Alt Legal IP News – Issue # 163
Bri Van Til | November 05, 2019
That’s My Domain
– What are the pros and cons of registering for a domain using a competitor’s name?
– The Trump campaign registered for Biden-related domain names and is using the sites to post negative campaign ads against the former vice president.
– The recently published “Framework to Address Abuse” in the Domain Name System policy attempts to provide some safeguards for domain registrations but notably does not address trademark infringement or cybersquatting.
– Facebook has filed a lawsuit against Domain Name Registrar OnlineNIC for allegedly infringing its trademarks by registering domains like facebook-mails.com.
Apple and Samsung
– New Apple patents suggest the company is working on a foldable iPhone or perhaps one with a wrap-around display.
– In its quest to make tech ever tinier, Apple has also patented a design for an expandable smart ring.
– Meanwhile, Samsung patented a smartphone case with ears. Can you hear me now?
Arrrr! Pirates Abound
– Hyperlinking to radio stations not licensed to broadcast in the UK is copyright infringement, according to the High Court in England.
– New devices that come preloaded with illicit streaming apps are bringing piracy to a whole new audience.
– Today the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a copyright case involving infamous pirate Blackbeard’s stolen vessel, Queen Anne’s Revenge.
Odds and Ends
– The Federal Circuit Court last week ruled that PTAB judges’ appointments are unconstitutional because they were not appointed by the President and confirmed by Congress. This ruling could significantly change how the USPTO manages patents, but they have not yet provided details about how they will proceed.
– Chargers kicker Michael Badgley applied to trademark his nickname, Money Badger. We all know about honey badgers, but I suppose Money Badgers don’t give a buck?
– Deutsche Telekom, the owner of T-Mobile, is suing insurance startup Lemonade for using magenta in its marketing assets.
– Update: Yet a third attorney Sink is joining the previous father vs. son battle over who has the rights to a law firm with Sink in the name.