shampoo.jpgIPNews®  – Sally Beauty Supply LLC settled a trademark infringement case Thursday, agreeing to pay $8.5 million in damages.

Mixed Chicks LLC, a provider of hair care products to those of mixed nationality, filed a complaint claiming that Sally Beauty had infringed on its trademark and trade dress.  The company claims that the infringement began shortly after talks of selling the Mixed Chicks line at Sally Beauty Supply went south.

To continue reading, click: Sally Beauty Pays $8.5 Million in Trademark Infringement Settlement

dna-strand.jpgIPNews® – In a case involving Myriad Genetics, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether human genes are patentable. 

The Biotechnology giant claims that without patent protection for its discoveries, it would be unable to find investors to fund life saving research.  Those against the patenting of human genes claim that it restricts clinical research and limits patient access to care.

To continue reading, click: U.S. Supreme to decide if human genes are patentable

bird_crow.jpgIPNews®  – A California Federal Judge granted the owner of the popular “Angry Birds” brand an injunction against a California-based toy company.

Rovio, the owner of the “Angry Birds” franchise, accused Royal Plush of infringement, unfair competition, and unjust enrichment.  Rovio claimed that the toys made by Royal Plush were so similar to their own toys that consumers would not be able to tell the difference.  To continue reading, click: “Angry Birds” Toy Counterfeiter Slapped with Injunction

domain-name-http- www.jpgIPNews® – 132 domain names were seized yesterday by US and European Government Officials. 

The Cyber Monday crackdown has been growing since its inception in 2010 and targets websites that attempt to con consumers into buying counterfeit goods.  Though most of the websites are based overseas, two Southern California-based websites were also seized.

To continue reading, click: 132 Websites Seized for Selling Counterfeit Goods During Cyber Monday Crackdown

software.jpgIPNews®  – Patent Chief Dave Kappos made a speech recently negating claims from Google and other critics about the dire state of the software patents.

General counsel for Google claimed that holes in the system are quashing creativity in high-tech firms.  He, and many other critics, are calling upon the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to reform the system, but Kappos does not seem to think there is an issue.

To continue reading, click: Patent Chief Defends System Against Google and Other Critics

football.jpgIPNews® – Texas A&M freshman QB Johnny Manziel is working to trademark his “Johnny Football” nickname but he was beaten to the punch. 

Kenneth R. Reynolds Family Investments has already applied for the “Johnny Football” trademark for use in relation to athletic wear, footballs, and video games.  Due to NCAA rules, even if Johnny Manziel is able to get the trademark he will not be able to use it in commerce for more than three years since he is still playing college football.  To continue reading, click: Johnny Manziel Fights to Trademark his Popular Nickname 

concert.jpgIPNews® – The Federal Circuit recently upheld a TTAB decision refusing an attempt to cancel three VILLAGE PEOPLE trademarks.

The wife and agent of former Village People frontman Victor Willis filed petitions to cancel the three trademark registrations.  Two of the trademark registrations were for live music and one was for recorded music.  To continue reading, click: Former Frontman Fights for VILLAGE PEOPLE Trademark

motorola-cellphone.jpgIPNews® – In a case in the U.S. District Court in Seattle, a federal judge will determine what constitutes a reasonable royalty rate for patents that have become an industry standard.  

The case, which begins Tuesday, was initiated this month when Microsoft filed a lawsuit against Motorola claiming that Motorola failed to provide use of its patents at a reasonable royalty rate.  The technology at issue concerns online-video and wireless technologies.  To continue reading, click: Judge to Decide Reasonable Royalty Rates for Essential, Industry-Standard Patents

cell phone closeup-offset.jpgIPNews® – Apple and HTC have ended their near three-year patent infringement battle with a confidential, ten-year licensing agreement.

The agreement will reportedly cover all current and future patents held by both companies.  The eagerness to strike deals with other tech companies seems to be a new philosophy that came with its new CEO, Tim Cook.  To continue reading, click: Apple v. HTC Patent Infringement Battle Finally Over

apple-store.jpgIPNews® – Apple Inc. was recently ordered to pay $368.2 million to VirnetX by a Tyler, Texas federal jury in a patent infringement case. 

The claims made by VirnetX against Apple alleged that various Apple devices supporting the popular Face Time application infringe on four of its patents relating to technology that creates a secure mechanism for communicating over the Internet.  As a result of the settlement against Apple, stock shares for VirnetX were up 28%, the largest one-day increase since 2009.  To continue reading, click: Apple Ordered to Pay $368.2 Million in Patent Infringement Settlement