Alt Legal IP News – Issue #36
Hannah Samendinger | May 02, 2017
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Future Computers
– Ever wondered about Emoji law? Eric Goldman has prepared a comprehensive survey on emojis and how they will impact the law. He’d also love to hear your comments.
– There is now a keyboard for lawyers, or a Legalboard, if you will.
– The USPTO has downgraded PAIR’s encryption connection.
– Soon you may be able to charge your iPhone via wifi. Apple lawyers are also literally comparing apples to pears.
When the Music Stops
– Eminem sued a New Zealand political party for use of one of his songs in a political ad, which the party said was only “Eminem-esque.”
– Fyre Festival made headlines this weekend for being quite a disaster, including a $100 million class action lawsuit for fraud and breach of contract. And for those familiar with the world of pitch decks, here are some slides from the organizers’ pitch deck.
– The Eagles are not too happy about the Hotel California that opened in Mexico.
– Abbott and Costello’s heirs have asked the Supreme Court to review a lower court’s decision that prevented them from suing over the unauthorized used of the famous “Who’s on First” routine in a Broadway play.
What Are You Wearing?
– Balenciaga released a new handbag that will cost you $2,145. It’s also a replica of an Ikea shopping bag.
– A “turned welt” is at the center of a bra patent dispute.
– In Switzerland, Louboutin lost the fight over its signature red sole.
Odds and Ends
– The USPTO is one place that often reflects current trends. The latest? Fidget spinners.
– Halo Farm is suing Halo Top ice cream for having a confusingly similar name.
– A recent decision held PTAB accountable for justifying each of its obviousness conclusions.
– The US International Trade Commission is investigating alleged patent violations by Honda, Toyota, BMW, and others.
– Khloe Kardashian was sued for copyright infringement after posting a picture of herself on Instagram.
– The Ninth Circuit ruled that the glass ceiling is protected by circular logic.