Features

TTAB Allows for Non-User to Oppose Trademark for Reputational Injury
In a recent case, although finding no standing in the case in front of it, a federal court noted that it was, however, possible that a nonuser could demonstrate entitlement to cancel or oppose by establishing either lost sales in the United States or reputational injury in the United States under the Lanham Act.
Features

Trademark Ruling on Netflix Running Point Series Holds Off ‘Death Knell’ of Rogers Tradition
A federal judge in California declined to stop the debut of the new Netflix series Running Point that Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA, claims infringes on its trademarks by using the mascot name, the “Waves,” and colors of the private Christian college.
Features

Sending a Shot Across the Brow: Drafting An Effective Trademark Demand Letter
At the end of the day, demand letters form an important part of a company's trademark enforcement strategy. But they must be just that — a part of a fully developed reasoned strategy rather than a knee-jerk reaction to perceived infringement. And that strategy will require some investigation and research to help ensure success.
Columns & Departments

IP News
Federal Circuit: PTAB Jurisdiction Exists Over Expired PatentsFederal Circuit: No Estoppel on Unadjudicated Claims
Features

Berry Bad Outcomes: Millions at Stake for Dewberry Group, Inc.
Last June, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari to decide a $43 million suit between two real estate developers over the name “Dewberry.” The crux of the case once it reached SCOTUS is the extent to which courts can award the profits, not of the named defendant, but of the defendant’s affiliate for trademark infringement.
Features

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Customers: Developments on ‘Conquesting’ from the Ninth Circuit
In a recent decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit addressed the issue of whether purchasing market competitors’ search engine keyword terms, known as “conquesting,” constitutes trademark infringement.
Features

Knockoffs: Are They Always Infringing?
When something is referred to as a "knockoff" it typically implies that the knockoff product is similar in appearance to an earlier product and is unlawful. But that is not always the case. Indeed, there can be infringing knockoffs and noninfringing knockoffs. It depends on the facts and circumstances. To appreciate the difference, a look into the general rules and some specific cases is needed.
Features

Ex Parte Trademark Appeals to District Court — Lessons Learned from the Front Lines
Although pursuit of an appeal to the Federal Circuit may under some circumstances prove to be quicker and less expensive, appeals to district courts are becoming increasingly attractive given recent changes in the law and USPTO practice in defending these actions.
Features

Truth-in-Music-Advertising Law Provides No Private Right of Action to Music Groups
As for the Truth-in-Music-Advertising law in this case of first impression, band-name rights holders will have to wait for state counsel to act in order to seek remedies provided by the statute.
Columns & Departments
IP News
'Polaroid' and Online Self-Promotion: A Cautionary Tale
Need Help?
- Prefer an IP authenticated environment? Request a transition or call 800-756-8993.
- Need other assistance? email Customer Service or call 1-877-256-2472.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright LawsThis article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.Read More ›
- The Article 8 Opt InThe Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.Read More ›
- How the U.S.-China Trade War Effects IP StrategyThe trade war between the United States and China has had far-reaching effects on international trade and the global economy. The dispute is slowly developing into a battle of attrition, without any immediate resolution on the horizon despite ongoing trade talks. As businesses change the way they operate in response to this unpredictable trade environment, counsel should consider the risks and potential impacts on corporate IP strategy.Read More ›
- Settlement Between Gaga and Manager To Stay Out of Public ViewLady Gaga and her former producer, Rob Fusari, won a court order that keeps a lid on the terms of a 2010 settlement agreement between them that has become pertinent to another case now headed for trial.Read More ›