IPNews® – In a $550 million agreement, Facebook has purchased the rights to 650 patents that Microsoft recently acquired from the flailing America Online (AOL).
Although Facebook becomes the owner of the patents, Microsoft will retain a license to the patents as well, allowing Microsoft the ability to use the technology in the future. The patent deal allows Facebook to bolster its patent portfolio as it approaches its IPO. To continue reading, click: Facebook Purchases More Patents
IPNews® – Apple Computer is being sued for patent infringement over its touch technology.
Attorneys for FlatWorld Interactives, a Pennsylvania company that designs touchscreen systems used in museum displays, claim that Apple knowingly infringed on FlatWorld’s patent. The company is seeking injunctive relief from the alleged infringement as well as unspecified monetary damages. To continue reading, click: Apple Sued Over Touch Technology
IPNews® – The singing/rap duo LMFAO has recently filed four new trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in which its reveals what the acronym of its name stands for.
The band’s original applications for LMFAO in 2008 were refused by an examining attorney claiming that the trademark concerns “immoral, deceptive, or scandalous matter.” To continue reading, click: LMFAO Files Trademark Applications Again
IPNews® – In response to being sued by Apple for patent infringement related to its Galaxy tablet, this week Samsung Electronics filed a counterclaim against Apple in the Northern District of California alleging that Apple is infringing on eight of its own patents.
The two sparring tablet companies are involved in separate patent litigation matters outside the United States as well. To continue reading, click: Samsung Fires Back at Apple
IPNews® – The Department of Commerce has released a report which details just how important a role intellectual property has played in the U.S. economy.
The report also states that patent infringement, trademark infringement and copyright infringement in China alone costs the U.S. economy $50 billion per year and jeopardizes 2.1 million jobs. To continue reading, click: IP and the U.S. Economy
IPNews® – A California business owner has filed a trademark application for “I Believe You Zimmerman,” in regard to George Zimmerman, the man who shot to death Florida teenager Trayvon Martin.
Lawrence Sekara of San Francisco said he plans to use the trademark on merchandise such as beer mugs, bumper stickers, and apparel and claims that he will donate a portion of the proceeds to Zimmerman himself. Zimmerman, who says he was acting in self-defense, will be charged in the teen’s death. To continue reading, click: I Believe You Zimmerman Trademark
IPNews® – Mobile phone-maker Nokia has filed a patent application with the USPTO for a vibrating tattoo that could communicate with your cellular phone.
The magnetic tattoo would be a receiver to magnetic waves being transmitted by the cellular phone, notifying the tattoo wearer whenever a call, text, or email alert was coming through. According to the patent application, the vibrating sensations felt from the tattoo could be customized according to the identity of the person trying to reach you. To continue reading, click: Vibrating Tattoo Patent
IPNews® – Justin.tv, the online video streaming service that airs broadcasts of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, scored a partcial victory on summary judgment in a trademark and copyright case it has been battling.
The lawsuit, filed by Zuffa LLC, contends that Justin.tv is guilty of trademark infringement in addition to copyright infringement because items such as the UFC logos were featured on the online broadcasts without Zuffa’s authorization. The court dismissed several of the trademark claims as being duplicative of the copyright claims. To continue reading, click: Justin.tv Scores Win
IPNews® – Broadcom was recently granted a permanent injunction against Emulex for infringing on two of its U.S. patents.
The Southern California based companies have settled on damages and a sunset period has been set to discontinue sales. Emulex has initiated a redesign and will pay royalties to Broadcom on all of the infringing products sold until the sunset period ends. To continue reading, click Broadcom Gets Permanent Injunction.
IPNews® – Oprah Winfrey was able to convince a judge that she is not guilty of stealing the trademarked phrase ‘Own Your Power’ as it was used on the cover of her O Magazine.
The lawsuit, filed by life coach and business owner Simone Kelly-Brown, alleged that Winfrey infringed her trademark by featuring the phrase on the cover of O Magazine and was attempting to combine the trademarked “O” with Kelly-Brown’s own trademark to create a likelihood of confusion. To continue reading, click Oprah Victorious in Trademark Battle.