The Licensing Letter

Licensing Law

Licensing Law: Boutique Owner Wins Trademark Ruling in Battle with Zara

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A British boutique has won a David vs. Goliath battle in a trademark dispute with global fashion giant Zara. Amber Kotrri (seen in photo, above) is the owner of House of Zana, a boutique fashion outlet that sells clothing online and from a single store in the small city of Darlington in the UK. But the fashion conglomerate Inditex felt the … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Boutique Owner Wins Trademark Ruling in Battle with Zara

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

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

Licensing Law Shocker: Hawley Targets Disney With Bill To Limit Copyright Protection

If Passed, Law Would Impact All Licensors, Limiting Copyrights to 56 Years By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Senator Josh Hawley is introducing legislation targeting Disney that would have a devastating impact on the US licensing industry. The move comes as Hawley and other GOP leaders retaliate against The Walt Disney Company for its stated opposition to the so-called "Don't … [Read more...] about Licensing Law Shocker: Hawley Targets Disney With Bill To Limit Copyright Protection

Licensing Law: Actor Gets 20 Years For Licensing Ponzi scheme

Zach Horwitz Sentenced For $230 Million Fraud Based On False Claims of Licensing Deals With Netflix and HBO Max By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For most of his adult life, 35-year-old Zachary Horwitz (aka Zach Avery) was an actor in a number of low-budget horror flicks. But his big role came when he starred as the central character in an equally terrifying, $230 million … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Actor Gets 20 Years For Licensing Ponzi scheme

ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The founders of Chizcomm have exited Genius Brands over a contractual dispute and conflict over strategic vision. ChizComm was acquired in November of 2020 by Genius Brands, which has grown rapidly due to an aggressive acquisition strategy. At the time, all seemed like sweetness and light would prevail. This week, however, Chizcomm … [Read more...] about ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute

Licensing Law: Andy Warhol Foundation Asks Supreme Court For Legal Review

The Andy Warhol Foundation is asking the Supreme Court to weigh in on a lawsuit over the artist's Prince Series, produced in 1984. The lawsuit was filed in 2017 by photographer Lynn Goldsmith, who claims Warhol’s Prince Series was largely based on photographs she took while on assignment for Newsweekmagazine. Those photos, like Warhol's paintings, depict the rock star Prince, … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Andy Warhol Foundation Asks Supreme Court For Legal Review