Trademarkology
Brands, Trademarks, and Registration
Mobile Marking – Trademarks for your App Icon
It seems that everywhere you look, there truly is an "app for that." New mobile apps are developed daily, ranging from games to highly specialized scientific apps. But, apps are not limited to tech companies...
[Expletive Deleted].
So said the TTAB in a recent non-precedential opinion. In In re Giorgio S.R.L., Ser. No. 79/141,996 the Board affirmed the examining attorney's refusal to register the mark: on the ground that it is scandalous...
Social Media Mayhem – Hangry Critics and Fake Corporate Response
When Frito-Lay launched a new limited edition bag of rainbow-colored corn chips, it sparked criticism on social media because the chips benefit a non-profit focused on preventing suicide among LGBT youth called the It...
Harris Faulkner is Not a Hamster
As I lay dying of boredom the other day, the news came to the rescue. Harris Faulkner, a Fox News anchor, sued Hasbro, Inc. for false endorsement and unfair competition as well as violation of...
LMFAO – Band v. Beer
The musical band LMFAO is challenging a craft brewery in Michigan called Pigeon Hill Brewing Company over a beer which the brewery named the "LMFAO Stout". The term LMFAO is not unique to the band...
.SEX Top Level Domains Now Available – But Why?
On October 5, 2015, ICANN opens the door for trademark owners to register their marks in connection with the new .SEX top-level domain. This is called a "sunrise" period and permits domain name registrations before...
PECHU SANDWICH: Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, Chicken - Hold the © and ®
I read an article about a trademark/copyright lawsuit in Puerto Rico over the "Pechu Sandwich" which is a sandwich sold by Church's Chicken on the island. There is another interesting article about it in the...
Watch Out!
Are Apple and Swatch on a trademark collision course? Some think so, but some think different(ly). We will see in time.Last month, Swatch filed applications in Switzerland to register the mark TICK DIFFERENT for use...