You may recall that DuetsBlog informed you in May of 2016 (here) that Beyoncé filed suit in New York federal court against a company and its owners who were using the mark Feyoncé on apparel and other products, such as mugs. She has now dismissed the lawsuit—likely based on a settlement (although the
Turn Away From Stanford’s Tree “Mascot”?
Congratulations to Stanford University’s Women’s Volleyball Team, winning the NCAA DI National Championship this past weekend in Minneapolis’ Target Center, defeating Nebraska in Set 5:
The competition was incredible, a real seesaw battle, Stanford winning Set 1 (28-26), Nebraska Set 2 (25-22), Stanford Set 3 (25-16), Nebraska Set 4 (25-15), setting up the Set 5
After Battles for Fees, Victory for Comic Con and (partially) Grumpy Cat
The battle for attorneys’ fees after an intense trademark dispute often leaves many prevailing parties empty handed. This is because the Lanham Act only provides for attorneys’ fees in “exceptional cases.” Congress’s (and courts’) reluctance to award attorneys’ fees stems from the “American Rule,” which provides that each party to a
Golden Knights Trademark Dispute Finally Resolved
Another update on my long-running series of posts following the NHL’s newest hockey team, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, and their embattled trademark applications for VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS that were filed nearly two years ago.
Most recently I posted about a challenge to the trademark applications by the U.S. Army, who opposed registration of the
Green Straws, Dots, Aprons, and Letters?
Starbucks is moving away from green straws, actually any plastic straws, to live a little more green. So, we’re unlikely to see any straw trademark filings, despite decent look-for advertising.
While Starbucks appears to have drawn the short straw at the USPTO on its efforts to federally-register a pair of green dot marks,
Uncertain Case of Google Trademark Fair Use
Aren’t digital advertising billboards amazing? My iPhone captured this rolling series of images just yesterday, for a health care organization using the Google trademark in the Minneapolis skyway:
My questions, permission, co-branding, no permission, but classic or nominative fair use?
Is Google flattered? Free advertising? Do they care? Should they care?
The Uncertain Case of Deadwood Trademarks
Last week, I enjoyed the privilege of returning to Iowa City (where it all began) for Executive Leadership Board Meetings at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. Great meetings there!
During a stroll through downtown, I was reminded of Deadwood, a legendary Iowa City tavern, so I snapped a few photos, having
Carvana and Google: Co-Branding Nirvana?
Carvana — online car dealer and operator of “a higher state of car buying” — sports a halo in its non-verbal logo shown above, but is it an angel when using the Google name and logo in t.v. ads?
In other words, is the use licensed by Google or could it
When Does My Pillow Become Your Windfall?
Mike Lindell, has built an impressive business around a pretty simple brand name and trademark:
We’ve previously written about the MyPillow trademark, noting the apparently narrow scope of rights it enjoys, as a result of the coexistence with some pretty similar marks, including this one:
Earlier this year, My Pillow filed
Patent IPRs and Allergan’s Sovereign Immunity Defense
— Jessica Gutierrez Alm, Attorney
In an age of rising healthcare costs, pharmaceutical companies can be an easy target in calls for patent reform. Patent protection helps drug manufacturers recoup their investment in developing the new drug,. It also prevents generic manufacturers from releasing the same drug formulation at lower cost. The Hatch-Waxman Act provides