By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief New trademark filings by Kanye West may help reveal the music star's long-term goals, particularly after he terminated his licensing relationship with Gap Inc. According to a report from the entertainment gossip show TMZ, the rapper's company Mascotte Holdings has filed trademarks for a variety of apparel items, including jackets, hats, … [Read more...] about Update: Trademark Filings Reveal Kanye West’s Licensing Strategy
Licensing Law
Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West has abruptly ended his relationship with Gap Inc., accusing the company of failing to meet its obligations. West's lawyers sent a letter to Gap on Thursday notifying it of a termination of the partnership. West alleges Gap breached its agreement with West (also known as Ye) by not selling the Yeezy … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap
Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A California court has ruled against a man who claims the cover artwork on Nirvana's 1991 grunge rock album Nevermind is child pornography. The ruling comes after Spencer Elden, now 31, sued the band over allegations of "commercial child sexual exploitation," after his image was used on the album's cover. That cover is considered among the … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit
Spotify, Apple and Other Streamers Sign Landmark Music Royalty Agreement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Musicians and music streamers have come to what some call an historic new agreement on higher royalty rates. The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), and the Digital Media Association (DiMA) announced they've agreed to a settlement for certain mechanical streaming rates … [Read more...] about Spotify, Apple and Other Streamers Sign Landmark Music Royalty Agreement
Commentary: Russia Reopens Former Starbucks Outlets With Familiar Logo
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It wasn't just Ukraine that was invaded by Russia in February, as Western brands exited the country only to see their former outlets and factories taken over by local operators. The latest 'invasion' saw a Russian restauranteur and a local rapper unveiling Russia's new 'Stars Coffee' franchise last Thursday, under an awfully familiar logo. The … [Read more...] about Commentary: Russia Reopens Former Starbucks Outlets With Familiar Logo
Licensing Law: Roblox Sues WowWee For Allegedly Selling Toys Based On Its IP
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The metaverse platform Roblox is suing the Hong Kong toy company WowWee for a line of toys it says were inspired by Roblox avatars. The suit is aimed at a new line of dolls called My Avastars (seen in above photo), scheduled for release in October through major retailers like Walmart, Target and Macy's. The case is among the first examples of … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Roblox Sues WowWee For Allegedly Selling Toys Based On Its IP
Feature Report: Is There a Future for NFTs After Market Meltdown?
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you want to know how investors feel about NFTs right now, just follow the sound of the screaming. That should lead you to the hilariously apt Bear Market Screaming Therapy Group on Twitter and the communication app Telegram, where holders of Goblintown Ethereum NFTs (as= in the photo above) have gathered to post groans, howls, sobbing, … [Read more...] about Feature Report: Is There a Future for NFTs After Market Meltdown?
Licensing Law: Gibson Wins Landmark Trademark Ruling For Iconic Guitar Designs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Legendary guitar-maker Gibson has won a huge victory in a trademark case, aptly decided by a jury in Nashville, aka Music City. As a result, the court has ordered an injunction permanently prohibiting Armadillo (aka Dean Guitars) from using Gibson's classic designs and marks, including the ES, SG, the Flying V, Explorer Trademarks, and … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Gibson Wins Landmark Trademark Ruling For Iconic Guitar Designs
Feature Report: Bored Apes Lawsuit May Set Precedent for IP Protection in NFTs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Yuga Labs is suing a conceptual artist over allegations of copyright infringement of its Bored Ape Yacht Club line of NFTs. The case will be among the most hotly watched for legal experts in the nascent NFT sector, as courts struggle to establish clear copyright laws for non-fungible tokens. The dispute centers on Ryder Ripps, an artist … [Read more...] about Feature Report: Bored Apes Lawsuit May Set Precedent for IP Protection in NFTs
Who’s News: Licensing Vet Bill Patterson Joins Octane 5
Licensing software leader Octane 5 has announced experienced licensing executive Bill Patterson has joined its team. Octane5 is the company behind the BrandComply Licensing Enterprise Platform and VERITYTM Product Authentication products. Co-founder and co-president Mike Dunn says Patterson will take on the role of Executive Vice President, Product Authentication where he will … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Licensing Vet Bill Patterson Joins Octane 5