Video Game Copyright Recently, the owners of Tetris sued the creators of a similar game, Mino, for copyright infringement. In a fairly simple game like Tetris, which elements can be protected under copyright law?
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Gaymer v. Reddit
September 18, 2012
Gaymer v. Reddit In 2008, Chris Vizzini obtained registrations from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for two marks using the word GAYMER (here’s the word mark, here’s the design mark). Mr. Vizzini founded an online community in 2003, gaymer.org, aimed at fostering communication and friendly competition between gay and gay-friendly video game enthusiasts. Reddit.com is a website featuring user-submitted content. Reddit is organized into “subreddits” for every imaginable topic, including /gaymers, which features discussion of gay-positive topics related to video games. Both gaymer.org and /gaymers are seen as a refuge for those who object to perceived homophobia in…
Beastie Boys v. Monster Energy
September 12, 2012
Beastie Boys v. Monster Energy Adam Yauch, a member of the Beastie Boys, sadly passed away in May 2012. Several days after Yauch’s will became public, the Beastie Boys filed a lawsuit against Monster Energy Company for copyright and trademark infringement and violation of the New York Civil Rights law. The suit alleges that Monster used parts of the band’s songs, including “Sabotage,” “So Whatcha Want,” and “Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun” in promotional videos for Monster Energy Drinks. These videos were used to promote Ruckus in the Rockies, a Monster-sponsored snowboarding event. How did Monster allegedly violate…
Ben & Jerry’s X-Rated Trademark Dilution Case
September 6, 2012
Ben & Jerry’s X-Rated Trademark Dilution Case Ben & Jerry’s has sued Rodax Distributors, producers of adult DVDs under the brand name “Ben & Cherry’s.” Allegedly, Rodax’s oeuvre includes such masterpieces as “Peanut Butter D-Cups” and “Boston Cream Thigh.” OK, the last one is sort of clever. “But wait,” you say. “Isn’t a trademark necessarily related to the commercial goods and services provided by the owner? Clearly neither Ben nor Jerry is involved in the adult film business; how can they assert trademark rights against Rodax?”
