I ♡ Trademarks NewsletterIssue #464
Bri Van Til | January 20, 2026
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Technol Oh, Gee
What is a reverse centaur, and what does that have to do with the future of AI?
GM has filed a patent application for car doors that will transform into seats. I wonder if that was something on their bucket list.
How might AI shape copyright royalties?
If you missed last week’s webinar about AI and trademarks, you can watch the recording here.
Own No You Didn’t!
Defending against allegations of trademark infringement, Apollonia says Prince wanted her to keep using the stage name.
Storm chasers on social media are suing Meta for alleged copyright infringement of their videos.
The Puerto Rican license office used baseball player Roberto Clemente’s name and image on a license plate for the territory. His estate is alleging trademark infringement.
A Los Angeles café’s landlord has allegedly stolen the restaurant, including its IP. Sound familiar?
Food Fight!
Samyang is facing trademark infringement lawsuits for its BULDAK noodles. I wonder if they’ll settle the claims or whether it’ll ramen an issue.
A TV chef wanted to expand his brand to cover alcoholic drinks. Unfortunately, JAMES MARTIN was already registered.
Are PUFFS generic, or should Little Caesar’s be able to use the term? The 7th Circuit found the opposer’s case, erm, puffed up.
Trader Joe’s and Smucker’s are in a jam about crustless sandwiches.
Professional Concerns
All work and no PlayStation makes Jack a dull boy, which is why he should apply for IP enforcement counsel there (and you should, too).
Have you Met the AGC of this museum? You definitely will have if you get the gig.
Getting this job as assistant IP administrator might justify doing the Carlton (Fields) or some other celebratory dance.
I think your current job has already reached its Best Buy date, so apply to be senior media and advertising counsel here.
If you get this job as audiobook licensing counsel for Spotify, do you think they’ll have an actor read your contract to you?
Have an open role on your team? Email us at [email protected], and we’ll try to get it in our next newsletter!
Odds and Ends
McConaughey, stop using my catchphrases, said the actor, who has filed trademarks for his image and likeness as well as his famous ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT to protect against AI deepfakes. For a discussion of legal precedents that might help, join us for this webinar next month.
In the least surprising move ever, Coca-Cola has renewed its trademark for the shape of its bottle.
The Supreme Court will hear an appeal about pharmaceutical “skinny labels.”