What We’re Talking About
Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Key Measures Against Potential Infringements
For innovators, entrepreneurs, or business operators, a significant portion of your efforts is likely devoted to crafting unique products and services. However, with innovation comes potential intellectual property (IP) infringement. As per the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, more than 85% of novice inventors have encountered unauthorized duplication of their inventions. As such, it's crucial to safeguard your invention to avoid potential legal complexities and retain control over its use and profit generation. In this article, we'll explore necessary actions when encountering infringement on your IP rights— offering you peace of mind that your hard work is protected!
Trader Joe’s Woes: Grocer Wages War on its Workers' Union
Trader Joe's, a renowned grocery store chain, has recently threatened legal action against its workers' newly formed union, Trader Joe's United. The company alleges trademark infringement tied to merchandise being sold through the union's online store. Hailing from California, the supermarket giant delivered a letter to the union president and store worker, Jamie Edwards. Dated June 27, this correspondence targeted the sale of merchandise. The company asserts that the union's merchandise infringes upon its trademarks, design, and 'trade dress'— a legal term denoting a product's overall aesthetic. The threat of an injunction and monetary damages, including any profits from the sale of said items, looms over the union if it continues to sell the merchandise.
Supreme Court Drops Bombshell Opinion in Jack Daniel’s Dispute
In a shocking twist on Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Jack Daniel’s, vacating the Ninth Circuit’s holding that a squeaky dog toy resembling the iconic whiskey bottle is an expressive work protected by the First Amendment.
Jack Daniels and the Dog Toy Drama
Imagine you are shopping for a new toy for your furry companion. You find a whisky-bottle-shaped squeaky toy with what looks a lot like a Jack Daniels Label and the name “Bad Spaniels.” At first glance, would you assume that Jack Daniels made the toy - or would parody and mimicry come to mind?
Kanye’s Got Beef With an Aussie Burger Joint
No Shame in Ye’s Game: Beef with an Australian Burger Joint