I ♡ Trademarks NewsletterIssue #491
Bri Van Til | August 11, 2026
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Chain Reaction
Whether you work in franchising all the time or just occasionally, read about red flags to check for.
And here’s a similar set of red flags for license agreements.
Don’t miss this webinar on Thursday, where Marc Lieberstein of Akerman will walk you through what to include—and what to avoid—in your licensing and franchising agreements.
Find our full list of resources about licensing and franchising agreements in the Alt Legal Resource Library.
This client-focused checklist of important questions franchisors should ask their counsel is another great resource.
India, Inc.
While it’s had difficulty elsewhere, OpenAI might get a break from its copyright infringement claims in India.
WIPO says India is becoming a “rapidly emerging global innovation powerhouse.”
The Indian Supreme Court has ruled that a defendant in a trademark infringement case can question the plaintiff about the timeline of use, whether or not a written statement has been filed yet.
India has done a lot recently to modernize its trademark registry.
Content Yes (although most of this isn’t really)
In one of the best and most engaging presentations I’ve ever heard, Kyona McGhee explains how to turn news and pop culture into business development and client engagement tools. Watch the recording if you haven’t already. And below, see some ideas/examples.
Explainers of IP due diligence before acquiring a company can make a fabulous resource for clients.
The USPTO has a webinar next week about the Trademark Search System. It might be everything you or a client have been looking for.
Ward & Smith has brilliantly put together a whole summer education series for clients, the last episode of which is in a couple weeks.
This op-ed from two Fox Rothschild partners explaining the recent spate of celebrity attempts to use trademarks to protect their voices is an excellent way to educate the public and get attention for your firm.
Professional Concerns
OpenAI—I personally can see better when I have them both open—is looking for a brand protection manager.
When you get this job as a commercial technology paralegal, the company and you will both have a Goodwin.
If you’re considering applying for this IP legal assistant position, just DeWitt.
I’m guessing that after your interview for this corporate counsel position, they’ll say you really Torrid up. Which, despite how it sounds, is a good thing.
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
How did the Lanham Act get mixed up in this case about false advertising?
Buc-ee’s is now going after a gas station with a teddy bear mascot. Think they’re trying to claw back market share?
Indonesia’s trade minister is pushing for the country to bolster its IP protections to help boost the economy.
The latest development in the longstanding Bad Spaniels case is that the 9th Circuit has reversed an injunction prohibiting the allegedly infringing chew toys from being produced. I’m betting Jack Daniel’s legal team booze the decision and says “dog gone it!”
This detailing of the history of the HAVANA CLUB trademark is fascinating. It’s one I’m sure you’ll rumember.