Trademark Intent to Use

Trademark law allows for filing an application for federal registration of a mark based on a good faith intent to use the mark in commerce.  After examination by the USPTO, a Notice of Allowance is issued.  The applicant then has an initial 6 month period in which to file a Statement of Use attesting to … More Trademark Intent to Use

CyberLaw: Internet Threat?

The criminal defendant was charged with making a threat by posting a communication on the Internet, Craig’s List, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c). After the District Court overruled Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss, Defendant plead guilty subject to the appeal of his Motion. The statement communicated by the Defendant, published on … More CyberLaw: Internet Threat?

Cyberlaw: 2nd Circuit Oks IRS Modem Excise Tax

In the recent IRS vs. Worldcom decision, the Court of Appeals Second Circuit reversed the denial of a $38 Million communications excise tax the IRS previously collected. In Worldcom’s bankruptcy proceeding, the IRS had been ordered to refund the excise tax to Worldcom’s bankruptcy estate. The issue for the Court of Appeals: Whether Worldcom’s purchase … More Cyberlaw: 2nd Circuit Oks IRS Modem Excise Tax

S“Tit”ch for Tat Trademark War Pits Levi vs. A&F

The two iconic brands faced off recently in the Court of Appeals Federal Circuit over stitching. The appeal resulted from the Trademark Trial and Appeals Board “TTAB’s” decision to throw out Levi’s Opposition and Cancellation Proceedings against Abercrombie & Fitch “A&F” based upon “been there, done that” litigation at the District Court for the Northern … More S“Tit”ch for Tat Trademark War Pits Levi vs. A&F

Essential Points of Web Developer Agreements

Clients of my practice usually either have a website or are planning to get one. From an intellectual property “IP” standpoint, the developer agreement is critical to ensure the right content and code necessary for your business to attract clients and customers. There are many terms to consider including project scope, testing, hosting, ownership, payment … More Essential Points of Web Developer Agreements

Oprah Loses “Own Your Power” Trademark Skirmish

Everyone knows Oprah Winfrey. Attractive, eloquent and charismatic, she’s a brand unto herself. However, she recently came out on the short end of the stick in a trademark dispute with Simone Kelly-Brown, the owner of the registered service mark “Own Your Power.” Oprah’s media empire had used this phrase in a number of publications, at … More Oprah Loses “Own Your Power” Trademark Skirmish

Right of Publicity Trumps 1st Amendment in Hart Case

In a precedential decision, the Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit, reversed a New Jersey District Court that had granted a Summary Judgment to Defendant Electronic Arts, Inc. “EA” in a video game dispute with the Plaintiff, former Rutgers quarterback, Ryan Hart.  Hart played for Rutgers from 2002-2005 taking the Scarlet Knights to the Insight Bowl … More Right of Publicity Trumps 1st Amendment in Hart Case

Defendant Prevails In Trademark Lawsuit Over Keyword Advertising

Google sells keywords to advertisers that involve the trademarks of competitors often bringing rise to claims for trademark infringement. The latest case attesting to the futility of bringing suits on this basis is General Steel v. Chumley where the Federal District Court in Colorado sided with the Defendant on the trademark claims based on keyword … More Defendant Prevails In Trademark Lawsuit Over Keyword Advertising

Frito Lay Scooped On Infringement Claims

Defendants Medallion Foods, Inc. and Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. scored a jury verdict against Plaintiff Frito Lay on a variety of infringement claims. The Frito Lay claims were for trademark infringement, trade dress infringement, unfair competition and dilution under the United States Trademark (Lanham) Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1051, et seq. (as amended); and for patent … More Frito Lay Scooped On Infringement Claims