Intellectual property firm LegalForce RAPC Worldwide PC has escalated its trademark dispute with a Japanese firm regarding the “LegalForce” brand, taking the matter before the Ninth Circuit. In its appeal submissions, LegalForce asserts that a breach of trademark law can take place via equity sales to investors, citing federal statutes.
The firm’s argument hinges on their interpretation of federal laws that they believe to implicitly establish the possibility for trademark infringement to occur through such investment exchanges. The intricacies of this case could offer fresh insights into how statutes related to intellectual property infringements are interpreted, particularly with regard to indirect forms of alleged infringements.
More detailed information about the nature of the arguments put forward by LegalForce, their implications for intellectual property law, and the response of the Japanese company can be found here.
This story is still developing, and more information is expected to surface as the Ninth Circuit reviews the appeal. Whether or not the courts agree with LegalForce’s interpretation of federal statutes will undoubtedly stir legal debate within the intellectual property field.