IPNews® – A New York jury has ordered Monster Beverage Corp. to pay $1.7 million to the Beastie Boys over a copyright infringement issue. According to the lawsuit filed by the Brooklyn-based band, the energy drink manufacturer’s use of their songs for an online video was unauthorized. Monster has said it will appeal the verdict.
To continue reading, click: Beastie Boys Win $1.7 Million in Copyright Infringement Case Against Monster
IPNews® – The owners of California Chrome, the horse many are hoping will win the coveted Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes come June 7th, have filed to trademark the winning racehorse’s name. A couple of horses came close to winning the Triple Crown in recent years, but ended up disappointing their owners.
If California Chrome does take the prize, he will be the first to do so in 36 years. To continue reading, click: California Chrome’s Owners File to Trademark Horse’s Name
IPNews® – Nearly eight years after it seemed that Sony’s foray into robotics was over, the Japanese electronics giant has filed a patent application in the field.
The focus of this patent is not the robot itself, but a self-diagnostic software system for cameras which can differentiate between a scratch and dust on a camera lens by comparing multiple camera images. Apart from being able to complete simple tasks such as cleaning, the patent cites medical uses related to an aging population. To continue reading, click: Sony Seeks Patent Related to Household Robots
IPNews® – A battle is brewing between Apple and Swatch over use of the name iWatch.
Rumors are continuing to swirl that Apple will soon launch a line of wearable tech under the iWatch trademark. However, the Swiss manufacturer is not amused due to its own long-standing use of its similar iSwatch trademark. To continue reading, click: Swatch May Fight Apple’s ‘iWatch’ to Prevent Trademark Confusion
IPNews® – The scuffle between two U.S. automakers over the use of the trademark “Model E” has ended, leaving Ford the apparent victor and Tesla looking for a new name for its forthcoming model.
While USPTO records show that Tesla moved to voluntarily abandon its applications for the trademark on April 21, it appears that Ford has no intention of letting its application go. With the Tesla “Model E” no longer an option, car enthusiasts are left speculating as to the new name of the soon-to-debut car. To continue reading, click: Tesla Ends Fight for “Model E” Trademark
IPNews® – Google’s expansion into wearable technology has delved even deeper, as a recently filed patent indicates its plans for a futuristic camera-equipped contact lens.
The purported camera technology would be controlled by a person’s eye movements, such as a gaze or blinking patters, and would be housed in a material no thicker than a traditional contact lens. The surfacing of this most recent patent filing comes on the heels of Google’s release of its Glass product, which is currently being sold for $1,500 a pair. To continue reading, click: New Patent Filings Suggest Google May Have its Sights Set on Smart Contacts
IPNews® – A series of efforts by Apple to include protection of its central “Apple” trademark in connection with watches and jewelry internationally is fueling reports that the company is close to releasing an iWatch.
Interestingly, the tech giant has yet to file for Class 014 goods in America. This has failed to curb the speculation of Apple fans, however, who continue to insist on Apple’s impending plans to launch the much-anticipated wearable technology device. To continue reading, click: New Trademark Filing Gives Glimpse into Apple’s Plans for Watches
IPNews® – A federal jury has found both Apple and Samsung liable to each other for patent infringement.
The result of this particular bout is one of many in the ongoing war between Apple and Samsung, with many speculating that it will have little effect on the overall contest for market share control between the two. As they battle it out over the $300 billion global smartphone market, Samsung remains a strong leader with an impressive 31% share, compared to Apple’s 17%. To continue reading, click: Recent Patent Ruling Likely Won’t Phase Apple or Samsung
IPNews® – Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman is in a legal fight with Nike.
The Ex-San Diego Chargers player filed a trademark lawsuit against Nike, alleging that the company’s new “Lights Out” campaign infringes on his decades old nickname. Nike has yet to respond to the allegations. To continue reading, click: Former NFL Star Shawne Merriman Takes on Nike Over Use of “Lights Out” Trademark
IPNews® – Boeing has a patent for technology that can overtake planes mid-flight from the ground, disabling access to power controls for anyone onboard the aircraft.
The patent, which was granted to Boeing years ago, evidences the company’s possession of technology that many have thought to be non-existent. With the missing Malaysia Airlines plane, some are suggesting that remote takeover is a possibility. To continue reading, click: Boeing Autopilot Patent Questioned in Missing Malaysia Flight MH370