On October 25, 2016, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) announced its release of a new section to its Code of Advertising to address The term “native advertising” describes ads where the “design style and functionality of commercial messages mimic related
2016
These aren’t the trademarks you’re looking for: Lucasfilm sues “Lightsaber Academy” for infringement

The duty to disclose under the Lanham Act and New York law

On September 2, 2016, the federal trial court in Manhattan issued its opinion in Casper Sleep, Inc. v. Mitcham, relating to a mattress review website and its disclosures. Slip Op., Casper Sleep, Inc. v. Mitcham et al,…
Houston College of Law enjoined from using name

On Friday, October 14, 2016, a federal judged ruled that Houston College of Law must change its name, at least for the duration of pending trademark litigation. The temporary injunction stems from a trademark infringement suit the University of Houston…
Redskins won’t join Slants’ trademark case at SCOTUS
The Supreme Court has refused the Washington Redskins’ request to join The Slants’ case challenging the Lanham Act’s ban on the registration of offensive trademarks. Pro-Football, Inc. v. Blackhorse, Case No. 15-1311 (U.S. Supreme Court’s Order List at 58, Oct.…
UPDATE: SCOTUS will review ban on offensive marks
Earlier today, the US Supreme Court agreed to review whether the Lanham Act’s ban on offensive trademarks violates the First Amendment. The high court granted certiorari in the case of The Slants, the Asian American rock band that was…
Intra-Circuit split should give advertisers pause
While advertising off-label claims for medical devices and pharmaceuticals may be like sailing into stormy waters, companies might assume that advertising their products based on FDA-vetted labeling is, if not a safe harbor, at least a reasonably sheltered cove. The…
The risky business of allusive trade marks in South Africa

When a trader adopts words in common use for his trade name, some risk of confusion is inevitable. But the risk must run unless the first user is allowed to unfairly monopolise the words. This dictum from a 1946 House…
Seattle Seahawks fans still the 12th Man under new trademark licensing deal with A&M

Football season is upon us, and fans of the Seattle Seahawks were no doubt celebrating the thrilling 12-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins during their first game of the season on Sunday, September 11, 2016. Seattle fans, who have been…