The legal landscape in London has been particularly dynamic this past week, with several high-profile cases making headlines. A prominent legal battle involves Aston Martin’s appeal in an ongoing dispute with Chinese carmaker Geely. The conflict revolves around the use of a winged logo, which Geely is employing for its fleet of London black cabs….
On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court will delve into an important and complex issue regarding the rights of lawful permanent residents accused of criminal activity in the case Blanche v. Lau. This hearing will address the crucial question of how immigration law should balance procedural rigor against operational practicality when it comes to potential deportation….
The dynamic landscape of patent validity challenges is witnessing a notable shift, as stakeholders increasingly consider ex parte reexaminations. For many years, inter partes review (IPR) has dominated this arena, preferred for its adversarial nature and the opportunity it offers challengers to participate actively in the process. Nevertheless, ex parte reexaminations are beginning to gain…
A California federal jury has ruled that Hyundai Technology, a small U.S. computer company, must pay $2.5 million to Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co. This decision comes after allegations that Hyundai Technology improperly leveraged the automotive giant’s trademark, creating consumer confusion by “piggybacking” on Hyundai’s established brand identity. The case highlights the ongoing challenges companies…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced the termination of its COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Pilot Program, originally established to expedite the patent approval process for innovations aimed at combating the pandemic. Launched five years ago, this initiative focused on fast-tracking ex parte appeals of rejections on patent applications. Its conclusion marks a significant…
In a strategic move to bolster its global intellectual property (IP) management capabilities, Alt Legal, the cloud-based trademark docketing and management platform, has completed its acquisition of WebTMS, a UK-based IP portfolio management software provider. This acquisition marks Alt Legal’s sixth, expanding its reach beyond the United States and cementing a physical presence in the…
In a recent development in the bankruptcy proceedings of the company behind Bang Energy drinks, a liquidating trust has petitioned a Florida federal bankruptcy judge to find the former CEO liable for breaching his fiduciary duty. The trust alleges that the executive’s actions, particularly his violation of a trademark settlement that resulted in a multimillion-dollar…
In a closely watched case, an Illinois federal judge has given final approval to a $7.1 million settlement between Grubhub and more than 7,000 restaurants. These establishments alleged that the food delivery service unlawfully used their trademarks to compete against rivals such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. Details of the settlement were confirmed on April…
The Federal Circuit has upheld a decision rejecting multiple claims from a patent application concerning a golf club head by Cobra Golf. The court’s decision supports findings by federal patent officials who deemed several claims in the application to be obvious. This case highlights ongoing challenges in patent law, particularly regarding the assessment of obviousness,…
In an intriguing development at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Director John Squires has made a decisive move by rejecting 10 petitions for patent reviews under the America Invents Act. However, two petitions, including a notable challenge from Google against a patent owned by Headwater Research LLC, have been approved. This decision adds another…
Progyny Inc., a prominent player in fertility benefits management, faces a new legal challenge in Pennsylvania. ProgenyHealth LLC has filed a trademark lawsuit, arguing that Progyny’s expansion into pregnancy and postpartum care under its existing trademark could cause confusion in the marketplace. The dispute hinges on the phonetic and visual similarities between the “Progyny” and…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is launching a new pilot program aimed at reducing the patent examination backlog, tackling older applications that have already passed through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) international review. This initiative, announced by a USPTO leader, seeks to streamline processes within an increasingly congested technological landscape. Patent backlogs have…
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has launched its Artificial Intelligence Search Automated Pilot (ASAP) program, a significant step forward in patent filing strategies. This initiative provides applicants with automated search results notices before substantive examination, potentially transforming how companies approach patent applications. By enabling earlier visibility into the prior art landscape, ASAP…
In a legal confrontation that underscores the competitive intensity in the sustainable products sector, Re-Uz, a consortium focused on eco-friendly cup designs, has initiated a lawsuit against a competing firm. The accusation centers on allegations of trademark infringement related to the branding of reusable cups and unauthorized use of trade secrets aimed at client poaching….
On April 14, 2026, a panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit deliberated on the appeal of a group of businesses seeking to revive their copyright and trademark infringement lawsuit against Walmart and an e-commerce company. The central issue under consideration was whether the plaintiffs had inappropriately broadened their safe harbor…
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently rejected Nike’s application to trademark the logo associated with Bronny James, the son of NBA star LeBron James and a player for the Los Angeles Lakers. This decision highlights ongoing challenges in trademark law, particularly as companies seek to protect intellectual property connected to high-profile individuals…
In a recent legal development, a federal judge in New Jersey issued a preliminary injunction and a seizure order against alleged bootleggers of Bruce Springsteen merchandise. The order permits law enforcement to confiscate counterfeit goods ahead of Springsteen’s impending performances, including his upcoming show scheduled for April 20 at the Prudential Center in Newark. This…
The legal battle between the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its affiliated charitable arm has intensified, as the NRA recently urged a Washington, D.C., federal judge to sustain its lawsuit. The primary dispute revolves around the NRA’s claims of trademark infringement and breach of contract, asserting its authority to restrict the charitable foundation from utilizing…
In a recent legal maneuver, the Trump Organization has entered a trademark dispute in Texas, targeting several companies associated with a Trump-themed burger restaurant. The organization’s legal team asserts these businesses have been using names like “Trump Burger” and “MAGA Burger,” along with imagery associated with Donald Trump, allegedly deceiving customers into believing the businesses…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced a pilot program that hopes to streamline the patent examination process, addressing long-standing concerns over examination backlogs. The program, revealed on April 10, 2026, introduces a new requirement for certain applicants in the national stage to actively request the examination of their patent applications, a move…
The estate of the iconic musician Prince has reached a settlement with “Purple Rain” co-star Patty Apollonia Kotero regarding a trademark dispute over the name “Apollonia.” The conflict centered on the rights to merchandise and perform under this moniker, a name well recognized by fans of the 1984 classic film. This resolution marks an end…
In the competitive landscape of apparel and fashion, the importance of trademark considerations at the outset of brand development cannot be overstated. For new entrants and established players alike, ensuring robust trademark protection is crucial to safeguard brand identity and minimize risks associated with infringement claims. From the moment a new fashion line is conceived,…
In a recent legal development, Patco Brands has contested BuzzBallz’s acquisition of web domains associated with Patco’s forthcoming products, labeling the move as both unfunny and unlawful. BuzzBallz, a producer of ready-to-drink cocktails, had previously claimed that the purchase was intended as a joke. Patco Brands, however, argues that this action constitutes anticompetitive cybersquatting and…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s recent overhaul of patent review practices has caused a stir among legal professionals and industry experts, with substantial debate evident at a recent conference. Many attorneys have voiced apprehensions about increased uncertainty, while the potential for policy shifts between administrations was noted by a former agency director. These concerns…
In a move to protect the lucrative brand of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Merch Traffic LLC has initiated a legal battle against potential counterfeiters. The exclusive merchandising partner for “The Boss” filed a lawsuit in a New Jersey federal court, alleging that unnamed sellers are poised to distribute fake Springsteen merchandise at…