By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief At its heart, the entire entertainment industry is based on the work of human content creators, be they musicians, artists or writers, but that relationship is now threatened by the advent of Generative AI. That's the view of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), which has just released a study … [Read more...] about CISAC Study Predicts Human Creators Will Lose Revenue to Generative AI
Licensing Law
Gibson Guitar Fraud Shows Importance of Brand Protection Technology
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The recent seizure of 3,000 fake Gibson guitars highlights the need for IP security measures, says JPatton Business Development Manager Franco Diaz. The counterfeit guitars, had they been genuine, would have been worth $18.7 million, which would put a sizeable dent in the revenues of the legendary American guitar producer. "Brand owners … [Read more...] about Gibson Guitar Fraud Shows Importance of Brand Protection Technology
Angry Mom Sues Mattel For Porn Link on Wicked Doll Package
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toymaker Mattel was sued this week by a mother for mistakenly putting a link to a porn site on the packaging for its Wicked line of dolls. The inclusion of the link was clearly an honest error on the part of Mattel, as the link for the Wicked Movie (wickedmovie.com) was very similar to that of the porn site. However, South Carolina mom … [Read more...] about Angry Mom Sues Mattel For Porn Link on Wicked Doll Package
Gibson Issues Cease and Desist Against Trump Guitars
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief US voters liked Donald Trump to elect him as the next president of the United States, but some licensors are not as fond of POTUS 47, thanks to a variety of copyright issues. This time the case involves the 130-year-old Gibson guitar company, which has issued a cease and desist order against Trump Guitars, the company behind a line of … [Read more...] about Gibson Issues Cease and Desist Against Trump Guitars
Penn State Wins ‘Historic’ Victory in Trademark Case
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A jury has found that online retailer Vintage Brand infringed on trademarks for Pennsylvania State University, by selling unlicensed merchandise with "historic" images. Penn State had sued Vintage Brand, as well as Prep Sportswear and their founder, Chad Hartvigson. The university alleged the defendants infringed on the Penn State … [Read more...] about Penn State Wins ‘Historic’ Victory in Trademark Case
Katy Perry vs. Katie Perry: Pop Singer Wins Trademark Fight Over Fashion Designer
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The singer Katy Perry has won an appeal allowing her to use her own name in Australia, following a nine-year legal battle against loungewear designer Katie Perry. The similarity of the two names was at the heart of the acrimonious battle, which left the I Kissed a Girl singer triumphant, and the designer devastated. On Friday, November 22, … [Read more...] about Katy Perry vs. Katie Perry: Pop Singer Wins Trademark Fight Over Fashion Designer
French News Media Suing X Over Copyright Infringement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Several large French newspapers have filed suit against the social media platform X, alleging it is running their content without payment. The lawsuit was jointly filed against the Elon Musk-owned social media company by some of the top newspapers in the country, including Le Figaro, Les Echos, Le Parisien and Le Monde, in addition to … [Read more...] about French News Media Suing X Over Copyright Infringement
Gucci Claims $14 Million in Damages Over Lord & Taylor Counterfeits
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The iconic fashion house Gucci is seeking $14 million in damages, accusing retailer Lord & Taylor of "willfully" promoting and selling counterfeit goods. Gucci originally sued Lord & Taylor in 2023, but in its claim for damages, the company says Lord & Taylor has also failed to defend itself in court, leading the fashion … [Read more...] about Gucci Claims $14 Million in Damages Over Lord & Taylor Counterfeits
US Trademark Office Cancels Marvel and DC’s ‘Super Hero’ Marks
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Holy trademark battle, Batman! Marvel and DC have lost their exclusive right to the term 'super hero'. At least, for now. The stunning development came about when a U.S. Trademark Office tribunal canceled a set of 'Super Hero' trademarks that were jointly owned by comic giants Marvel and DC. The move came at the request of a … [Read more...] about US Trademark Office Cancels Marvel and DC’s ‘Super Hero’ Marks
Trump Loses Copyright Battle Over Use of Song ‘Electric Avenue’
Case Could Help Other Artists Prevent Politicians From Using Their Music Without Permission By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Presidential candidate Donald Trump lost his legal battle with singer Eddy Grant over his campaign's use of the 1983 hit song Electric Avenue. The conflict dates back to the 2020 presidential campaign, which Trump lost to current US President Joe … [Read more...] about Trump Loses Copyright Battle Over Use of Song ‘Electric Avenue’