Alt Legal IP News – Issue #11
Hannah Samendinger | November 01, 2016
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Insults, Names, and Disguises
– While Donald Trump’s “nasty woman” insult was one of the most talked about moments of the last debate, it is also sparking conversations at the USPTO.
– The owner of the LES trademark, as it relates to clothing, is notoriously litigious and hislatest target is American Eagle.
– Kate Spade recently lost the right to use her name. You can read more about registering a personal name here.
– Halloween in the future may look different than it did this year. The Supreme Court is going to determine which aspects of an article of clothing are protectable, taking on a fashion copyright case for the first time in its history.
It’s All Fun & Games
– The Second Circuit found a “Who’s on First” routine between a small boy and a “demonic sock puppet” to be not transformative and consequently not fair use.
– Nintendo’s patents applications reveal they intend to take their games beyond the devices.
– A public health doctor has filed for the Trump TV trademark, beating Trump to it, and possibly putting a kink in Trump’s post-election plans.
Shakin’ Things Up
– As Eric Goldman outlines in detail, the Copyright Office caused quite a stir this week with their changes to the DMCA safe harbor.
– The USPTO has proposed two rule changes and they are now soliciting comments. The first is a change in fees and the second changes the procedure for requesting reinstatement, revival, and Director actions.
– The Ninth Circuit has extended the Octane Fitness holding regarding attorney fees to trademark cases.
Odds and Ends
– A Michigan business is claiming the exclusive right to use a highway sign as a product brand.
– Pre-nups are on the rise with millennials. One thing they are looking to protect? Intellectual property.
– Amazon has secured a patent for a small shoulder mounted traffic stop drone.
– The NY State Bar Association is hosting an event on the Future of IP on November 10th. The event will be live as well as online. Check out some of the panels, including one with our CEO, here.