Federal Circuit Holds Scandalous or Immoral Marks Entitled to Registration
February 01, 2018
<b><i>Refusal Is an Unconstitutional Violation of Free Speech</b></i><p>On Dec. 15, 2017, a unanimous Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit held that despite Appellant's mark comprising “immoral or scandalous” matter, the PTO could no longer refuse federal registration of such marks on the grounds that this refusal violated the free speech clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Marketing Tech: SEO: Will It Actually Work for Your Firm?
February 01, 2018
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a great way to help drive traffic to your website, but is also a very misunderstood term. This article helps clarify what SEO really is, and if it will help with your business development activities.
An IP Protection Primer for Entertainment Tech Startups
February 01, 2018
The tech-heavy entertainment industry is an active field for tech startup companies developing potential patents and trade secrets. But many cash conscious startups are forced to initially neglect protection planning for these intellectual property assets, instead allocating scarce resources to set up and initial operation costs. This article suggests some practical and economical steps for startups, especially those with tight finances, to protect what may become valuable patents and trade secrets.
In the Courts
February 01, 2018
Royal Dutch Shell and Eni Head to Trial over Nigeria Corruption Allegations
<i>Media & Communication</i>: How to 'Get Your Name Out There'
February 01, 2018
Anyone who has so much as dabbled in marketing or consulted a PR firm has been told they “need to get their name out there.” But it's not that simple. It's not just getting your name out there that will reap results — it's getting your name out there in the right places.
Lender's Choice In Naming Defendants Is Under Assault
February 01, 2018
Can a foreclosing plaintiff choose whom to name as a party defendant in a foreclosure action? In New York, in the absence of prejudice to the defaulting property owner, the answer is yes. Although a recent holding of New York's Appellate Division, Second Department, tacitly suggests “no,” the case may not have addressed the actual controlling principles.
Bit Parts
February 01, 2018
Eleventh Circuit Affirms Permanent Injunction Against Former Commodores' Member over Use of Group's Name<br>Federal Court Ruling in Trademark Battle over “Row”<br>Political Uses of Photos of Artists Ruled Transformative Fair Uses of Copyrights