In a recent development, organic food producer Eden Foods has initiated legal action against Eden Holistics in a Nevada federal court. Allegations against the CBD company include violating a settlement agreement that stemmed from a prior trademark dispute. The agreement demanded that Eden Holistics cease using the “Eden” name in association with consumable goods, a…
In a recent development, Akerman LLP has filed a claim in a Colorado state court, asserting that a roofing company owes nearly $650,000 in unpaid attorney fees and costs related to a trademark infringement lawsuit. This legal battle, originally initiated by a competing Nevada business, highlights ongoing tensions in the construction industry over intellectual property…
A recent decision by a Pennsylvania federal judge has reignited the discussion around trademark disputes, particularly in the realm of local business branding. The ruling stemmed from a legal battle between two wine education businesses in Philadelphia, where the incumbent company, Wine School of Philadelphia, sought an injunction against the newer Philly Wine School, arguing…
A Washington, D.C.-based newspaper has initiated legal action against digital media company NOTUS, challenging its forthcoming rebranding as “The Star.” The lawsuit, filed in a Virginia federal court on Thursday, asserts that the newspaper holds a trademark for “The Star” in the context of news reporting within the D.C. area. NOTUS, established in 2023 by…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is increasingly suggesting that applicants furnish detailed declarations to clarify why their inventions should not be categorized merely as abstract ideas or natural phenomena. This approach stems from a broader effort to refine and streamline patent evaluations, a move that is being closely observed by attorneys and patent…
In a notable case currently before a California federal judge, Taylor Swift finds herself embroiled in a legal dispute over the trademark use of “The Life of a Showgirl.” The legal battle was brought to the forefront when an attorney representing a Las Vegas performer sought an injunction against Swift’s use of the phrase, as…
In a recent legal battle, Walmart has urged a California federal judge to dismiss most of Estée Lauder’s lawsuit, which accuses the retail giant of selling infringing beauty products online. Walmart argues that the complaint lacks specificity, describing it as “vague and ambiguous” regarding which products, sellers, and listings are involved, as well as the…
In his latest round of decisions, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires has moved forward with three petitions for inter partes review (IPR), marking a significant step in the ongoing evolution of patent disputes. These decisions come as part of Squires’ latest bulk order, highlighting the ongoing strategic shift in handling complex intellectual…
In a recent development, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc. faced a setback in its attempt to challenge a patent held by Biofrontera Inc. The crux of the issue lay in their failure to name Sun Pharma’s parent company in their petition for Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) review. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director…
The U.S. Supreme Court has been approached with important objections to three separate patent petitions, showcasing the dynamic nature of intellectual property disputes. On Tuesday, Unified Patents filed objections against Dolby Laboratories’ attempt to appeal a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) decision, which had previously been in Unified’s favor. Dolby’s challenge to this decision…
In a recent decision, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) examiners turned down a request for the reexamination of a patent held by Fractus SA. The denial was due to the repetitive nature of the arguments, which echoed those from a previously unsuccessful challenge under the America Invents Act (AIA). This decision emphasizes the…
Recent developments at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have been causing concern among legal professionals dealing with patent litigation, particularly due to Director John Squires’ approach. The institution rate at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) under Squires has sunk to unprecedented lows, raising alarms over the predictability and stability of the…
In a pivotal decision, a federal court recently ruled against copyright protection for a popular fitness routine known as the “Anderson Method.” This case has brought significant attention to the limitations of copyright law within the fitness industry. According to the court, the method, while effective and popular among enthusiasts, does not qualify for copyright…
Gucci America Inc. recently reached a confidential settlement with two companies it accused of trademark infringement over the sale of counterfeit perfumes. This legal development culminated with a Michigan federal judge issuing a permanent injunction on Friday, halting any future infringements from the defendants. The case highlights ongoing challenges luxury brands face in protecting their…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has advised the Supreme Court to deny Dolby Laboratories’ request for an appeal that would compel Unified Patents to disclose the interested parties involved in a patent challenge. The USPTO argues that Dolby lacks the legal standing necessary for the case to proceed. Furthermore, a recent policy revision…
The recent announcement by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director John Squires marks a significant shift in the process of ex parte reexamination (EPR). The newly established procedure allows patent owners to submit a preorder paper to influence the USPTO’s decision on whether to order EPR. This procedural change has the potential to benefit…
California brewer Riip Inc. has filed a lawsuit against a hemp seller, alleging an infringement on its trademark. According to the legal documents, the dispute centers on a product line named “Riipit,” which the brewery claims closely imitates its own brand name. Riip Inc., known for its craft beers, argues that the use of the…
Recently, the federal government expressed its stance regarding a trademark dispute between PepsiCo and Rise Brewing Co., a maker of nitro cold-brew coffee. Despite acknowledging that the Second Circuit made errors in its analysis, the government advised the U.S. Supreme Court to abstain from reviewing the case. This unusual recommendation arises from considerations over the…
As intellectual property attorneys juggle multiple cases and complex legal frameworks, staying informed about the latest trends and developments is crucial. For those looking to combine learning with leisure, a range of podcasts can offer both education and entertainment. Here are five podcasts that stand out for IP professionals. IP Fridays provides insights into both…
An Indiana federal judge has ruled that an insurer is not obligated to provide coverage in a case involving an arcade accused of trademark infringement. The decision hinges on two critical points: the exclusion of trademark liability in the insurance policy and the fact that the alleged infringement commenced before the policy period. Details of…
An Ohio-based cannabis company, Klutch Cannabis, is seeking to have the trademark of Klutch Sports Group, a prominent sports agency, canceled. This move comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Klutch Sports, alleging that the cannabis company is infringing on its “Klutch” brand. Klutch Sports Group, founded in 2012 by Rich Paul in Cleveland,…
The Ninth Circuit recently probed the legitimacy of a trademark victory claimed by Jack Daniel’s regarding VIP Products’ “Bad Spaniels” dog toy. This case challenges whether Jack Daniel’s distinctive design elements, apart from its name, can support a tarnishment ruling against the product, famously styled as a poop-themed parody of the renowned whiskey brand. During…
In a significant shift within intellectual property law, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently altered its stance on generative AI in the patent process. In November 2025, the USPTO rescinded its previous guidance on AI-assisted inventorship, categorizing generative AI as a tool akin to laboratory equipment or computer software. This move reconceptualizes AI…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), under the direction of John Squires, has recently approved five patent reviews while rejecting seven other petitions, a decision impacting stakeholders across various industries. This decision came under the governance of the America Invents Act of 2011, which reshaped the U.S. patent system to accommodate a more modern…
Silicon Valley chipmaker Groq has resolved a trademark infringement dispute with an endocrinologist over the contested ‘Groq Health’ trademark. The case, which was filed in a New York federal court, saw Groq challenge the use of a similar business name by the doctor, leading to concerns over potential consumer confusion regarding brand identity and services…