IPNews® – Google and Apple are no strangers to each other when it comes to patent wars, but the companies are putting their differences aside to bid together on Kodak’s imaging patents.
Between the two, Apple and Google own 86.3 percent of the market for operating systems on smartphones. However, the companies have apparently decided that working together to purchase the patents makes good financial sense.
To continue reading, click: Apple and Google Join Together to Purchase Kodak Patents
IPNews® – Apple and Samsung continue their patent infringement battle today after Apple was awarded $1.05 billion by a jury in August.
Apple feels the verdict is not enough and seeks further monetary damages and a permanent injunction. Samsung, however, feels the verdict is steeper than it should be and claims that Apple’s requested injunction would limit competition and consumer choices.
To continue reading, click: Apple and Samsung Argue $1.05 Billion Patent Infringement Verdict is Unfair
IPNews® – A family feud over Bob Marley’s intellectual property ended when the family reached a private settlement Friday.
Bob Marley’s half brother, Richard Booker, has been using Marley’s legacy to promote his personal business ventures without any legal right to do so. Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Ltd., which represents Marley’s widow and children, filed a complaint against him last year when he continuously used Marley’s trademarks, name and likeness without the license to do so.
To continue reading, click: Bob Marley’s Family Settles Feud Over Late Singers Trademarks
IPNews® – 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
IPNews® – 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
IPNews® – 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
IPNews® – 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
IPNews® – 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
IPNews® – 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
IPNews® – 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