Alt Legal IP News – Issue #256
Bri Van Til | September 07, 2021
See You in Court!
Does the Lanham Act apply extraterritorially? Apparently it does sometimes, anyway.
Prince’s estate wants wants to end this winery’s purple reign. They want the company to put a cork in it.
Google plans to appeal its 500 million euro fine in France for alleged antitrust activity in listing French news articles without compensating publishers.
Do punny or playful cannabis brands like Herbs “R” Us sully the reputations of the marks they’re alluding to or named after?
Hershey claims that the teardrop shape of chocolate chips on a cookie package is confusingly similar to the shape of Hershey Kisses. I’m not a lawyer, but I think they can kiss that suit goodbye.
When filing a trademark, what steps can you take to minimize the effects of litigation? Check out this session recording from last year’s Alt Legal Connect conference.
Weigh in
The Canadian government wants input about AI and IoT technologies to inform legislation.
The USPTO and US Copyright Office have reported to Congress about states’ and state entities’ infringement of private trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
The USCO wants public comments about perhaps allowing libraries and archives to opt out of CCB proceedings.
Keep TABs on It
The Federal Circuit has ruled that TTAB judges’ appointments do not violate the appointments clause.
Come learn how to make effective use of TTAB at this Alt Legal Connect session. Sign up here and use the code “newsletter” for a discount. Prices go up on Friday, and make sure to buy your ticket this week to qualify for workshops!
When a company wins an “exceptional” patent suit, it can be awarded attorneys’ fees, but it seems that doesn’t apply to expenses incurred during PTAB proceedings.
Professional Concerns
This position as a contract attorney might be a stark Contrast to your current job.
TrueCar has a TrueOpening for counsel. But, who’s their competition? FalseCar? JustKiddingCar? GotchaCar? EventuallyWe’llHaveACar?
Other positions as IP research associates don’t even come NERA this one.
3M is looking for IP counsel. If you work there, make sure to stick around.
The USPTO is looking for a judicial law clerk for PTAB.
Join the Brady bunch: the manufacturing company is looking for IP counsel.
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
In case you missed our webinar about CIPO trademarks last week—covering everything from use requirements to litigation—check out the recording.
Is there a case to be made for the benefit of knockoffs? This professor thinks so.