More states throughout the country are legalizing cannabidiol (“CBD”), a chemical component of the cannabis plant used for medicinal and recreational purposes. You can find it in balms, supplements, drinks, and food. A question regarding trademark has come up in the...
Crystal Broughan, Intellectual Property Attorney
Questions to Help You Build a Trademark Application Strategy
Thinking about filing a trademark application for your business’s logo or name? Do you have a strategy for success? Or is your plan to slap together an application and pray for success? If you want to be successful in obtaining a trademark registration, it usually...
Yes, There Really Is a Trademark Battle over “Kentucky” Going On
You probably intuitively know that state names are closely intertwined with the universities and athletic teams that reside within them. It is also understandable that the state itself (the government) might want to use the state name for branding efforts. Because of...
Checklist: What to Do When You Receive a Cease-and-Desist Letter
You just received a cease-and-desist letter from a law firm in New York accusing you of trademark and copyright infringement. Your anxiety spikes. What do you do? Consult this checklist of nine steps you should take to protect your business and personal assets: In...
TikTok, Dance Creators, and Copyright Complications
Even if you do not have an account on TikTok, you have likely heard of the social media platform. After all, it became the most-downloaded app in 2020 after then-President Trump attempted to ban it. Users love the platform because of how easy it is for people to share...
You Say “Louis,” I Say “Chewy”: Distinguishing Tarnishment from Blurring
Written By Guest Author, Marks Gray Summer Law Clerk Corrine H. Bowden What do Louis Vuitton luxury handbags have in common with “Chewy Vuiton” dog toys? According to the Fourth Circuit, not enough. The court’s November 2007 ruling in favor of the underdog in Louis...
What to Know about Copyright Protection for Presentation Materials
Presentations are given every day to a wide variety of audiences throughout the world. Professional consultants provide presentations on leadership development, handling stress, how to improve sales techniques, financial investments, real estate sales, and insurance...
Did the City of Pasadena Infringe on the Rose Bowl Trademark?
Last week, U.S. District Judge Andre Birotte dismissed a lawsuit on behalf of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association (The Association) against the City of Pasadena. The lawsuit included several claims: The Association sought a declaration that the City of...