Alt Legal IP News – Issue #78
Hannah Samendinger | March 08, 2018
Check out our latest episode of Alt Trademarks. This episode features Josh Jarvis of Foley Hoag. We discuss his role at the firm and his appearance in the recent “Don’t Say Velcro” video.
Knock It Off
– Vivenne Westwood, who has taken others to court for alleged copyright and trademark infringement, apologized to two designers over Instagram for using their designs without permission because her company “got caught up in a last-minute frenzy.”
– An unknown photographer captured a photo that led to widespread controversy, alleged appropriation, and a cigarette icon.
– Some grocery chains are “living dangerously” by producing popular copycat products.
Popcorn, Beer, and a Slice
– Two companies are in court battling over the alleged theft of trade secrets for a popcorn glaze.
– First there was Ray, then Patsy, and now Joe. The New York pizza wars continue.
– The ongoing case between MillerCoors and Stone, a craft brewery, may test the 9th Circuit’s irreparable harm standard.
– An Australian brewer has filed an application to register a trademark for the color oftheir beer.
Copyright Corner
– Check out this conversation on fair use, written using lines from many other conversations on fair use.
– A circuit court judge confirmed that US copyright law applies in cases where content generated overseas is directed at US viewers in violation of US rights holders.
– The creator of Pepe the Frog is suing InfoWars for copyright infringement after his “peaceful frog-dude” was included in an InfoWars poster without permission.
Odds and Ends
– Hasbro is one step closer to obtaining a trademark registration for the smell of Play-Doh.
– Tinder has patented swiping and double opt-in technology. What will this mean for competitors like Bumble?
– Could the root of patent trolling be USPTO examiners? And how do PTAB judges compare to district court judges?
– The USPTO has launched a pilot program to streamline the process for reporting improper specimens.