I ♡ Trademarks NewsletterIssue #264
Bri Van Til | November 09, 2021
You Are the Apple of My Eye
Patents suggest that Apple may release a mixed reality headset soon.
They’ve also spurred rumors that iPhones may soon have periscoping lenses and hinges.
A patent case in the UK may depend on whether Apple is an “unwilling licensee.”
Apple’s design patent for a fitness app means Peloton might need to pedal faster to stay ahead of the tech giant.
Apple tried to assert its ownership over “Pod” for earbuds, but Huawei was able to register a trademark for MATEPOD in China.
Challenges
A series of Uber patents suggest a solution to the challenge of determining who’s a safe driver.
If Section 1201 of the Copyright Act made researching a challenge, these new exemptions should help.
This attorney is challenging writers of IP license agreements to stop using “for the avoidance of doubt” sections and instead just write the whole contract to avoid doubt.
What are “Patent Mercenaries,” and what can the USPTO do about them?
Facebook wants to rename its company META, but a prior META trademark applicant wants the company to pay $20 million for the name.
Artificial Intelligence
Is there room for AI in copyrights? What would it mean for AI to “own” the content it creates?
AI might be as biased as humans, so the EEOC has launched an initiative to ensure these tools comply with civil rights laws.
What should companies consider when working with influencers, including AI influencers? Yeah, that’s a thing.
We’ve all heard about the shipping shortages that might complicate holiday shopping. Is AI the solution?
Professional Concerns
Beatclub—not to be confused with Fight Club—is looking for counsel. I’m not sure if I’m breaking their first rule or not by telling you about it.
If you’re sick (of your job), go to WebMD. Serving as their counsel might ease your symptoms.
Consider serving as litigation and investigations counsel for this Splunky data tech company.
Tune in for more information about New York Public Radio‘s opening for associate counsel.
This company didn’t TaskUs with telling you they’re looking for contracts counsel; we just thought you might be interested.
Husch Blackwell—which I feel like should specialize in trade secrets—is looking for an IP transactions associate.
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
We heard that you had some questions about sound marks, so hear’s a former USPTO trademark examiner’s explanation of them.
A Swedish appeals court has ruled that consumers are unlikely to confuse LEGALROOM with LEGALZOOM, both in Class 45.
Brooklyn Brewery Corporation was hopping to cancel BROOKLYN BREW SHOP’s trademark application, but the Federal Circuit affirmed TTAB’s denial of the petition.
When should you recommend that a client file for a design patent instead of a trademark?
Those calling for social responsibility and social justice are speaking to law firms as well; will firms change to meet consumers’ demands?