Intellectual Property Rights

Get the latest news on intellectual property law, covering patents, trademarks and copyright.

Chicago Church asks Derrick Rose for Help in Trademark Battle against Adidas
Dec 27, 2011

Christian Faith Fellowship, a Chicago church, recently asked NBA player Derrick Rose for help in ending a legal battle over trademark infringement with Adidas.

The battle is over Adidas’ use of the term adiZero for its popular shoe line, which features the Rose 2 series of shoes, named after the NBA player.

Christian Faith trademarked the phrase “Add A Zero” in 2006 as part of its campaign to urge the congregation to donate more - a $10 contribution, therefore, was encouraged to become a $100 donation.

Transformers Trademark at Issue in Lawsuit
Dec 23, 2011

Taiwan-based computer technology and electronic product manufacturer ASUS was recently sued by toy and game manufacturer Hasbro for its use of the phrase, “Transformer Prime.”

ASUS has been using the phrase for its new tablet, which earned its “transformer” title due to its removable battery docket, which turns a Tegra 3 slate into a notebook.

Got Milk Domain Given Away in Trademark Suit
Dec 22, 2011

The California Milk Processor Board - which owns the trademark to the phrase “got milk?” - lost a lawsuit recently over the domain name GotMilkAds.com.

The domain, which is registered with GoDaddy.com, Inc., was awarded to Ryan Leonard of Pennsylvania. The domain is linked to several ads that offer a variety of goods, none of which are related to California’s Milk Processor Board.

The California Board filed the claim due to its belief that the domain was earning a good portion of its profits through its trademarked phrase.

Village People Back in the News with Copyright Lawsuit
Dec 21, 2011

Victor Willis of the Village People recently attempted to terminate copyright grants on 32 of the popular music group’s songs, including its smash hit, “Y.M.C.A.”

In the lawsuit, the courts will have to decide whether or not copyright protections on a song created by several co-authors or co-writers can be terminated by one of them, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Atlanta Braves Not So Happy with Disney
Dec 20, 2011

The Atlanta National League Baseball Club, owners of the Atlanta Braves, is objecting to The Walt Disney Company's application to trademark the word, "Brave," the chosen title for Disney's upcoming animated film. 

The infringement might prove difficult for Atlanta National to prove, due to the fact that trademarks are specific to plural and singular forms, with the Braves only owning the plural form.