cigarette.jpgIPNews® – Lorillard announced last week that it was successful in its trademark infringement lawsuit against the makers of a synthetic cannabis product sold under the name Newprot.

The owners of the Newport trademark filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court against Majdi and Mohammad Adujamous, who own three Tobacco Zone stores in Richmond Virginia.  U.S. District Court Judge John Gibney ruled that the Newprot product caused substantial confusion among consumers who could easily conclude the two products were the same.  To continue reading, click: Newport Cigarette Makers Win Lawsuit Against Makers Of Synthetic Cannabis Product With Same Name

yoga.jpgIPNews® – Canadian yoga pants maker Lululemon has recently filed a complaint against clothing giants Calvin Klein and G-III Apparel for patent infringement. 

Lululemon is known for its high quality clothing made with unique fabric choices, proprietary blending of signature fabrics, moisture wicking and 4-way stretch materials.  The athletic apparel company currently holds at least 14 U.S. patents.  To continue reading, click: Lululemon Sues Calvin Klein And G-III Apparel For Patent Infringement

concert.jpgIPNews® – John Geils Jr. announced recently that he filed a complaint against his former band members for trademark infringement after they announced plans to tour without him. 

The J. Geils band, named after John Geils, has been together since the 1960’s and rose to fame with such 1980’s hits as “Freeze Frame” and “Centerfold”.  Geils registered the band name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in 2009, but the band claims he registered the name deceptively and without consulting them.  To continue reading, click: J. Geils Band Is Sued By Namesake For Trademark Infringement

apple-store.jpgIPNews® – Apple announced today that it was granted two new patents related to its iPhone and Apple TV products. 

The USPTO granted Apple patents for cable box technology (8,243,017) and a thinner, lighter iPhone display screen (8,243,027).  Apple hopes the two new patents help elevate the Apple experience for consumers.  To continue reading, click: Apple Awarded Two New Patents Today For Cable Box And Thinner iPhone Screen

iPad.jpgIPNews ® – Apple recently announced that it has applied for a patent to protect a new iPad smart cover.

The new patent application covers features such as a keyboard, an extra row of apps, and the ability to have special notifications appear on the cover.  The new accessory should be out in time for the 2012 Christmas shopping season.  To continue reading, click: Apple Applies to Patent New iPad Smart Cover

watch.jpgIPNews® – Rolex announced that it has recently filed a complaint against Melrose Jewelers for trademark infringement, false designations of origin, and unfair competition.

The Los Angeles jeweler is being accused of selling counterfeit products and parts through its retail stores.  Rolex is also accusing Melrose of driving consumers to its website through a series of authorized websites utilizing Rolex trademarks.  To continue reading, click: Rolex Sues Melrose Jeweler For Trademark Infringement.

hiker.jpgIPNews® – A young Missouri man has landed in court again over his parody of the North Face trademark, originally founded as an alternative to friends blindly following fashion trends. 

Jimmy Winkelmann and The South Butt were forced to drop the brand as a result of a permanent injunction handed down by a Missouri court in the first case.  Winkelmann, bolstered by a wave of publicity, then created Butt Face and again finds himself being sued for trademark infringement by North Face.  To continue reading, click: Parody company of North Face Sued For Trademark Infringement

glasses.jpgIPNews® – In a battle that spanned five years and resulted in three separate jury verdicts, Carl Zeiss Vision International has finally received a verdict which included triple damages against its rival Signet Armorlite.

The lawsuit was initiated in 2007 when Zeiss discovered that Signet was copying the technology covered by its patent for “spectacle lens with spherical front side and multifocal back side and process for production”.  The Judge recently determined that Signet was guilty of infringing on Zeiss’ patent and handed down an award of $2.05 million in damages, plus an injunction and attorneys fees.  To continue reading, click: Carl Zeiss Vision International wins triple damages against Signet Armorlite

wave.jpgIPNews® -Last week surf apparel company Hurley filed a patent infringement complaint against Old Navy. 

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, Central District of California, alleges that Old Navy copied the innovative designs of Hurley’s water shorts.  Hurley is asking for an injunction to prevent the clothing retailer from selling the offending shorts, as well as damages and attorney’s fees.  To continue reading, click: Hurley Sues Old Navy for Patent Infringement

beer-bottle-pouring.jpgIPNews® – New Ulm Brewing & Beverage Company announced this week that it has filed a trademark lawsuit against Krebs Brewing Company over the unauthorized use of its 1919 trademark.

New Ulm Brewing has been making its 1919 crafted root beer product since 1987 and trademarked the name for use with carbonated soft drinks in 2001.  After cease and desist letters yielded no results, New Ulm sued Krebs to ensure that consumers will not continue to confuse its products with the American Pale Ale alcolohic beverages with the same name.  To continue reading, click: Brewing Company Initiates Trademark Infringement Lawsuit Over 1919 Trademark