Category Archives: Intellectual Property
IP and Copyright Issues for Social Media Influencers
If you watch videos of influencers on social media platforms, you’ll often find or hear that there is well known, popular music being played in the background. But just because these videos may be made for fun, doesn’t mean that licensed music can be used in these videos. Unauthorized usage of copyrighted music can… Read More »
Legal Lessons from Joann’s IP Sale to Michaels
By: Timothy O’Neill, Partner When Joann Fabrics announced its bankruptcy earlier this year, many believed it marked the end of a cherished brand. But thanks to the power of intellectual property (IP), Joann’s private labels, including its well-known “Big Twist” yarn, have found new life at Michaels. Michaels recently acquired Joann’s IP and private… Read More »
Registered Tartan Designs: A Personal Look at Identity, Tradition, and Legal Protection
By Timothy O’Neill, Partner A registered tartan design is more than just a pattern, it is a symbol of identity, heritage, and storytelling woven into cloth. Tartan, traditionally associated with Scottish clans, has evolved into a powerful medium for families, organizations, and individuals to express pride, place, and personal history. I’ve experienced this firsthand…. Read More »
Is Your Business Making These Intellectual Property Mistakes?
You are a small business, Your business has nothing to do with intellectual property (IP) at least, not directly. So you may not give a lot of thought about how to protect your intellectual property, or mistakes you might be making with your IP. Businesses often make mistakes with IP, which can end up… Read More »
Former Fresh Prince Star Sues the Maker of ‘Fortnite’ for Profiting Off of His Likeness; Claims Rights to the ‘Carlton Dance’
According to reporting from the Miami Herald, actor Alfonso Ribeiro — formerly a star on the hit sitcom ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ — has filed lawsuits against the creators of two popular video games: Fortnite and NBA 2K. In his legal claim, Mr. Ribeiro contends that the companies that made these games are… Read More »
Do the Jacksonville Jaguars Own the Rights to ‘Sacksonville’? Former Linebacker Says
Last January, Florida’s own Jacksonville Jaguars made to the AFC Championship game for the first time in 21 years. On the strength of an elite defensive line, the Jaguars were near the very top of the league in sacking the quarterback for the second straight season. This lead to the team adopting the alliterative… Read More »
Costco Appeals Multi-Million Trademark Loss to Tiffany & Co.
Last year, the prominent wholesaler Costco was ordered to pay luxury jewelry maker Tiffany & Co. more than $19 million for trademark infringement. A New York state judge determined that Costco was improperly selling ‘knock off’ Tiffany engagement rings to consumers. The company was ordered to pay: Treble damages on $3.7 million in profits… Read More »
Florida Supreme Court Rules in Favor of SiriusXM in Major Copyright Case
On October 26th, 2017, the Supreme Court of Florida released an extremely important copyright law decision. In the case of Flo & Eddie, Inc., etc. v. Sirius XM Radio, Inc., etc., Florida’s highest court ruled in favor of SiriusXM (the broadcaster), and against Flo & Eddie (the artist and potential copyright holder). The Florida… Read More »
Uber Faces Trademark Lawsuit from Florida Company
Uber Technologies inc., the prominent ridesharing company based in San Francisco, California, was recently sued by Uber Operations LLC, an information technology company based in Tallahassee, Florida. According to the lawsuit, which was filed on August 29th in Northern District of Florida, the ridesharing company infringed on the trademark of the IT company. More… Read More »
New York Mets Accuse Florida Medical Services Company of Trademark Infringement
According to reporting from the New York Post, the New York Mets have filed a trademark complaint against Comprehensive Health Services, a medical services company based in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Last month, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) awarded Comprehensive Health Services a trademark for their proprietary software that goes by the name… Read More »