Welcome back to the latest installment in IP news—this week, with international flair. Spain is the latest nation to make a big splash in the news over its IP laws. Last year, the country created a commission to help protect content creators from revenues lost due to illegal downloading; however, the “Sinde Law,” as it [...]
Posted in Copyright, Entertainment, Patents, Unfair Competition on March 26, 2013
Apple and Superman… you’ve seen these stories before. But that’s the nature of the law—cases take a long time, and appeals can take even longer. IP law is no exception. You know that if Apple isn’t in the news, the week may as well not have happened. Apple still looks to be the winner over Samsung, although [...]
Posted in Internet, Patents, Trademarks, Unfair Competition on March 6, 2013
We’re back with your latest dose of IP news. This week is largely about sports and social media. Under Armour is suing Nike for infringement of Under Armour’s slogan “I will… protect this house.” Nike has recently been using the phrase “I Will” in various promotional materials. Under Armour’s complaint alleges that Nike’s use of [...]
Posted in Copyright, Entertainment, Patents on February 27, 2013
Sherlock, Tiffany, Martha… whether a character, a brand, a person, or some combination thereof, the news this week is about folks you recognize from their first names only. Is Sherlock Holmes a copyrightable character, or is he in the public domain? The famed detective first appeared on the literary scene in 1887, so it seems [...]
Posted in Copyright, Entertainment, Patents, Uncategorized, Unfair Competition on January 28, 2013
As we’re almost finished with January already, our IP docket is filling up. Is referring to your product as “the most brilliant” mere puffery, or a false claim? Zale Corporation, known for the Zales jewelry stores, is being sued by the parent company of Jared and Kay Jewelers based on this question. The jeweler recently began [...]
Posted in Copyright, Entertainment, Internet, Patents, Trademarks on December 5, 2012
It sometimes seems like many of our stories have common facts as their basis. There are lessons here. Don’t use music you haven’t purchased (particularly when you’re a big, highly visible company). And don’t sell counterfeit goods. Simple, right? The Black Keys have been busy – not only promoting their wildly-successful latest album, El Camino, [...]
Posted in Copyright, Entertainment, Internet, Patents, Trademarks on November 19, 2012
Candy, beer, and Apple… There’s a bit of a food and drink theme in IP news this week. Who’s hungry? Chocolate or gummi bears? That question is facing a German court this week. Not which candy they prefer, but whether there is trademark infringement relating to a gold bear. Gummi candy maker Haribo makes a [...]
