Sudden Death in Overtime
In a decision that has been met with considerable praise and controversy, on June 18, 2014, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office ordered the cancellation of six U.S. federal trademark registrations owned by the NFL’s Washington Redskins on the grounds that the use of the term “redskins”
Judging a Juice by its Label
In POM Wonderful LLC v. The Coca-Cola Company, the US Supreme Court resolved much of the uncertainty surrounding the intersection of unfair competition claims under the Lanham Act relating to food labels and the strictures of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). These two federal statutes cross paths in cases where a food
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Symposium: Preferring substance over form and nature over manner, Supreme Court finds that Aereo runs afoul of the purposes of the Copyright Act
CDAS partner Eleanor M. Lackman was featured as a guest writer for the Supreme Court of the United States Blog. Her post, “Symposium: Preferring substance over form and nature over manner, Supreme court finds that Aereo runs afoul of the purposes of the Copyright Act,” can be found below and on SCOTUSblog.com.
Eleanor M. Lackman Invited as Guest Writer on SCOTUS Blog
CDAS partner Eleanor M. Lackman was featured as a guest writer for the Supreme Court of the United States Blog. Her post, “Symposium: Preferring substance over form and nature over manner, Supreme court finds that Aereo runs afoul of the purposes of the Copyright Act,” can be found below and on SCOTUSblog.com.
U.S. Supreme Court Clarifies and Simplifies Standards for Ability to Bring Section 43(a) False Advertising Claims
High Court Resolves Circuit Split on “Prudential Standing” to Bring False Advertising Claims Under the Lanham Act: Lexmark Int’l, Inc. v. Static Control Components, Inc., No. 12-873 (2014) In what has become rare in recent years, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion, this one deciding the proper test for what is often called “prudential”
Fight for the Fiend Skull Glenn Danzig v. Gerald Caiafa, et al. (C.D. Cal. 2014)
A legal battle is brewing: punk/heavy metal icon Glenn Danzig has sued his former Misfits bandmate, renowned bassist and singer Gerald “Jerry Only” Caiafa, for violations of various Misfits trademarks and logos. Following in the footsteps of Black Flag the filed complaint is another example of former bandmates’ battles over merchandise that remains profitable long
Negotiating Digital Distribution Agreements
By Simon N. Pulman Digital and direct distribution options have created new opportunities for producers seeking to leverage multiple platforms to find new revenue streams and audiences for their work. While the traditional “all rights” deal will continue to exist as long as there are major distributors willing to pay a minimum guarantee and give
Supreme Court Allows Copyright Claim to Proceed Despite Delay
On May 19th, the Supreme Court issued its decision in Petrella v. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. et al., 2014 WL 2011574 (U.S. May 19, 2014), ruling that laches, an equitable doctrine barring suits after unreasonable delay, cannot be used to preclude copyright infringement claims brought within the Copyright Act’s three year statute of limitations.
CDAS To Moderate Two Panels At BookExpo America This Week
CDAS Partner Kenneth N. Swezey will moderate a panel on business opportunities and funding essentials in digital publishing at BookExpo America on Wednesday, May 28th. The event description is below, while additional details can be found here.
Instagram Beats Attempt At Class Action Over Change In Terms Of Use
In Rodriguez v Instagram, CGC-13-532875 (San Francisco Sup. Ct. Feb 28, 2014), the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, rejected a proposed class action lawsuit brought against Instagram LLC in connection with modifications to its original Terms of Use, instituted after the free photo-sharing platform was purchased by Facebook, Inc. The lawsuit challenged Instagram’s