The question of whether you can trademark your marijuana related brands is one that has become increasingly common as more states move toward medical and recreational legalization.  Under the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (“USPTO”) “Lawful Use Rule,” the use in commerce on a federal trademark registration application cannot be for an illegal purpose.  […]

Entertainment law encompasses several areas of law applicable to celebrities, athletes, actors, musicians, models and entertainers, among others.  One of the most important involves intellectual property law.  IP rights come in many different forms, and “stars” (aspiring or otherwise) should know their rights. Right of Publicity (i.e. one’s right to prevent the misappropriation of her […]

Sometimes trademark infringement can feel like a David versus Goliath, with Goliath a trademark infringement Plaintiff and Defendant seemingly with everything to lose.  The fact pattern is quite straight forward for Plaintiffs seeking damages in trademark infringement lawsuits.  Plaintiff alleges prior trademark rights, Plaintiff sues Defendant for trademark infringement and Defendant faces not only liability […]

LinkedIn was founded in 2002, Facebook was founded in 2004, YouTube was founded in 2005, Twitter was founded in 2006, Instagram and Pinterest were founded in 2010 and Snapchat was founded in 2011.  Social networking websites have changed the landscape of not only how we interact with one another but also how companies reach consumers.  […]