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
Trademark law
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
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
It’s Rolex vs. Hallmark in Battle of the Crown Logos
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It's a trademark battle of royal proportions, as watchmaker Rolex has opposed Hallmark's bid to register its crown logo for use with jewelry. In the image above, the Rolex logo is at the left, and the Hallmark logo is to the right. The issue came up after Hallmark submitted a request to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to … [Read more...] about It’s Rolex vs. Hallmark in Battle of the Crown Logos
Nike Suing Sneaker Designer on Allegations of Trademark Infringement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Footwear and fitness giant Nike is suing a small sneaker designer for allegedly putting out copies of its Air Jordan 1 High sneakers. In a complaint filed in New Jersey District Court Jan. 25, Nike called Global Heartbreak founder Naadier Riles a "bootlegger" (pun intended?), saying the designer essentially copied its Air Jordans, and put … [Read more...] about Nike Suing Sneaker Designer on Allegations of Trademark Infringement
Arc’teryx Wins Injunction Over Adidas’ Terrex Store in Vancouver
Judge Cites Store Location on Same Block as Aggravating Factor By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian outdoor company Arc'teryx just won a temporary injunction barring Adidas from using the name 'Terrex' on its flagship store in Vancouver. In what the judge in the case described as a "David vs. Goliath" battle over trademark infringement, the Supreme Court … [Read more...] about Arc’teryx Wins Injunction Over Adidas’ Terrex Store in Vancouver
MrBeast In Legal Battle With Restaurant Licensing Partner
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sometimes licensing deals just go bad, and it looks like that's the case for the partnership between YouTube star MrBeast and Virtual Dining Concepts. The partners went into business to create a virtual restaurant chain called MrBeast Burger, but both parties have now filed suit against the other. Currently the #1 individual YouTuber in … [Read more...] about MrBeast In Legal Battle With Restaurant Licensing Partner
UPDATE: LEGO Issues Statement In “Leggo My LEGO” Dispute With Punk Rockers
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toy giant LEGO says it will not allow commercial use of its iconic mini-figures for animated videos that are commercial in nature. The statement comes in the recent 'Leggo My LEGO' dispute, in which LEGO sent a cease and desist letter to the band LS Dunes, demanding they take down a recent music video. The reason? The band, whose members … [Read more...] about UPDATE: LEGO Issues Statement In “Leggo My LEGO” Dispute With Punk Rockers
Licensing Law: Adidas Backs Away From Opposition to Black Lives Matter Trademark
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Adidas has withdrawn its legal opposition to a trademark application from the activist group Black Lives Matter. The footwear giant filed a request to the US Patent and Trademark Office to block the Black Lives Matter from trademarking a design that features three parallel lines. Adidas said in its filing on Monday that the logo … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Adidas Backs Away From Opposition to Black Lives Matter Trademark