We have an interesting question to answer, leading us into the holiday weekend, during which I suspect a few movies will be watched by more than a few marketing types and trademark types:
“Is it trademark infringement if a fictional company or product in a movie or television drama bears the same name or brand as a real company or product?”
For the long drawn out answer, check out Fortress Grand Corporation v. Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., decided by the U.S. District Court for the District of Indiana last week.
For the short, but delayed answer, complete with Duets flair and my personal insights and perspective on the subject, you’ll need to check back here later today — sorry for the delay.