What We’re Talking About
The Red, White, & Blue Flags of Trademark Law
As Flag Day (observed every June 14th) draws closer, we at Ed White Law are preparing to honor our national symbol as we delve into a unique topic – the intersection of the U.S. flag and trademark law. Yes, you read that correctly. Our flag's iconic status holds an intriguing place in the world of intellectual property law.
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.
Unmasking the False Notifications from the "Patent & Trademark Bureau"
When it comes to protecting your innovation or brand, the process of obtaining patents and trademarks becomes pivotal. In the United States, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) serves as the governing body that oversees such crucial processes. However, a shadowy entity has recently been exploiting this scenario. A so-called "Patent & Trademark Bureau" has been masquerading as the USPTO, sending out misleading notifications to unsuspecting recipients.
The Wonderful World of Trademarks: Unlocking Your Intellectual Property Potential
In the realm of business, trademarks are essential. They are unique symbols or words, distinctive phrases or logos, even specific designs, that identify and differentiate goods or services' sources. Whether it's the Apple logo or Nike's famous "Just Do It" slogan, trademarks are integral in establishing a brand's identity. Today, we dive into this fascinating sphere and examine what can and should be trademarked - including some surprising elements you may never have considered.
A Kaleidoscope of Change: Tracing the Colorful Evolution of PRIDE
The joyous celebration of PRIDE events today, with their rainbow banners flapping in the wind, vibrant parades, and empowering speeches, has deep roots steeped in resistance, activism, and the tireless quest for civil rights. PRIDE's history is a testament to the courage, resilience, and determination of the LGBTQ+ community, reminding us of the progress made and the work that continues in the pursuit of equality.
Taco Tuesday’s Trademark Tug-o-War
Taco Bell — infamously known for their late-night hours and cheesy goodness, has recently filed a petition with the US Patent and Trademark Office to cancel the trademark “Taco Tuesday,” used by their rival chain company Taco John’s for the last 34 years. The hope from Taco Bell is that “Taco Tuesday,” can be shared, as it is a commonly used phrase that “should be freely available to all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos.”
Six Sizzling Summer Patents: The Brilliant Inventions Behind Our Favorite Season
Ah, summer – a season of radiant sunshine, endless blue skies, and the intoxicating scent of BBQ wafting through the air. It's a magical time brimming with beach trips, backyard shenanigans, and ice-cold treats. But have you ever paused to wonder about the ingenious inventions that make your summer so unforgettable? Let's dive into six patented ideas that have helped transform summer into the sunny delight we all treasure.
Simply the Best: Celebrating Tina Turner's Musical Legacy
There are few artists whose impact resonates with such raw power, emotional depth, and timeless relevance as Tina Turner's. Her voice was the soundtrack to many lives and the heartbeat of rock 'n' roll. Her story, an inspiring tale of resilience and triumph over adversity. Today, we celebrate the unforgettable journey and the monumental legacy of Tina Turner, whose spirit continues to electrify the world.
Napster: Rogue Pirate or Revolutionary Hero?
Once upon a time, at the turn of the millennium, a cat logo with headphones heralded the arrival of a seismic shift in how people listened to music. The name was Napster, and in its wake, it left a transformed landscape of music consumption and copyright law.
Deposition Diplomacy: Mastering the Art of Preparation
If you find yourself on the business end of a legal action, the word "deposition" may suddenly become a frightening part of your vocabulary. It’s a word that brings to mind an image of a stern-faced attorney grilling you under bright lights, a silent court reporter clicking away, and a threat of possible legal consequences hanging in the air. It might sound like a scene from a dramatic courtroom thriller, but worry not - with proper preparation, navigating a deposition can be easy like Sunday morning.
The Hidden Dangers of Forced Arbitration: A Closer Look
We live in an era where 'Terms and Conditions' pop up everywhere - from downloading a new app to starting a new job. However, in the sea of fine print, there's one clause that often goes unnoticed, yet holds significant implications: forced arbitration. This article aims to shed light on the dangers associated with forced arbitration and why it's crucial to understand its implications.
The Sound of Litigation: Five Famous Infringement Suits in the Music Industry
The music industry is known for its creativity, innovation, and transformative power. Yet, it's also a field where intellectual property rights hold a high significance. Over the years, we've seen several high-profile copyright infringement lawsuits that have impacted not only the artists involved but also the broader music industry. Let’s talk about five of the most famous lawsuits in the industry.
Thomas Midgley: Patented Genius or Cautionary Tale?
Some inventors are celebrated for how their creations have profoundly enhanced our lives, while others are frowned upon for leaving behind environmental catastrophes. Thomas Midgley Jr. occupies a peculiar space in the world of inventors, where his groundbreaking works are both applauded and criticized in equal measure. Whether you view him as a brilliant inventor or a misguided genius, there's no denying that Midgley’s inventions offer a compelling case study for any intellectual property guru.
Navigating the Epidemic of Surprise Medical Bills
In recent years, an alarming epidemic has been silently sweeping across the American healthcare system. It's not a virus or disease, but rather an economic and systemic issue that's inflicting financial distress on countless insured individuals — surprise medical bills.
Sheeran’s No Piggy Bank: Victorious After Six-Year Suit
The headline-grabbing copyright infringement lawsuit was filed in 2017, but it took approximately six years to make it to Manhattan federal court. Last Thursday, it took a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach a final decision regarding the alleged copyright infringement.
Trinkets, Tributes, and Tenacity: How Anna Jarvis Revolutionized Mother’s Day
Most of us are familiar with the second Sunday of May as a day to celebrate the mothers in our lives. But do you know the story of the woman behind this special day? Anna Jarvis, the "Mother of Mother's Day," was a fierce advocate for the power of maternal love and managed to turn a simple idea into an international celebration of moms everywhere. In honor of Mother’s Day, let’s take a closer look at how Anna Jarvis's determination and tenacity transformed a sentimental notion into a global phenomenon.
Willie Nelson’s Intellectual Property: A Mind as Rich as His Music
The world knows Willie Nelson as a musical icon, a cultural treasure, and a true American original. But there's another side to the Red Headed Stranger that few know about: his deeply impressive intellectual property. This blog delves into the mind of this Grammy-winning, weed-smoking, bandana-wearing troubadour, revealing the untold story of Willie's mental acuity and the rich cache of ideas hidden beneath that legendary mane.
Prepare & Protect Your Company: A Guide To Dealing With a Patent Summons
When you’re planning to launch a new business or product, it is essential that you protect any intellectual property involved in the venture. Patents can help guard your creativity and innovation, but they also might put you at risk of receiving a patent summons – an indication that someone believes their idea has been infringed upon.
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?
Kia, Hyundai Sued by Major Metros
Kia and Hyundai theft stories continue to make headlines in the wake of a viral social media "challenge”. Spurred on by the influence of a group calling itself the "Kia Boyz," bored teens across the country have contributed to the rapid rise in thefts of certain Hyundai and Kia models. While some suggest it's the fault of owners who leave behind their electronic accessories, the reality is that Hyundai and Kia sold these cars with limited security features in order to undercut their competitors on price.