As the compliance deadline for the EU Artificial Intelligence Act approaches, companies developing or deploying AI in high-risk sectors are scrambling to adhere to new regulatory requirements. One often overlooked advantage amidst this rush is the potential to convert AI Act compliance efforts into valuable patent assets. The documentation and technical disclosures mandated by the…
The Detroit Lions have taken a proactive legal stance by requesting a Michigan federal judge to dismiss a trademark lawsuit concerning the alleged infringement of the “Motor City Muscle” slogan and logo. This move is an attempt to resolve a dispute with a Detroit-area music festival that claims ownership over the phrase. The football team…
In a notable decision impacting the fitness industry, the U.S. Supreme Court has opted not to review a lower court ruling in a trademark dispute involving Peloton. The case concerned allegations of trademark infringement over the use of “Bike+” between Peloton and a competing fitness company. This decision maintains the Ninth Circuit Court’s stance, which…
Centripetal Networks Inc. has made an appeal to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires, seeking the reversal of a 2022 decision that initiated a review of a cybersecurity patent. This patent was previously involved in a substantial judgment against Cisco Systems, although that verdict was later vacated. Centripetal argues that the 2022 decision…
The move by former President Donald Trump to secure trademarks for airports potentially bearing his name marks a significant deviation from the practices of previous U.S. presidents. Traditionally, the naming of public structures after past leaders has not involved such direct legal maneuvers. Instead, presidents are typically honored posthumously through acts of Congress or local…
Flavored Air Co., a Canadian company specializing in flavored air devices, has turned to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Nevada, seeking recognition of its ongoing insolvency proceedings in Canada under Chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. This move comes in response to the company’s financial difficulties arising from a settlement linked to a U.S….
Recent developments in the domain of patent law have brought to light a summary order issued by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires. The order involves the granting of eight petitions for America Invents Act (AIA) patent challenges, a segment of cases managed by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). This decision…
In a recent legal development, the owners of Boston’s TD Garden have initiated legal proceedings against a cannabis retail chain, alleging trademark infringement. The controversy centers around the chain’s business name, “The Boston Garden Dispensary,” which the owners claim improperly leverages the iconic venue’s longstanding reputation. This lawsuit, filed in the Massachusetts federal court, underscores…
Amazon recently informed a federal judge in Seattle that attorney Kathy Q. Hao, based in California, leveraged artificial intelligence to generate case law cited in her defense against accusations of being involved in a trademark fraud scheme. The e-commerce heavyweight is pursuing sanctions against Hao, alleging the citations were fabricated. The case highlights the emerging…
Amazon has leveled serious allegations against attorney Kathy Q. Hao, claiming that she employed artificial intelligence to fabricate legal citations in a bid to dismiss a lawsuit accusing her of being involved in a trademark scheme. In a filing with a Seattle federal court, Amazon asserted that Hao’s legal submissions contained “fabricated citations,” urging the…
The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has invalidated all claims in Delta Faucet’s patent concerning a lighted showerhead. This decision comes after the intervention of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Chief, who directed a reassessment of Kohler’s challenge to the patent. This move by the PTAB, which saw the board split in…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is actively responding to an uptick in ex parte reexamination requests. This surge has prompted the agency to institute measures aimed at effectively managing the influx, including the introduction of conditions on anonymous submissions. The strategy reflects an effort to enhance the transparency and accountability of the reexamination…
Cooley LLP, a prominent law firm known for its work with technology and venture capital clients, is facing a lawsuit from a venture fund alleging that the firm concealed a $76 million Ethereum liability while assisting a cryptocurrency company in raising funds. This alleged concealment is claimed to have contributed to the company’s subsequent collapse…
In a significant development in the ongoing trademark dispute, a California federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against OpenAI, restraining the company from using the term “Cameo” in its Sora AI video generator app. This legal action arises from litigation initiated by Cameo, a personalized video services provider, which contends that its consumer reputation…
Smith Gambrell has strategically augmented its intellectual property capabilities by bringing on two seasoned attorneys in its Atlanta office. This move underscores the firm’s commitment to bolstering its IP practice in the competitive legal landscape. The addition of these attorneys is part of a broader initiative by Smith Gambrell to enhance its service offerings, particularly…
The Fourth Circuit’s recent decision has provided renewed hope for several models contesting the unauthorized use of their photos by a nightclub. The appellate court ruled that the models’ inability to respond within the designated 14-day period to a motion to dismiss does not warrant the dismissal of their trademark infringement claims. This decision revives…
As the technological landscape evolves, the drafting of tech patents faces new complexities, further accentuated by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) latest memos on subject matter eligibility. The two memoranda issued in late 2025 offer pivotal guidance on the creation and submission of eligibility declarations under Title 37 of the Code of Federal…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has upheld the discretion of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to deny Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) reviews based on ongoing litigation timelines. On February 13, 2026, in a decision affecting major tech companies, the court sided against a coalition of Apple, Cisco,…
In a legal battle that could impact patent prosecution practices, two inventors have urged a Washington, D.C., federal judge to disregard efforts by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to avoid reopening discovery concerning an alleged, covert revival of a program that targeted “sensitive” patent applications for enhanced scrutiny. Their plea is part of…
Blockbuster, once synonymous with video rentals across the United States, is currently involved in a surprising legal confrontation with a small Mississippi-based company specializing in deer feed. This trademark dispute highlights the enduring legacy of the Blockbuster brand, even in unexpected territories, and raises questions about trademark rights and brand exploitation. The conflict arose when…
In the latest legal maneuver from Estee Lauder, the cosmetics giant has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Walmart in a California federal court. The suit, filed on Monday, alleges that Walmart is selling counterfeit versions of Estee Lauder’s luxury personal care products, encompassing renowned brands like Clinique, La Mer, and Tom Ford. Estee Lauder…
In a significant move at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Director John Squires recently handed down a summary decision on several America Invents Act (AIA) patent challenges, granting six petitions and denying 16 others. This decision adds to Squires’ record, bringing the total of rejected petitions to 266. This effort is part of ongoing…
Altar’d State, a faith-based clothing retailer, has made a strategic move by setting an opening bid of $7 million for the intellectual property of Francesca’s, a bankrupt women’s clothing brand, as disclosed in a recent hearing before a New Jersey bankruptcy judge. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing proceedings of Francesca’s financial…
An ongoing legal debate has emerged as the Federal Circuit scrutinizes the patentability of a digital advertising management system. At the heart of this case is an appeal by an advertising company striving to revive its infringement lawsuit against major tech entities Google and YouTube. The company argues that its patent, encompassing a digital ad…
Autodesk has initiated legal action against Google, alleging trademark infringement over the use of the term “Flow” in video production software, according to a recently filed lawsuit in a California federal court. Autodesk contends that Google appropriated the name for its software application, consequently overshadowing Autodesk’s presence in the market. More details on this legal…