PepsiCo recently made waves with its purchase of SodaStream, but the company is now making news in the food business. This time the news is all about Pepsi’s Frito-Lay division, and its mischief making Chester Cheetah and his crunchy, cheesy, Cheetos brand. Pepsi recently sent a cease and desist letter to World Peas, a
Battle Over Trademark in NOLA
The trademark ST. ROCH MARKET is at the heart of a dispute in New Orleans (aka NOLA). The City of New Orleans is battling in court with the current lessee of the building associated with the trademark.
ROCH MARKET has been associated with a popular market in New Orleans since 1875. Prior to Hurricane Katrina,
Clash of the Cups: NHL Sues Over Stanley Cup Beer Mug
Even in July, with the heat of summer still blazing, you can’t get away from ice hockey in Minnesota. However, now that the Vegas Golden Knights have settled their dispute with the U.S. Army, it was starting to look like we were running out of hockey trademark news. Thankfully, the National Hockey League came through
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,
Brands, Who Could Hang a Name on You?
Over the years, we’ve written much about trademark bullying. When the mantle fits, and when it doesn’t. When a brand has a realistic view of its rights, and when the claimed scope is bloated.
We’ve never before written about “Ruby Tuesday,” neither the Rolling Stones’ song nor the struggling restaurant chain
Is Dr. Pepper Pulling (Hawaiian) Punches in Enforcement Efforts?
On a recent shopping trip, I couldn’t help but notice some interesting brand extensions inside and outside the stores.
My encounter inside involved Burt’s Bees . The brand encompasses a wide variety of lip balms, lotions, cosmetics, and personal body care items. (pets, too). Yet I discovered a new addition to the lineup:
Paging Dr. Google, Juris Doctor — JD, That is?
North Memorial is pressing up its commitment to using the Google mark on outdoor billboards:
I have the same questions from last month for its digital campaign in the Minneapolis skyway.
And one more: Will this increased visibility result in an emergency, calling for a Juris Doctor?
Buc-ee’s Fights ‘Tooth and Nail’ For Total Texas Takedown
Recently, we have been covering updates from a trademark infringement, dilution, and unfair competition action between Buc-ee’s and Choke Canyon, two rival Texas convenience stores with endless rows of gas pumps and checkout lanes (everything’s bigger in Texas, you know; even gas stations). About a month ago, a Texas jury found that the Choke Canyon
Dog Toy Manufacturers Really Like Parodies
— Jessica Gutierrez Alm, Attorney
A dog toy display at a local pet store caught my attention recently.
I did a double take on seeing the familiar fonts, coloring, and packaging. Not long after, I happened to find these at a different pet store.
Once again, the familiar labels, coloring, and bottle designs caught my
Buc-ee’s Beaver Chomps Reptilian Competitor
About a week ago, we reported on an interesting case out of the Southern District of Texas involving two competing convenience stores with cartoon animal mascots: Buc-ee’s (a beaver) and Choke Canyon (an alligator).
As someone who has personally visited Buc-ee’s stores, I can tell you that they are quite the destination. Buc-ee’s tend to