When Has a Trademark Been Abandoned? Once your competitor’s trademark has been abandoned, it should be free for you to use – in theory. But how do you know when a trademark has been abandoned? A recent case shows how tricky this issue can be.
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Keep it Legal Blog
“One Love” Indeed – Bob Marley Estate Sues Chicken Chain
December 16, 2013
“One Love” Indeed – Bob Marley Estate Sues Chicken Chain The estate of Bob Marley has filed suit against a Louisiana-based chicken finger restaurant chain, Raising Cane’s, over Raising Cane’s registration and use of the trademark ONE LOVE. Whose rights to “One Love” are superior, and why did the Marley estate wait so long to take action?
Trademark Law: STARBUCKS Loses “CHARBUCKS” Claim
December 10, 2013
STARBUCKS Loses “CHARBUCKS” Claim In good news for those who like to root for the small family business over the big corporate monolith, Starbucks recently lost a claim in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals against a Tuftonboro, New Hampshire company who sold their coffee under the brand name “Mr. Charbucks.” The case illustrates the challenges in asserting a case of trademark dilution – but were there any real winners, after 12 years of legal battling?
Bound 3 – Kanye, Kim, James, and Seth?
November 25, 2013
Bound 3 – Kanye, Kim, James, and Seth? Last week, Kanye West released a video for his song “Bound 2,” featuring himself and a nude Kim Kardashian riding a motorcycle. Today, actor/comedians James Franco and Seth Rogen released their own version, “Bound 3.” Bound 3 is an exact copy of the original – the song is identical, most of the shots are direct copies – except Franco appears as Kanye, and a hilariously nude Rogen appears as Kim. Hopefully Kanye and his record label will have a sense of humor about Bound 3, but if they don’t, what can they…
