Alt Legal IP News – Issue #145
Justin Wickersham | July 02, 2019
Rise of the Robots
– Who owns the copyright to a classical symphony when Artificial Intelligence completes an unfinished work?
– A new tech tool from MIT can detect when images are fake or have been altered.
– In an age of ever-increasing legal technology, how will the role of lawyers evolve?
Food Fight
– This artist is using cakes to make a statement about copyright and detecting algorithms.
– Punning on the name of a smile that shows in the eyes, Tyra Banks’s new ice cream brand, Smize Cream, is sure to bring joy.
– An activist group is opposing a European salmon patent, claiming that the invention is “pure fake invention.”
– Kylie Jenner’s recent trademark applications suggest she is moving into the beverage market, including both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
Problems with Cultural Appropriation
– Australian courts ruled that a company’s false claim that its products were created by aborigines was harmful to the group, and ordered the company to pay millions in fines.
– Relatedly, Australian politician Ken Wyatt is “hopeful” about the prospect of settling recent disputes about licensing the aboriginal flag to Wam Clothing.
– Target’s recent knock-off version of a high-end crocheted bikini originally created by a Brazilian artist raises questions about creativity, inspiration, and cultural appropriation.
– Kim Kardashian is facing backlash for her recent trademark application for Kimono. Angered Twitter followers are using the hashtag #KimOhNo.
Odds and Ends
– The USPTO rejected Cardi B’s trademark application for “Okurrr,” stating that it’s too “commonplace” to receive trademark protection.
– Samsung recently filed a patent application for a retractable phone screen that expands to three times its size.
– A change set to go into effect on August 3 will require all non-US filers and companies who apply for US trademarks to be represented by US attorneys.