I ♡ Trademarks NewsletterIssue #486
Bri Van Til | July 07, 2026
Sign up for Alt Legal’s mildly humorous, pun-filled “I ♡ Trademarks” weekly newsletter to stay current on all things trademarks and IP.
Reckless Abandon
Nike’s dispute with Total90 is a reminder that letting a trademark lapse doesn’t necessarily mean forfeiting rights to it. Looks like the shoe’s on the other foot now.
The USPTO, which applied for BOARD OF PEACE on behalf of the Trump Administration, has filed an express abandonment of the application. Perhaps they’ve become bored of peace.
This post is a reminder that lapsed, expired, or abandoned trademarks might have a second life in the digital world.
Profit Motif
Verizon has been ordered to pay $190 million for allegedly infringing Aspen Networks’ patents.
Calling all paralegals, legal assistants, and other administrators: the TMAE is reviving its salary survey and would love it if you could please fill out this survey. Thanks in advance.
Depending on a firm’s profit model, AI may or may not threaten its business. “When AI reduces the hours a matter requires, a profit model built on associate volume is more exposed.” Read this attorney’s take on how to ensure continued profitability.
But perhaps the best thing you can do for your firm’s profitability is to come to this webinar in October, where strategic advisor Rob Leitner will give you suggestions.
Fashion Statements
Chinese tea company Molly Tea has been found to have infringed Louis Vuitton’s logo. Can you confuse a tea company for Louis Vuitton? I guess both involve bags.
An Australian swimwear company can use the name SWIM SHADY, despite Eminem’s objections. Don’t worry, buddy; you may’ve lost the trademark battle, but you won’t lose yourself.
Convenience store brand 7-Eleven is suing Nike because of the alleged similarity between the shoes and the store’s logo. For Nike, it sounds like 7-Eleven has become an inconvenience store.
This German nonprofit has been using trademarks to guard against Nazi propaganda.
This infringement suit about UGG Mini Boots shows the delicacy of relying solely on design patents.
Professional Concerns
If you want this trademark paralegal position, talk to the Gateley keepers. Or just, like, apply.
I don’t know how much construction is involved in putting together this head of legal position from LiveKit, but I’m guessing it’s like Ikea furniture, so you’ll do great with it.
Law firm or in-house? How about an Alt-ernative? Come work as a trademark docketing specialist for Alt Legal!
Get this job as an IP administrator so that when you have had a really good time at the job, you can say you’re having a Canon ball.
Others are Ralliant on you, so this IP paralegal gig is right up your alley.
Have an open role on your team? Email us at [email protected], and we’ll try to get it in our next newsletter!
Odds & Ends
Don’t miss our webinar on Thursday about platform liability. Sign up now if you haven’t already.
Unsurprisingly, there is confusion about 6 7 Chicken Nuggets.
The USPTO—which now refers to itself in its marketing as America’s Branding Agency—has released its revised Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Manual of Procedure (TBMP).
MLB struck out in its attempt to register a trademark for PLAY BALL.
Nintendo wants to restrict people’s access to free Peach (and Mario and all its other characters as well).