Alt Legal IP News – Issue # 154
Bri Van Til | September 03, 2019
Today’s Trademark Application Backlash (the other TTAB)
– Basketball star LeBron James filed a trademark application for “Taco Tuesday” in classes related 9, 35, 38 and 41, all related to online media. Maybe he just wanted to give us something to taco ’bout. Check out the app here.
– Recently in disputes, Adidas wants rights to stripes, Monster wants rights to the letter M with a spiky font, and Lacoste wants rights to alligators and crocodiles on shirts.
– Singer Lizzo’s recent application to trademark “100% That Bitch” is controversial not because of the words but because UK singer Mina Lioness claims to have created the lyric being referenced.
– Who should be “The Man” in pro wrestling? Ric Flair just filed a trademark application for the name, even though Becky Lynch has been using the moniker for months.
Patent Policy
– Canada recently amended its pricing regulations on patented medications, including a process to determine if drug pricing is “excessive.” Similarly, here is a summary of the new patent rules set to take effect in Canada on October 30.
– The USPTO’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board has established a precedent that blocks inter partes reviews for companies who’ve already challenged a patent in district court, regardless of the outcome of that proceeding.
– This is an interesting look at what USPTO statistics tell us about the future of the USPTO.
In the Stream
– The English Premier League is suing broadband companies in Ireland to try to prevent sports fans from illegally streaming soccer matches.
– Similarly, in the US, major music companies are suing internet service provider RCN for allegedly “turning a blind eye” to their customers’ pirating.
– This in-depth look at streaming and piracy examines how streaming services and illegal downloading often go hand-in-hand and considers whether fragmentation of streaming services contributes to piracy.
Odds and Ends
– What happens to a company’s trademarks if the company declares bankruptcy? The Supreme Court recently weighed in.
– At an IP conference, Chinese IP director Shen Changyu said China is set to implement and enforce stricter IP protections.
– After receiving a cease-and-desist from French brewery Brasserie Meteor, St. Louis-based Earthbound Brewery responded with “WHATEVS” (and also a detailed and witty explanation about how there would be no likelihood of confusing the two brands).
– This is an extended look at the the story of artificial intelligence as told by background and statistics of patent applications.