Trademarkology
Brands, Trademarks, and Registration
It’s Derby Week!
As the beautiful Kentucky countryside greens up during springtime, when the Dogwood trees and Azalea bushes are reaching full bloom, it's time again for one of Louisville's greatest claims to fame, the KENTUCKY DERBY® ...
The Federal Circuit Sends Mixed Messages: The Slants, Accepted or Not?
The U.S. Trademark Act prohibits registration of marks that disparage, bring into contempt or dispute, or falsely suggest a connection to people, institutions, beliefs and national symbols.15 U.S.C. 1052(a). The Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure...
Trademarks and Expressive Works
Original works fixed in a tangible medium of expression are protected by U.S. Copyright laws. Occasionally, third-party trademarks appear in connection with creative works, either within the works of art themselves, or in a...
To Rebrand or Not to Rebrand: That is the Question
Back by popular demand: It's Ken Homa! Prof. Homa is back to tell a tale of rebranding gone wrong. In case you forgot, in his prime, Prof. Homa was one of the world's foremost experts...
RadioShack Trademark Up For Sale; Even This One Has Goodwill
So much for being mercilessly gouged for obscure cords and batteries in sketchy strip malls across the country. According to its website, RadioShack "is a leading national retailer of innovative technology products and services." What...
WILLIE NELSON TO ROLL HIS OWN BRAND OF POT
Monday (4-20) was the unofficial holiday of stoners. With the legalization of pot in certain states, a new crop of trademarks and celebrity endorsements are growing. The latest addition is Willie Nelson, who announced he...
The Hillary Clinton Brand
Can a name, even a famous politician's name, serve as a trademark? Any person's name, without more, is not a trademark. A trademark must serve as a source indicator for goods or services. A person's...
Target Launches Lilly Pulitzer Collaboration and Leaves Shoppers Feeling Blue
Sorority girls were flocking to Target to pick up the pink, neon green, and orange line of the famous Lilly Pulitzer brand, but felt blue instead. Preppy princesses, myself included, were left empty-handed when the...