While trademark infringement is the headliner for claims brought under the Lanham Act, the law also precludes false advertising and unfair competition. Most states also have laws addressing deceptive trade practices addressing similar misconduct by advertisers. Recently one consumer sued MillerCools under these laws, claiming he had been deceived into purchasing Fosters beer, thinking the
Liquor
Jager Fears the Deer: Brand Refresh Turns Into Battle
-Martha Engel, Attorney
The word “Jägermeister” conjures up memories (or maybe lapses in memory) for many. I have only had the German liqueur in the beautiful blue-collar town of Milwaukee, WI – home of my college alma mater. While you would never catch me ordering the liqueur, I was fascinated by the cool and well-lit…
The USPTO Says “Yes” But the TTB Says “No” To LSD
-Martha Engel, Attorney
Government approval of commercial speech has been a hot topic of discussion by trademark nerds here and elsewhere in light of recent decisions regarding the Redskins and The Slants marks. As those decisions proceed up through the appeal channels to the Supreme Court, attention has been drawn to whether or not a…
Consent or Not, No Trademark Registration for Brewer’s TIME TRAVELER BLONDE Mark
-Martha Engel, Attorney
When an application has been refused registration in view of another’s prior filed mark, one way to resolve the issue is through a consent agreement wherein the registrant consents to the registration and the parties set out the reasons why the parties believe that there is no likelihood of consumer confusion between…
Targeting an Old Liquor Store
When I moved from Minnesota to Wisconsin to go to college, among the local customs that I had to get acclimated to were the revulsion against the word “pop” for carbonated beverages named “soda;” hearing classmates say “I just need to find the time machine” when they meant an ATM branded with Tyme; and the…
What is Maker’s Mark’s Mark?
–Sharon Armstrong, Attorney
Last Friday, a federal court in Kentucky ruled that Fortune Brands, the maker of Maker’s Mark bourbon, enjoys exclusive rights in the dripping wax seal that adorns each bottle of the spirit. (You can read about the case in earlier stages in Dan’s post, here.). Fortune had sued Diageo, another beverage …