I ♡ Trademarks NewsletterIssue #386
Bri Van Til | May 28, 2024
Traditional Knowledge
WIPO has moved to protect undisclosed traditional knowledge from being the subject of patents.
Don’t miss this webinar about how protections for Native Americans’ traditional knowledge overlap with trademark law.
One recurring issue with traditional knowledge is cultural appropriation. Watch this recorded Alt Legal Connect session to learn more about cultural appropriation in trademarks.
What’s Keeping Me from Eating This Banana
The CAFC has ruled that a minority owner can request an appeal but not a cancellation.
Some are worried that the Supreme Court’s decision in Warner Chappell Music v. Nealy—in which the Court found that circumstances outweighed the statute of limitations—could increase copyright trolling.
The obviousness test for design patents wasn’t obvious enough for the CAFC; they’ve instead employed a more complicated process that analysts are concerned may result in “uncertainty and disruption.” To learn more about design patents, check out this great webinar recording from earlier this year.
Music to My Ears
The National Music Publishers’ Association is asking Congress to de-regulate royalty rates for musicians and songwriters.
Sony Music Group wants AI companies to know that use of anything in its catalogue requires its explicit permission.
Trademark applications for FEMALE RAGE: THE MUSICAL may hint at Taylor Swift’s next move.
Da Showstoppaz are trying to live up to their name: they’re suing Beyoncé for copyright infringement for allegedly sampling their song without permission.
Professional Concerns
Take-Two minutes to check out this senior IP paralegal position; it’s worth your time.
You would be a great person for this company to Entrust to be their IP attorney.
If you’re a real trademark paralegal looking for a virtual trademark paralegal position, check out this listing from Sisun Law.
Is your current job taxing? Consider serving as senior ethics counsel for the IRS instead.
Whether you’ve had a Fallout with your current employer or you’re just sick of the job, don’t spend a Fortnite more at your current job: there’s been a Call of Duty to become a senior IP paralegal at PlayStation instead.
Live a healthy, productive life as deputy legal director for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
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
Check out this great resource for educators to teach their students about patents.
Get more involved with shaping policy by joining the USPTO’s TPAC or PPAC.
With non-competes effectively outlawed in the US, how is one to protect their company’s trade secrets?
What recourse does Scarlett Johansson have to stop OpenAI’s new voice assistant from (allegedly) sounding like her? Check out her statement here.
Jasmine Crockett, a House Democrat, has filed a trademark application for BLEACH BLONDE BAD-BUILT BUTCH BODY, an insult she directed at fellow Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on the House floor.