In a significant decision by the U.S. Copyright Office Review Board, United Parcel Service (UPS) has seen its attempt to obtain copyright protection for its brown-and-gold shield logos rejected. This verdict, dated November 2, 2026, pinpointed that the designs lacked the necessary creativity to warrant such protection, illustrating the intricate nuances involved in copyright law….
A luxury real estate management company has withdrawn its lawsuit against Airbnb Inc., which contested the short-term rental giant’s claim over the “BNB” acronym. This legal action, initiated on October 5, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, sought a declaratory judgment affirming that the company’s “LUXBNB” trademark did…
In a recent address at a legal conference, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires expressed a renewed enthusiasm for the intellectual property (IP) system, citing advancements in artificial intelligence as a pivotal factor in its revitalization. The integration of AI, according to Squires, prompts a fundamental re-evaluation of current procedures and enhances the…
Florida’s legal landscape is witnessing a notable uptick in litigation concerning cybersquatting and sex trafficking, reflecting broader national trends and raising significant implications for businesses and legal practitioners. Cybersquatting, the practice of registering domain names that incorporate established trademarks with the intent to profit, has become increasingly prevalent in Florida. Under the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection…
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has revived the trademark dispute involving Roar Spirits LLC and Sutter Home Winery, reversing an earlier decision that prevented the tequila-maker from registering its El Bandido Yankee trademarks. This outcome reopens the legal conflict centered around potential brand confusion between El Bandido Yankee tequila and Sutter Home’s Bandit boxed…
In a significant move marked by both approvals and denials, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Director John Squires has sanctioned four new petitions for patent review in his latest batch of decisions. This development involved the careful deliberation of various factors, ultimately leading to the denial of one petition based on discretionary considerations. The…
In a recent development within the legal landscape surrounding online commerce, a Chicago federal judge has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for December to closely scrutinize the conduct of a trademark lawsuit against 100 online sellers. The heart of the matter involves substantial funds—over $711,000—that were held by Amazon but redirected according to a court order….
In a recent development in trademark litigation, a federal magistrate judge has denied a North Carolina law firm’s attempt to depose the outside counsel of a personal injury firm. This decision stems from concerns over the potential exposure of privileged information during the deposition process. The ruling underscores the delicate balance courts must maintain to…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) took significant steps in fiscal year 2026 to enhance the integrity of the Federal Register. In efforts revealed during a recent webinar, the agency announced the removal of over 14,000 improper trademark filings. This initiative is part of USPTO’s ongoing commitment to maintain accurate and reliable trademark records,…
The head of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Kathi Vidal, has dismissed the claim that Merck’s intellectual property challenge against Pogona LLC was an “abusive” tactic. This dispute centered on a patent related to the selection of bacteria for a vaccine against pneumococcal disease. Pogona LLC, which owns the patent, argued that Merck’s actions…
Bristol-Myers Squibb and its subsidiary Celgene Corporation have recently defended against an antitrust lawsuit related to the cancer drug, Pomalyst. The pharmaceutical giant urged the Second Circuit to uphold the dismissal of a class-action suit filed by health plans. The plaintiffs accused Celgene of fraudulently procuring patents to block generic competition for Pomalyst. Celgene has…
A security company recently filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against a group of comedians. The controversy stems from the comedians’ use of the company’s uniforms in a series of comedic videos. These videos depict a fictitious security guard engaging in unprofessional behavior towards skateboarders, raising questions about the balance between creative expression and trademark rights….
In a legal skirmish that has drawn attention within intellectual property circles, Smucker is defending its trademark registrations for crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches against allegations by Trader Joe’s. The grocery chain claims that the trademarks were obtained fraudulently, leading to a request for their cancellation. However, Smucker countered in an Ohio federal court…
Bic Corp. has initiated multiple lawsuits in a California federal court against various wholesalers, gas stations, vape shops, and other retailers. The lawsuits allege that these entities have been distributing counterfeit lighters adorned with Bic’s distinctive designs and logos. This action underscores the ongoing challenges brands face in protecting their intellectual property amid widespread counterfeiting….
In a notable legal battle over music rights, a federal jury in Miami delivered a mixed verdict, concluding that a salsa producer held a valid license for three out of six albums at the heart of a dispute. This case, which involved a Venezuelan salsa composer and his former business partner, revolved around the rights…
In a critical development in the legal battle involving Ford Motor Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association have filed a motion urging a Michigan federal judge to dismiss Ford’s antitrust suit. The case in question accuses Blue Cross of engaging in supracompetitive pricing practices. Central to Blue…
In a recent legal development, Soul BnB, a wellness retreat company, has filed a motion to overturn a default judgment in a trademark infringement case initiated by Airbnb. The company asserts that they were not properly served with the lawsuit papers, leading to the default judgment. This motion, submitted to a California federal court, emphasizes…
A Dutch software company is actively contesting a $400,000 sanctions order related to a protracted trademark dispute with its former U.S. partner. The company argues that the sanctions are unsupported by evidence of harm sufficient to justify the court’s ruling on contempt. The legal battle stems from allegations that the software company infringed on trademark…
An Illinois federal judge has issued a stern warning to the founder of an apparel company, highlighting that non-compliance with a permanent injunction could result in being held in contempt of court. The injunction mandates the surrender of property featuring the disputed trademark, “This We’ll Defend,” a slogan closely tied to military-themed apparel. This legal…
Anthropic PBC has encountered a hurdle in its attempt to trademark the term “Claude Mythos” for its AI products. The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued preliminary denials, indicating potential confusion with an existing trademark registration. This development adds a layer of complexity to Anthropic’s branding strategy as it continues to expand its…
In the biotechnology sector, managing the risk of double patenting rejections is a critical component of intellectual property strategy. A recent shift from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) emphasizes a streamlined approach, asking applicants to submit more focused information disclosure statements (IDS) as they attempt to avoid what can be costly and time-consuming…
In a significant development, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has nullified certain claims in an Inari Medical Inc. patent related to valves designed for surgical procedures aimed at preventing blood loss. This decision represents a victory for Imperative Care, which is contending with an infringement lawsuit filed by Inari in California. The PTAB’s…
A North Carolina magistrate judge has directed a personal injury law firm to disclose documents related to its recent rebranding efforts amid an ongoing trademark dispute with a competing firm. The ruling also mandates that the firm’s CEO and vice president must allow searches of their personal devices for relevant information according to a report….
A recent legal battle has drawn attention to the Detroit Lions’ marketing practices, with a federal judge’s decision ensuring that the team must address trademark infringement claims. According to a report by Law360, U.S. Events LLC, the owner of the “Motor City Muscle” trademark, filed a lawsuit against the team, alleging unauthorized use of the…
An Italian winery is seeking a reversal from the U.S. Supreme Court after the Second Circuit overturned a trademark infringement victory originally granted in New York federal court. The case revolves around a trademark dispute where the winery argues the appellate court failed to correctly apply established Supreme Court precedents on trademark preclusion. The legal…