Alt Legal IP News – Issue # 183
Bri Van Til | April 07, 2020
Read a Book
– The Internet Archive has opened a National Emergency Library with access to over a million digital books.
– The Reading Rainbow’s LeVar Burton wants permission from authors to read their books aloud on his podcast. Mr. Burton, you have my permission to read this newsletter aloud. Please?!
– Educators are seeking assurance that their use of copyrighted materials in online classes is still fair use.
– This attorney argues that recent cases Tresona v Burbank VMA and Allen v. Cooper have broadened fair use standards.
Kicking the Can down the Road
– The Supreme Court has postponed oral arguments scheduled for April and will consider alternatives if the crisis continues. No word yet on if the justices will hear arguments via teleconference nor whether they’ll be required to wear their robes to hear them.
– Several states have postponed bar exams.
– The USPTO has extended some deadlines for those personally affected by COVID-19 but not by default (unlike many other IP offices).
Social Distancing
– There has been a recent surge in trademark applications for “Social Distancing,” like there was for coronavirus and COVID-19, and similarly, experts are shaking their heads.
– How can you maintain social distance and still meet your ethical obligations for your clients?
– Companies ranging from Volkswagen to McDonalds to Nike have created social distancing logos and messages to encourage people to stay at home.
Professional Concerns
– Can a company enforce a noncompete agreement during a time of high unemployment?
– Tully Rinckey is looking for senior counsel and partners, and Coursera is looking for senior counsel.
– JPMorgan Chase and AIG want assistant general counsel, and Universal Music Group has an opening for Director of Business and Legal Affairs.
– Toerek Law is looking for an IP associate, and Lee & Hayes has several openings for patent attorneys.
– 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
– Update: Glossier’s trademark application to protect its pink packaging has been put on hold because of likelihood of confusion with PINKBOX.
– Later this month, ALM is hosting a webcast devoted to how firms can prepare for the economic reset that will come after this crisis.
– The Federal Circuit has ruled that companies can’t extend one-year time bars by joining IPRs.
– Trademark applications have often shown what’s trending. Apparently right now, beard straighteners and massage guns are all the rage.
– Now that scandalous marks are allowed, Thunderpussy is now a registered trademark. Registration here.
– Reminder: join us for our trademark practitioner virtual happy hour on Thursday at 5 EST.