What We’re Talking About
Masters of Intellectual Property: Green Jackets, Trademarks, and Tee Times
Ah, the Masters Tournament, the epitome of golfing glory. A week when players, spectators, and television viewers alike embark on a pilgrimage to Augusta National, with the smell of freshly cut grass and azalea blossoms in the air. But did you know the Masters is also a masterclass in intellectual property protection?
March Madness: Basketball, Brackets, and Branding
Bad Bunny or Bad Business?
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is being sued by his ex-girlfriend for at least $40 million over claims he used a recording of her voice without permission or compensation.
US Copyright Office Clarifies Position on AI Authorship
The U.S. Copyright Office has weighed in with formal guidance on the copyrightability of works whose generation included the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Massive Medical Device Recall Leads to Lawsuit
The medical device company Exactech recently issued an urgent recall for thousands of hip, knee and ankle implant systems due to defective components included in the device. The recall was issued as a result of defective packaging which could cause early degradation and lead to total failure. Individuals implanted with these devices face a considerably increased risk of joint replacement complications and failure, with an estimate of over 150,000 potentially defective devices implanted since 2004.
Irish I Would Have Gotten a Trademark
The Irish government has protections in place for their two most iconic symbols, the shamrock and harp. While nobody is going to mind if you stick a harp and shamrock on either side of your party hat this St. Patrick’s Day, it won’t be that simple if you want to use the marks on a logo for your new business or as part of your company’s marketing plan.
Energy Companies or Master Manipulators?
In February 2021, a historic winter storm swept across Oklahoma, Texas, and other parts of the United States, leaving millions without power. As the storm raged, energy traders took advantage of the chaos to engage in market manipulation, driving up energy prices and making billions of dollars in profits at the expense of consumers.
Tiger Woods and the Breakup Fake-ation: Latest Lawsuit Could Set Historic Precedent
Erica Herman has filed two lawsuits against former partner Tiger Woods and his Trust in the wake of their split last October. The former partner of the golf icon is seeking both financial compensation and a release from a nondisclosure agreement signer by her at the beginning of their relationship. Herman is seeking release from the NDA on account of a new provision – known informally as the Speak Out Act. Passed by Congress in November 2022 and signed into law by President Biden in December, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021 is designed to protect the rights of victims of sexual harassment or sexual assault. In other words, an NDA can potentially be invalidated based on accusations of sexual harassment or assault.
Understanding the Patent Process
The patent process can be very daunting if you’re new to intellectual property law. Fortunately, with some basic knowledge and our guidance, patenting your invention can be a straightforward and rewarding experience.
State Farm and ISO: Billions in Illicit Profits from Private Information
A complaint, filed on January 20, 2023, alleges that State Farm illegally submitted personal and confidential information about Plaintiffs’ insurance claims, including medical treatment information, to Verisk / ISO for inclusion in an immense database it maintains, resulting in billions of dollars in profit for these entities.
The Man Who Killed Jim Crow
The first general counsel of the NAACP, Charles Hamilton Houston exposed the “separate but equal” doctrine and paved the way for the Supreme Court ruling outlawing segregation in schools. The legal brilliance Houston used to undercut the “separate but equal” principle and champion other civil rights cases earned him the moniker “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow”.
Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher
In 1949, Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher became the first African American student admitted to OU Law. Her admission to law school, however, was preceded by a three-year legal battle. At the time of her application to OU’s law school in 1946, Oklahoma schools were segregated, and she was denied admission on racial grounds. With the support of civic leaders and grassroots supporters, Fisher, along with her attorney Thurgood Marshall, challenged the decision through the court system, ultimately reaching the U.S. Supreme Court, which would ultimately rule unanimously in her favor. Fisher was finally admitted to the OU College of Law on June 18, 1949. Her landmark case laid the groundwork for the elimination of segregation in public education nationwide.
Lessons Learned from a Failed Rent-to-Own Agreement
Are you considering a rent-to-own agreement? Stop and read this post to know the risks involved. This post will discuss things that go wrong with rent-to-own contracts. We will also provide some tips on how to avoid these problems. So, if you are considering entering into or have already signed one of these agreements, read this post first.
The Four R’s: Oklahoma Senator Unveils Promising Education Plan for Oklahoma
In a press conference last Wednesday afternoon, Senate Education Committee Chairman Adam Pugh unveiled his personal education agenda for the upcoming 2023 Oklahoma legislative session. Pugh’s priorities include proposals that would raise teacher pay, require school districts to provide 12 weeks of maternity leave, and reform various bureaucratic components of the Oklahoma’s education system.
Jury Awards Rap Artist Flo Rida a Major Legal Victory Against Celsius Energy Drink
Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?
The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a rule that would prohibit most non-compete clauses in employment contracts, calling it “a widespread and often exploitative practice that suppresses wages, hampers innovation, and blocks entrepreneurs from starting new businesses.” The agency estimates that the rule may increase wages by nearly $300 billion per year and expand career opportunities for approximately 30 million workers.
Can Non-U.S. Citizens File a Lawsuit in Oklahoma?
A non-U.S. citizen can still file a lawsuit in Oklahoma. The law of Oklahoma states that "any person" may sue or be sued, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. This can be especially helpful for those living in Oklahoma but not holding U.S. citizenship.
Ed White Law Secures Second Appellate Victory Against Bank of America
Musk: Not an Absolutist About Free Speech
All things indicate that Musk may not be an absolutist regarding free speech. Apparently, his feelings get hurt when the speech relates to him
Kanye’s Got Beef With an Aussie Burger Joint
No Shame in Ye’s Game: Beef with an Australian Burger Joint