I ♡ Trademarks NewsletterIssue #273
Bri Van Til | January 25, 2022
Here in My Car
General Motors has filed a trademark application for POWERUP, but I don’t think it’s going to make their cars fly, get bigger, or even go faster.
I guess Tesla is sick of making cars; they want to get into the audio equipment business.
Which car manufacturer was awarded the most US patents last year? I’ll give you a hint: it wasn’t Tesla.
If you’re a fan of off-roading, you might drone on and on about this Ford patent.
You’ve Got the Copyright
Several Alt Legal Connect attendees last year praised Tyra Hughley Smith’s knowledge of copyrights. Come join us for our webinar in March where she’ll teach you about the overlap between copyright and trademarks.
The Jimi Hendrix estate is suing former band members’ heirs for claiming royalties. And the wind cries “my copyright!”
Are these photographs similar enough to warrant copyright infringement claims?
Chris Brown and Drake are being sued for copyright infringement for using phrases like “you got it” in their song, but they’re asking a judge to dismiss the case.
A German District Court judge has ruled that adblockers don’t violate copyright by interfering with website presentation.
Shoe Fly; Don’t Bother Me!
Nike and Converse have settled their copyright infringement suit against KickRich for selling altered versions of their shoes.
It looks like this brand will bring New Balance to the metaverse soon.
A judge has found that there’s no confusion between TRAVELTIME and COMMUTE TIME, so both shoes can coexist.
You’ll soon be able to buy your own Crocs NFTs.
Professional Concerns
When you become an associate at this firm and need to go to court, make sure to wear your Trial Blazer. Oh, wait, it’s Trailblazer. Wear that instead!
I don’t know if it’s getting warmer or not, but the Mercari is definitely rising; the marketplace is looking for an IP manager.
Without obnoxiously reminding you, I’m just going to say that I would definitely recommend that you apply to be a contract attorney with Tamara Pester.
If your resume needs some Elevation, consider applying to be counsel for this VC firm.
Motorola is looking for Razr-sharp counsel. And yes, I know the reference dates me, but they were cool looking phones, man!
If you are hired as an associate at Erik M Pelton & Associates, do you think the firm name will change to Erik M Pelton & More Associates?
Have an open role on your team? Send a link to your job listing to [email protected], and we’ll publish it in our next newsletter.
Odds and Ends
How can you use Alt Legal’s §2(d) Trademark Watch software to monitor for infringement? Join us for this webinar next month to learn best practices for using the service effectively.
MSCHF is back at it again: they’re running a Grand Prix to see which major brand will send them a Cease and Desist first.
Here’s a great discussion about IP strategies.
WWE is abandoning its attempts to trademark the name GUNTHER STARK, the name of an actual Nazi military commander.
The Supreme Court has upheld but limited assignor estoppel for patents.