IPNews® – The Supreme Court will hear a trademark case related to the band the Slants.
The case involves whether the government should grant federal trademarks to words or phrases that can be seen as disparaging. The band claims the band name is a badge of honor and that it is fighting for its rights to free speech. To continue reading, click: Supreme Court to Decide Whether Offensive Names Can be Trademarked
IPNews® – Donald Trump Jr., son of Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump, recently posted a controversial Skittles Tweet.
The image is a white bowl full of rainbow colored Skittles. The text on the image compared Syrian refugees to deadly Skittles and after creating the controversy was removed from Twitter due to copyright infringement issues. To continue reading, click: Donald Trump Jr. Tweets a Skittles Copyright Infringement
IPNews® – ABC and Yahoo are being sued for the use a California father’s live stream of his son’s birth.
The father is stating that the companies did not have permission to use the video. ABC and Yahoo claim that the event was newsworthy and that only a small portion was used thus it was a “fair use” that did not require permission. To continue reading, click: Father Sues for Copyright Infringement After Live Streaming Baby’s Birth
IPNews® – Walmart has filed for a patent that might bring your shopping cart to life.
The patent involves technology that would allow your shopping cart to drive itself and answer your questions while you focus on shopping. While likely to improve the shopping experience, the technology is expected to decrease the staffing required for each store. To continue reading, click: Walmart Seeks Patent for Robo-Shopping Cart
IPNews® – The owners of famous feline Grumpy Cat filed a lawsuit against its coffee maker licensee Grenade Beverage.
The lawsuit claims that Grenade used the famous Grumpy Cat images and trademark on t-shirts without authorization. The lawsuit also alleges that Grenade did not give Grumpy Cat LLC a percentage of the Grumppuccino profits or provide sales and profit numbers. To continue reading, click: Grumpy Cat Sues Grenade Beverage for Copyright Infringement
IPNews® – A recently published patent application by Apple covers technology allowing devices to record and transmit biometric data on unauthorized users.
The recorded information, such as fingerprints and photos, could be used to identify and help prosecute thieves. Though likely to appear in upcoming Apple products, the timing of the release is uncertain. To continue reading, click: Apple Patent Will Deter Theft of Devices by Taking Photos, Videos and Fingerprints
IPNews® – In response to a new razor design by Edgewell Personal Care Co, Proctor and Gamble has filed a lawsuit through its subsidiary The Gillette Company.
Gillette argues false advertising over Edgewell’s claim that the razor shaves as good or better than Gillette’s Mach3 razor. The lawsuit also claims patent infringement, unfair competition, and deceptive acts and practices. To continue reading, click: Proctor and Gamble Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Versus Shaving Rival
IPNews® – A federal judge has ruled that Solid Oaks, a tattoo artist company, cannot seek statutory damages or attorney’s fees in its copyright infringement lawsuit.
The lawsuit was brought against Take-Two Interactive Software and 2K Games over the use of the tattoos in video games starting in 2013. Take-Two claims the use qualifies as fair use and is de minimis. To continue reading, click: Statutory Copyright Damages Not Available in Lebron James Tattoo Lawsuit
IPNews® – Hamburger chain Tasty Burger claims Chipotle has violated its trademark rights with its new chain Tasty Made.
Both companies also use a red banner with white text as part of the logo. Though Tasty Burger sent a cease and desist letter with no response, Tasty Burger CEO said he will continue to work to protect the company’s trademark. To continue reading, click: Tasty Burger Chain Claims Chipotle Has Infringed its Trademark
IPNews® – After a judge rules that an animal cannot own a copyright, PETA has filed an appeal. PETA’s case seeks to grant a monkey a copyright for a photo he took with a nature photographer’s camera. Currently the photo is seen as existing in the public domain.
To continue reading, click: PETA Files Appeal in Monkey Selfie Case