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IP Gets “Modernized” In Stimulus Bill
Embedded within the 5,600-page Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 – more commonly known as the $2.3 trillion Coronavirus Relief Stimulus Bill enacted on December 27, 2020 – are significant changes to federal trademark and copyright laws.
SCOTUS Rejects Georgia’s Bid to Claim Copyright Protection in Official Annotated Codes
Long ago the “government edicts doctrine” established that state and federal law is not entitled to copyright protection. Essentially, original works that have the force of law and created by officials in the course of
SCOTUS Invalidates Scandalous Restrictions on Trademarks
In a long-awaited decision, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a restriction on registering trademarks deemed “scandalous” or “immoral”. In the Brunetti case, the U.S. Supreme Court was asked whether the provision of the Trademark Act
SCOTUS: No Copyright Registration, No Infringement Lawsuit
The wheels of government turn slowly to the detriment of copyright owners, according to a unanimous opinion delivered by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, in Fourth Estate Public Benefit Corporation v. Wall-Street.com. Petitioner
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Soulful Estate
Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 As many in the country mourn the loss of Aretha Franklin, some of us are a bit surprised to discover the Queen of Soul passed intestate, without a will or estate
Does This Selfie Make Me Look Like a Copyright Infringer?
Intellectual Property Lawyer by Tal Grinblat (818) 907-3284 Caution. This blog lacks lawyerly gravitas. Why? Wikimedia Commons Public Domain: Naruto’s Selfie The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will consider a copyright infringement suit brought by
Disparaging, Degrading, Derogatory Trademarks: They’re Now Enforceable Says Supreme Court
Intellectual Property Lawyer by Tal Grinblat (818) 907-3284 You may remember that several national sports franchises are under fire for trademarks and branding that is seen to be racially disparaging. The Washington Redskins are the
Trademark Law & Genericide: Google’s Not Dead Yet
Trademark Attorney by Tal Grinblat (818) 907-3284 Domain name registration is usually a good first step to cement trade name and mark ownership. In a previous blog we reminded readers that possession, even in Intellectual
Franchisors, Got Claims? Don’t Let Them Spoil Like Bad Cheese
Chair, Franchise & Distribution Practice Group by Barry Kurtz 818-907-3006 This is the tale of two restaurants, each facing trademark infringement claims under the Lanham Act brought by two, separate franchisors. The franchisees’ restaurants had
Half Baked: The Brave New World of Branding Weed
Intellectual Property Attorney by Tal Grinblat (818) 907-3284 In last week’s election, California voters passed Prop 64, which means recreational marijuana can be sold and used by persons over 21 within the state. But don’t