Alt Legal IP News – Issue # 175
Bri Van Til | February 11, 2020
Drugs
– Chinese scientists have applied for a patent for an experimental Gilead Sciences drug that scientists believe could be effective at treating the coronavirus.
– I pity the fool who allegedly infringed on Mr. T’s trademark and used it to sell cannabis.
– What are the big questions policy makers should be considering when it comes to reforming pharmaceutical patents?
Updates to Recent Stories
– Disney apologized for sending a bill to a Bay-area PTA for their screening of The Lion King and waived the fee. Their CEO now says he’ll personally donate to the organization.
– The USPTO said no to trademarking OK BOOMER, essentially stating that the phrase is too popular to be trademarked.
– Dickinson Wright attorney William Honaker offers some advice to be learned from Harry and Meghan’s application to trademark SUSSEX ROYAL.
I Liked Beer. I Still Like Beer.
– Yet another individual, this time in Italy, has filed a trademark application for SUSSEX ROYAL. Among the 6 goods and services listed on the application is beer.
– An Austin brewer is suing Molson Coors for trademark infringement, claiming Brizzy is too similar to their own beverage, Vizzy.
– After two Australian brewers disputed one another’s rights to use “Urban” in their branding, an Australian Federal Court judge has ruled that “urban” is a popular descriptor for beer and is therefore not subject to trademark protection.
Professional Concerns
– Moving into an in-house position? Here’s a handy guide. Just wanting to get better at working with in-house counsel? Come to Alt Legal Connect’s session on hiring, working with, and firing in-house counsel.
– Arent Fox wants a patent attorney or agent.
– Thomson Reuters is looking for a Senior IP Legal Editor.
– Have an open role on your team? Send a link to your job listing to community@altlegal.com, and we’ll publish it in our next newsletter.
Odds and Ends
– The USPTO has announced its new Commissioner for Trademarks: David Gooder.
– Apparently to the shock of many trademark attorneys, titles of books and movies are not protectable by trademark.
– INTA’s CEO wants everyone to know that INTA is still on (for now). Can’t make it to Singapore this year? Come to Alt Legal Connect! Use the code “newsletter” for a discount!
– After this week, trademark applications must be submitted electronically. However, the USPTO is facing backlash for requiring email addresses on applications.