DC Comics v. Towle: Batmobile Case Outlines “Objects as Characters”

In DC Comics v. Towle, 2013 WL 541430, __ F. Supp. 2d __ (C.D. Cal. Feb. 7, 2013) (“Towle”), the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California found that a vendor of car kits and customization accessories modeled after the famous Batmobile vehicle from the Batman comics, TV shows and movies infringed on

Trademark Law Basics, Part 4: How Do I Choose a Trademark?

This is part four of the CDAS Trademark Law Basics series. If you missed the previous installments, they are available at the following links: Part 1, Why Register a Trademark?, Part 2: Why Conduct a Trademark Search?, and Part 3: What to Expect During the Trademark Prosecution Process. A trademark can be a word, logo,

Trademark Law Basics, Part 3: What To Expect During The Trademark Prosecution Process

This is part three of the CDAS Trademark Law Basics series. If you missed the previous installments, they are available at the following links: Part 1, Why Register a Trademark?, and Part 2: Why Conduct a Trademark Search? The process of trademark prosecution involves you and your trademark attorney filing an application with the United

Amazon Defeats Apple’s False Advertising Claim in “App Store” Lawsuit

On January 2, 2013, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California rejected Apple, Inc.’s claim that Amazon.com, Inc.’s decision to name its marketplace for selling applications (“apps”) the “Amazon Appstore” was false advertising. The decision constituted a significant win for Amazon in its long-running dispute with Apple over Amazon’s right to

Trademark Law Basics, Part 2: Why Conduct A Trademark Search?

This is part two of the CDAS Trademark Law Basics series. If you missed the previous installment, it is available here: Part 1, Why Register a Trademark?,  Many small businesses apply to register without advice from an attorney. This is perfectly legal, but can be more costly than you think: the fees and costs associated

Trademark Law Basics, Part 1: Why Register a Trademark?

Welcome to the first part of the CDAS “Trademark Law Basics” series. Over the next month, CDAS attorneys will be explaining the legal and practical basics of trademarks on our IP, Media and Entertainment Law blog. We will also curate the entire series on the CDAS Trademark and Brands Practice Group page. Just like your

CDAS Big Data & Privacy Bulletin 2/10/13

CDAS’s Digital Media Practice Group would like to share some key developments, articles and issues in the world of big data, targeted advertising and privacy law that we’ve been monitoring over the past couple of weeks:
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Jose Padilha to Produce and Direct Narcos for Netflix

Susan H. Bodine’s client José Padilha will produce and direct Narcos, a new miniseries for Netflix. Based on Mr. Padilha’s original idea, Narcos will chronicle the life and death of Colombia drug lord Pablo Escobar. French production company Gaumont International Television will finance the production.
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The Match Factory Acquires Omar

CDAS is delighted to announce that Hany Abu-Assad’s new film Omar, currently in post-production, has been acquired by The Match Factory for foreign sales. CDAS partner Susan H. Bodine represents Mr. Abu-Assad, who won the 2006 Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film for Paradise Now. Sue and fellow CDAS partner Joshua B. Sessler also