
What We’re Talking About

Shockwaves Through College Football: Ole Miss Player Sues School, Lane Kiffin for $40 Million
In a developing story that has captured national attention, DeSanto Rollins, a defensive lineman for the Ole Miss Rebels, has initiated a lawsuit against his head coach Lane Kiffin and the University of Mississippi. The lawsuit alleges multiple counts, including racial discrimination, discrimination based on disability, and gross negligence, among other claims.

Did the Trump Campaign Cross Copyright Lines with Mugshot Merch?
Recent events have led to an interesting legal debate concerning former President Donald Trump and a potentially dicey affair with copyright law. The heart of the matter? The mugshot of Trump taken at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta and the subsequent use of this photograph in campaign merchandise. The products, flaunting the portrait and the mantra "Never surrender," ranged in price from $12 to $34. Within a mere 72 hours, the campaign cashed in a staggering $7.1 million from these sales. However, experts in the field of intellectual property are raising eyebrows over the legality of such a move.

Dark Side of Love at First Swipe: The Urgent Need for Safety Reforms in Dating Apps
In an era where our lives are increasingly entangled with technology, it's hardly surprising that we've turned to apps to find love—or at least, a semblance of it. The algorithmic matchmakers that power our swipes have become integral to modern romance. But with this digital Cupid comes a darker side: dating apps have also become breeding grounds for predatory behaviors. As much as we swipe right for connection, there's a significant number of users swiping left into a world of fraud, emotional distress, theft, and sexual assault.

Facebook Privacy Settlement: Dollars of Disappointment
By now, you've probably heard the buzz about Meta (Facebook's parent company) shelling out $725 million in a settlement over privacy infringements. If you're thinking this sounds like justice served, hold that thought. On the surface, the figure seems astronomical. But when you dig a little deeper, you might start to feel like we've all been shortchanged.

Farewell to a Legend: Jimmy Buffett’s Eternal Sunset in Margaritaville
The world collectively sighed in unison as news broke on September 1st that Jimmy Buffett, the man who serenaded us into a beachy reverie with 'Margaritaville,' had passed away at the age of 76. Like a conch shell echoing across sandy shores, Jimmy's legacy resounds in the realms of music, entrepreneurship, and philosophy. While many know him for his breezy island tunes, others appreciate the lifestyle empire he built, turning a song into a state of mind that influenced millions.

Eminem Takes Legal Action Against Vivek Ramaswamy
This is a time when campaign slogans, promises, and yes, music, reverberate in the hearts of Americans. Yet sometimes, political harmony hits a sour note, as it recently did for Republican presidential candidate and tech entrepreneur, Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy, who has taken to rapping on the campaign trail, appears to be backing down after Grammy-award winning rapper Eminem asked him to stop performing his songs at campaign events.

"I Have a Dream" at 60: The Unfinished Symphony of Justice and Equality
On August 26, 2023, America paused to commemorate the 60th anniversary of one of the most transformative moments in its history—the day Martin Luther King Jr. stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial and galvanized a nation with his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Thousands gathered to retrace those steps, to listen, to reflect, and most importantly, to remind America of its unfinished symphony—a composition of justice, equality, and the American Dream.

What Can Be Trademarked: A Comprehensive Guide
Trademarks are a crucial aspect of branding, offering businesses legal protection against infringement. A trademark, which is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services from others, can be a valuable asset to your business. However, only some things can be trademarked. This blog will guide you through the different types of trademarks and what can or cannot be trademarked.

Reggie Bush vs. NCAA: The Trophy, the Titles, and the Truth
Fifteen years after the NCAA began investigating Reggie Bush, the former USC superstar has burst through an opening he’s long been waiting for. Bush announced yesterday he is suing the NCAA for defamation and seeking the return of his Heisman Trophy. Alongside his attorneys Levi McCathern and Ben Crump, Bush is not just running towards the end zone; he's sprinting towards justice.

A Piece of Facebook's $725 Million Privacy Settlement: What You Need to Know
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has agreed to a substantial $725 million settlement over privacy-related issues. If you were an active Facebook user in the United States between May 2007 and December 2022, you might be entitled to a share of this settlement. Here's everything you need to know.

Justice Served: A Landmark $1.2 Billion Verdict in Texas 'Revenge Porn' Lawsuit
The legal landscape has witnessed a monumental ruling that resonates with many victims of so-called “revenge porn” across the nation. Last week in Harris County, Texas, a jury awarded an astonishing $1.2 billion in damages to a woman who courageously took a stand against her former boyfriend's abuse. Here's what you need to know.

Blindsided: Michael Oher Files Lawsuit against Tuohy Family
Once an emblem of triumph over adversity, the story of retired NFL star Michael Oher has taken a shocking twist. Celebrated in the 2009 film "The Blind Side," his supposed rags-to-riches journey is now mired in controversy.

Taco Tuesday Trademark War Ends in Free Tacos for Everyone (Everyone but New Jersey, that is.)
Taco Bell's recent triumph over the "Taco Tuesday" trademark has become a hot topic. In a bold move, they've opened a $5 million taco tab to serve free Doritos Locos Tacos in celebration of their victory. This nationwide offer extends to all but one state: New Jersey.

Taylor’s Version: How Taylor Swift is Redefining the Music Industry, One Re-Recorded Album at a Time
Taylor Swift's journey in the music industry is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and storytelling. Her ability to craft songs that resonate with millions while also challenging industry norms and standards has truly redefined the music landscape. The music industry, much like many other industries, is filled with tales of artists who lose rights to their works, only to regret it later. But when it comes to redefining the narrative and leveraging intellectual property (IP) rights, few have showcased the brilliance quite like Taylor Swift.

Ozempic: The Trend, the Trials, and the Truth
In the expansive universe of modern medicine, the hunt for the perfect weight loss solution remains relentless. Drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, primarily developed for diabetes management, have increasingly garnered attention, not solely for their intended purpose but also for their off-label use in weight loss. However, with this rising fame come significant concerns about safety, long-term implications, and ethical medical practices.

Navigating Google's New Trademark Policy: What You Need to Know
Google recently unveiled a significant shift in its Google Ads Trademark policy that will fundamentally transform the way it handles trademark complaints. Effective from July 24, 2023, the tech giant will now focus on specific advertisers and ads in processing trademark complaints, instead of all advertisers operating within the same industry as the trademark owner. This transition will involve phasing out trademark restrictions that were active before July 24, 2023, over the subsequent 12 to 18 months. Here's what you need to understand about this new Google policy and how it could potentially impact your trademark rights.

Falwell Family v Liberty University: A Tangled Tale of Trademarks, Televangelism, and Tuition
Well, it appears the legal drama at Liberty University is reaching biblical proportions. The university's prodigal son, Jerry Falwell Jr., once the university's president, is launching a trademark infringement lawsuit against his former employer. Now, isn't that a modern twist to the parable?

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!

Temu vs Shein: The Catfight Shaking Up the World of Ultra-Fast Fashion
Chinese e-commerce rivals, Temu and Shein, are involved in a full-blown legal catfight over fast-fashion retail space in the US. Last week, the newcomer Temu (known for its relentless social ads) slapped Shein (your Gen-Z sibling's favorite shopping app) with an antitrust lawsuit. Let's grab some popcorn, shall we?

Understanding the Cost of Patent Litigation
One frequently asked question about patent infringement revolves around the often prohibitive cost of patent litigation. The financial toll for those embroiled in such disputes can be astonishing, often escalating into the millions of dollars. This stems from the intricate issues at play, the necessity of engaging numerous specialists, and the multitude of proceedings like Inter Partes Review. These elements combined can generate formidable legal expenses for those navigating patent litigation proceedings.