case challenging the registered Google trademark has been declined for review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The case involved whether a trademark owner should lose rights in instances when the trademark is frequently used as a verb such as in the phrase “Google it”. The Plaintiffs alleged that Google had become generic to mean search the Internet and as such it was no longer a protectible trademark. To continue reading, click: Google Wins Genericide Trademark Case
IPNews® Just in time for Halloween, a costume manufacturer company has sued Kmart over a banana suit costume.
The manufacturer is alleging that Kmart has committed copyright infringement among other claims. Because the alleged infringement ocurred after the banana suit costume copyright was registered, and the two companies had a previous relationship, Kmart is exposed to significant damages. To continue reading, click: Banana Suit Costume Sparks Scary Halloween Copyright Lawsuit
IPNews® – Jaguar Land Rover filed several trademark applications to protect its infamous automobile designs after a new threat has appeared.
Jim Ratcliffe, billionaire owner of Ineos, announced that he plans to form an automotive team to market a vehicle similar in design and appearance to the Land Rover Defender. Thus far Jaguar Land Rover is vowing to protect its design even though the vehicle was discontinued. To continue reading, click: Jaguar Files Trademark Applications to Protect Appearance of Vehicles
IPNews® – The San Diego Comic-Con trademark infringement case will move toward a trial after a recent Motion for Summary Judgment was denied.
Salt Lake Comic Con had filed the motion claiming that “Comic-Con” was a generic term and thus incapable of trademark protection. In response, San Diego Comic-Con cited a survey in which 80% of consumers thought that Comic-Con was a brand and not a generic term. To continue reading, click: Federal Judge Refuses to Dismiss San Diego Comic-Con Trademark Case
IPNews® – Starbucks has settled its trademark infringement lawsuit with New York city café The End.
The End had sued Starbucks over its colorful unicorn Frappuccino. The End filed a trademark application for UNICORN LATTE in January of this year. To continue reading, click: Starbucks Unicorn Drink Trademark Lawsuit Is Amicably Resolved
IPNews® In-N-Out Burger has filed a lawsuit against competitor Smashburger for trademark infringement.
The complaint alleges that Smashburger’s new “Triple Double” burger infringes on In-N-Out’s trademarks for “Double-Double” and “Triple Triple”. Both trademarks have been in use by In-N-Out since the 1960’s. To continue reading, click: In-N-Out Sues Smashburger for Trademark Infringement
IPNews® New Balance has achieved a significant victory in China for trademark infringement.
In a case against three knockoff Chinese companies, New Balance was awarded the largest trademark award ever to a foreign company in China. The decision comes shortly after new laws in China to curb intellectual property infringements. To continue reading, click: New Balance Wins $1.5 Million Trademark Case in China
IPNews® – Popular footwear company, Crocs, has received a third rejection of its design patent application for its popular shoe design.
Crocs’ shoe design was deemed unoriginal and there are reports that the design was already in use prior to Crocs. Apart from the setback with the patent, Crocs has also been forced to close stores due to declining sales. To continue reading, click: Crocs Denied Patent for Plastic Shoe Design
IPNews® – A businessman from Mississippi has applied to trademark the “N” word in an attempt to transform the word away from a racial slur.
Curtis Bordenave wants us to redefine the word and instead give it a positive meaning. Others are filing similar trademarks for similar reasons including an application for the swastika symbol. To continue reading, click: Mississippi Business Man Files Trademark for “N” word
IPNews® – A pierogi is at the center of a trademark battle in Pennsylvania. One pierogi festival claims trademark infringement, while the other claims there are no grounds for consumer confusion. After legal action was threatened by Pierogi Fest, the Edwardsville Pierogi Festival filed a federal complaint.
To continue reading, click: Pierogi Fest Trademark Battle Heats Up