Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Indie publisher Chooseco files suit against Netflix in federal court alleging infringement of its "Choose Your Own Adventure" trademark, which is used on the classic interactive children’s book series. Chooseco alleges that Netflix failed to license its use in the streamer's latest interactive feature, Black Mirror: … [Read more...] about Legal Updates: Netflix/Chooseco, Rihanna, Sears & More
Licensing Law
M&A & CSR
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Apple nabs the rights to the late Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts brand following a highly competitive bidding process. The deal will see Apple team with DHX, which already has a stake in the Peanuts franchise, to produce upcoming projects, including new specials and animated shorts, exclusively for Apple TV. Under the new … [Read more...] about M&A & CSR
M&A & Legal: Fashion, Trade & Counterfeit
Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. VF Corp. names the new independent, publicly traded company that has been spun off from its jeanswear organization as Kontoor Brands. The separation will be completed in the first half of 2019 and the entity will comprise the Wrangler, Lee, and Rock & Republic brands as well as the VF Outlet business. Marquee Brands … [Read more...] about M&A & Legal: Fashion, Trade & Counterfeit
Pioneering a Fresh Approach to IP Rights in China
By Yizan He, CEO of Alfilo Brands, yzh@alfilo.com. Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. Landmark Western cultural institutions are increasing their presence in the Middle Kingdom. Following the successful launch of its e-commerce initiative this summer, The British Museum recently opened its first physical shop in China with the help of its exclusive official … [Read more...] about Pioneering a Fresh Approach to IP Rights in China
Legal Watch: Sporting Goods & Apparel; Toys & Games
Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. CrossFit and Reebok settle their litigation-related licensing disputes and "look forward to continuing their work together as partners mutually dedicated to improving individual health and fitness globally." In 2010, the companies entered into a 10-yr. licensing and sponsorship agreement where Reebok would act as the title … [Read more...] about Legal Watch: Sporting Goods & Apparel; Toys & Games
Roundup: M&A & Legal
Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. Spanish soccer league LaLiga and Relevent, a multinational media, sports and entertainment group, craft a 15 year-long, equal joint venture to promote soccer in the U.S. and Canada. LaLiga will bring the first regular season clubs match to the U.S., dubbed LaLiga North America. LaLiga North America is LaLiga's exclusive … [Read more...] about Roundup: M&A & Legal
Retail & Legal Tracker
U.S. retailers are stocking up on merchandise in advance of potential tariffs on Chinese imports, according to the National Retail Federation’s latest monthly Global Tracker report. The number of cargo containers to be received at U.S. ports that are forecasted for July and August would each set new records for the number of containers imported in a single month; the first half … [Read more...] about Retail & Legal Tracker
Counterfeit Goods & China
China's top court rules in favor of Christian Dior, overturning two rulings by lower courts and admonishing the local trademark office for rejecting an application by the French fashion house to register a perfume bottle trademark. The Trademark Review and Adjudication Board wrongly rejected a 2015 application by Dior to register a trademark of its teardrop-shaped J’adore … [Read more...] about Counterfeit Goods & China
M&A & Legal
Striker Entertainment strikes a first-look television development deal with Blumhouse Television. Striker will join Blumhouse in developing franchises around existing brands, video games, and consumer products—including a potential film based on indie horror video game Five Nights at Freddy's. Adaptive Studios acquires the Zane Grey literary estate. The media venture plans to … [Read more...] about M&A & Legal
M&A, Experiential & Legal
Universal Brand Development and Film Concerts Live! launch Jurassic World in Concert; the world premiere features the National Symphony Orchestra performing the complete Jurassic World score live as the 2015 movie is projected in HD onto a massive screen. The opening night will take place on May 30 with a special concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. This is a … [Read more...] about M&A, Experiential & Legal