I once spent 20 minutes trying to figure out whether I was installing a metal insert for an NYMÖ lamp upside down, or rightside up. I’m still not sure I ever installed it correctly, but it’s still working. So there. But a new IKEA översittare is getting a lot of attention on the internet, and
Bullying
Coffee is for Closers, Not for Brewers
By Tim Sitzmann on
Posted in Famous Marks, Food, Genericide, Infringement, Social Media, Trademark Bullying, Trademarks
When life gives you a cease and desist letter, make lemonade. Or, depending on your profession, maybe some beer. That’s what Jeff Britton, owner of the Exit 6 Pub and Brewery in Cottleville, Missouri chose to do after receiving a cease and desist letter on behalf of Starbucks.
The owner penned a humorous response…
Breaking Bad News for Breaking Bad Fans
By Tim Sitzmann on
Posted in Advertising, Branding, Dilution, Fair Use, Food, Goodwill, Infringement, Marketing, Mixed Bag of Nuts, Television, Trademarks
When I was eight I had a perfect plan to create a multi-million dollar business: a company that sold pet turtle kits that came with miniature nunchucks, swords, and ninja costumes. Back then though it was more difficult to tap into Angel networks and, although great friends, my core group of investors unfortunately turned out…
The MPAA and the Midwives, and Other Cautionary Tales
By Tim Sitzmann on
Posted in Copyrights, Fair Use, First Amendment, Infringement, Law Suits, Social Media, Trademark Bullying, Trademarks
As we all know, The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has long taken an active role in the debate regarding the advantages and disadvantages of traditional midwifery and modern medical views regarding childbirth. That’s what Rosemary’s Baby was all about, right? Well, the MPAA filed an amicus brief yet again in a lawsuit between…
A Discussion on Bullying, and Not of the Trademark Kind
By Duets Guest Blogger on
Posted in Marketing, Trademark Bullying
There’s been a lot of talk on DuetsBlog about trademark bullies. Some of this may apply, but I’m talking about the bullies that leave uncalled-for comments and “intrude” on your social space.
The consensus, more often than not, is that as a business, you must reply (in hopes that you can display your ability…