Category Archives: Trademarks

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 »

Three Important Tips to Protect Your Trademark on Social Media
For South Florida businesses, a strong social media presence is a valuable asset. According to data provided by Statista, nearly 80 percent of Americans currently have an active social media account on at least one platform. Just ten years ago, only 20 percent of Americans were on social media. Many businesses are still adjusting… Read More »

Who Owns the 12th Man? Texas A&M Prevails Over Soap Company in Trademark Dispute
Most football fans have probably heard the term ‘12th man’ mentioned before during a broadcast. With 11 players on the field at any given time for each team, the 12th man is often used to refer to the crowd that can provide the home team with a little extra boost through its enthusiasm and… Read More »

Is Nextel an ‘Abandoned’ Trademark? A Florida Company is Being Sued for Trying to Revive the Brand Name
Over the last few decades, Nextel has been one of the most recognizable brand names in telecommunication industry. Indeed, for several years the top series in American auto racing was called “Nextel Cup”. However, in 2005, Nextel and Sprint completed a multi-billion dollar merger. The ‘Nextel’ company no longer exists in its previous form…. Read More »

Trademark Case Watch: Florida Pizzeria Prevails Over State of New Jersey
On May 17th, 2018, the New Jersey Law Journal reported on a relatively unusual trademark dispute involving a small Florida pizza chain and the state of New Jersey. The case provides an instructive example of the key issues that must be reviewed in any trademark infringement dispute. In New Jersey Turnpike Authority. Jersey Boardwalk… Read More »

The Golden Knights are in the Stanley Cup Finals; But They Still Do Not Have Their Trademark
Last fall, the Las Vegas Golden Knights joined the National Hockey League (NHL) as an expansion franchise. In their first season, the team has advanced all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals – a truly impressive feat for a brand new franchise. Previously, our Miami trademark litigation lawyers have discussed the team’s struggle… Read More »

The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles Have Filed Joint Trademark Lawsuit
Prior to taking the field as opponents in Super Bowl LII, the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles have teamed up in the courtroom. According to reporting from Courthouse News Service, the two NFL franchises have joined with the NFL’s League Office in order to file a collective trademark lawsuit against an alleged counterfeiting… Read More »

Eleventh Circuit Court Issues Decision in ‘Commodores’ Trademark Dispute
The Commodores is an American funk/soul band that was originally formed in 1968. Over the decades, this band has had many different members, most notably Lionel Richie. Recently, the band has been locked in a trademark infringement lawsuit with a former member. On January 9th, 2018, the United States Court of Appeals for the… Read More »

The Ban on ‘Immoral’ and ‘Scandalous’ Trademarks Has Been Ruled Unconstitutional
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down a regulation that banned disparaging trademarks. In a unanimous decision, the nation’s highest court determined that the USPTO’s ‘disparagement clause’ was in direct violation of the First Amendment. Now, following much the same logic, the United States Court of Appeals for the… Read More »