The Licensing Letter

Licensing Law

Warner’s Claim to Superman Brand Hit With Legal Kryptonite

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The estate of Superman co-creator Joseph Shuster has filed a copyright lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The suit comes as Warner and DC Comics are filming a new Superman film as a the anchor to a major reboot of the DC Universe. But the Shuster estate has revealed what it believes is some legal kryptonite, claiming that the … [Read more...] about Warner’s Claim to Superman Brand Hit With Legal Kryptonite

CISAC Study Predicts Human Creators Will Lose Revenue to Generative AI

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

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