The United States Supreme Court has chosen not to review a Federal Circuit decision, maintaining a judgment that favored an organization linked to LeBron James in a trademark dispute. This decision permits the cancellation of a Maryland youth nonprofit’s registration for “I Am More Than An Athlete,” a trademark rooted in common law rights asserted…
In an unusual courtroom admission, a Connecticut attorney involved in a trademark dispute between taco restaurants candidly took full responsibility for submitting filings containing fabricated legal quotations created through AI assistance. Expressing deep regret for the misstep, he described himself as “mortified” and acknowledged the inadequacies in his verification process. This incident underscores the challenges…
An attorney from Connecticut finds himself in the spotlight after admitting to submitting legal documents with fabricated quotations in a trademark dispute involving a taco restaurant. On Thursday, he expressed his deep regret to a federal judge, acknowledging full and unqualified responsibility for the erroneous filings. The attorney admitted to being “mortified” by the situation…
Starbucks has initiated legal proceedings against Starbucks Workers United, aiming to prevent the union from utilizing the company’s name and logo in its activities. This lawsuit, filed in Iowa federal court, comes as a reaction to a prior legal action initiated by the union in April. The legal dispute centers on trademark rights and the…
Eli Lilly, a leading pharmaceutical company, has reached a settlement with two Seattle-area clinics over allegations of trademark infringement involving its weight loss drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound. The settlement came shortly after a federal judge dismissed an earlier resolution proposed by the involved parties. The move, detailed in a recent court filing, marks the conclusion…
The maker of Fusion skill game platforms has launched a legal battle, seeking $13.5 million in damages over allegations that a Philadelphia route operator and his company have been selling counterfeit versions of its game systems. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims these knockoffs replicate copyrighted artwork and registered trademarks of the original game…
In recent months, the ongoing debate over intellectual property protection in the music industry has been underscored by a prominent case involving Fender Musical Instruments Corp. The company achieved a significant legal victory against Yiwu Philharmonic Musical Instruments Co. Ltd. in Germany’s Regional Court of Düsseldorf. The court ruled that Yiwu unlawfully reproduced Fender’s iconic…
In a legal dispute that captures pivotal intersections of attorney-client privilege and spousal communication, a former executive tied to the Josh Cellars wine brand contends that emails between his lawyer and his spouse are protected by privilege. This argument arises as the parties gear up for a trial concerning $4 million in trademark royalties, an…
In the world of horology, brand identity is paramount. Swatch Group’s latest release, the Royal Pop Collection, serves as a prominent example of the intricacies involved in trademark brand control. The collection, unveiled amidst a lively market of watch enthusiasts, underscores the meticulous approach Swatch takes to safeguard its brand against potential infringement. Swatch’s strategy…
In a significant move, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires granted five patent challenges while rejecting seven others, providing clarity on the scrutiny level the AIA trials will undergo. The decision was reported as Squires also elucidated his earlier decision to allow several Tesla petitions to proceed to the merits stage of review….
A legal clash has emerged in New Jersey federal court, revolving around the use of the “Mr. America” brand. A Maryland company is pursuing legal action against a former bodybuilder, alleging unauthorized use of its trademark. The “Mr. America” competition, a historic event in the bodybuilding community, is at the heart of this dispute. Held…
The recent decision by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) in the case of In re: Everwise Credit Union underscores the complexities surrounding the notion of “token use” in trademark law. The ruling serves as a stark reminder for practitioners to exercise diligence when filing or contesting a statement of use under tight deadlines….
In an intriguing development from the legal corridors of Connecticut, a federal judge has raised the possibility of sanctions against an attorney for using fabricated case quotes in court filings. These filings were submitted in a defensive maneuver aiming to dismiss a trademark lawsuit concerning a taco restaurant, bringing to light potential ethical violations in…
The Kennedy Center has completed the removal of Donald Trump’s name from the building, fulfilling a court order issued in late May. The change took place after crews worked through inclement weather, completing the task in the early morning hours. This development stems from a ruling delivered by Judge Christopher Cooper, who determined that the…
An attorney in Connecticut is facing potential sanctions after a federal judge raised concerns about the use of fabricated case quotes and misrepresentations of law in filings submitted to support the dismissal of a trademark case involving a taco restaurant. The judge questioned whether these documents may have been compromised by artificial intelligence, highlighting ongoing…
On April 27, 2026, Google filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Google LLC v. VirtaMove Corp., challenging the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) practice of denying inter partes review (IPR) petitions based on the “settled expectations” doctrine. This doctrine allows the Patent Trial…
A federal judge in Manhattan has dismissed a trademark lawsuit filed by “The Love Zone,” a New York-based radio show, against Amazon Studios and Paramount. The litigating party claimed that the use of the same name for a fictional radio show in a television episode could damage the reputation of the real-life program. In her…
In a significant development for intellectual property rights in the entertainment sector, a federal magistrate judge has recommended a permanent injunction against a Florida-based company accused of infringing upon the trademarks of the children’s show “Blippi.” This recommendation, reported by Law360, aligns with claims by the U.K.-based entity that produces “Blippi,” alleging that the Florida…
Recent adjustments in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) protocol are making patent examiner interviews increasingly elusive, shifting the dynamics of patent prosecution. This change follows the alteration in how examiners receive credit for applicant interviews, a crucial component in resolving standoffs and advancing the prosecution process. In light of this, legal professionals are…
An arbitrator recently determined that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) violated the law by ending telework agreements. This decision arose after the USPTO’s controversial move to terminate remote work arrangements, which had been implemented last year under the directive of former President Donald Trump. This action was deemed a “clear and patent breach”…
An Illinois federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against Pop Mart Americas Inc., prohibiting the company from marketing certain figurines in its “Pucky” series that allegedly infringe upon Ty Inc.’s trademarks associated with Beanie Babies. This decision comes as the intellectual property dispute between the two companies progresses through the courts. Ty Inc., renowned…
Toys R Us, the iconic toy retailer, is seeking $11,442 in attorney fees from Vape R Us in a legal battle over trademark infringement. The request was made in a Connecticut federal court, following Toys R Us’s efforts to enforce a default judgment against the vape retailer. This lawsuit underscores the challenges businesses face in…
The recent lawsuit involving Pattie Gonia has brought attention to notable trends in trademark enforcement. This case highlights the shifting dynamics in how aggressive enforcement and suppression are undertaken in the trademark landscape. Harvard trademark professor Rebecca Tushnet pointed out that “the cycles of really, really aggressive enforcement and suppression do tend to come and…
Barnes & Thornburg LLP is strategically enhancing its Intellectual Property (IP) capabilities in Minneapolis by bringing on board experienced IP attorney Brian Micsky. This move aligns with the firm’s objective to bolster its presence in key markets and meet the growing demand for sophisticated IP services. Micsky, who brings noteworthy experience in various IP matters,…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has taken a significant step in regulating patent disputes by denying a request for ex parte reexamination that reiterated arguments from an unsuccessful inter partes review (IPR). This decision effectively signals that the USPTO discourages duplicative legal strategies and prefers that challengers choose between IPR or reexamination, rather…