By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief US voters liked Donald Trump to elect him as the next president of the United States, but some licensors are not as fond of POTUS 47, thanks to a variety of copyright issues. This time the case involves the 130-year-old Gibson guitar company, which has issued a cease and desist order against Trump Guitars, the company behind a line of … [Read more...] about Gibson Issues Cease and Desist Against Trump Guitars
Licensing Law
Penn State Wins ‘Historic’ Victory in Trademark Case
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A jury has found that online retailer Vintage Brand infringed on trademarks for Pennsylvania State University, by selling unlicensed merchandise with "historic" images. Penn State had sued Vintage Brand, as well as Prep Sportswear and their founder, Chad Hartvigson. The university alleged the defendants infringed on the Penn State … [Read more...] about Penn State Wins ‘Historic’ Victory in Trademark Case
Feature: Hasbro Wants to See More Women in Decision-Making Roles
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Research shows that women make 70% of the buying decisions when it comes to toys and games, but only 30% of toy executives and 7% of toy inventors are women. Kim Boyd, a veteran of the toy industry and a top decision-maker at the toy giant Hasbro, says that's something that has to change in order to see more innovation. Boyd was … [Read more...] about Feature: Hasbro Wants to See More Women in Decision-Making Roles
French News Media Suing X Over Copyright Infringement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Several large French newspapers have filed suit against the social media platform X, alleging it is running their content without payment. The lawsuit was jointly filed against the Elon Musk-owned social media company by some of the top newspapers in the country, including Le Figaro, Les Echos, Le Parisien and Le Monde, in addition to … [Read more...] about French News Media Suing X Over Copyright Infringement
CBS in Legal ‘Jeopardy’ Due To Sony’s Game Show Lawsuit
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sony Pictures Television is suing CBS, claiming the network failed to meet its contract obligations for popular game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. As well, Sony alleges CBS entered into unauthorized distribution deals in foreign markets. “As stated in our complaint, CBS has been egregiously undercutting the value and profitability … [Read more...] about CBS in Legal ‘Jeopardy’ Due To Sony’s Game Show Lawsuit
Blade Runner 2049 Suing Tesla for Copyright Infringement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief This may be the most '2024' news story I've seen yet, especially for the licensing industry. Combining artificial intelligence, copyright infringement, sci fi movies, robot taxis, Tesla, and a brash move by Elon Musk, a new lawsuit from the makers of Blade Runner 2049 is like a mashup of 2024 doom-scrolling headlines. Blade Runner 2049 … [Read more...] about Blade Runner 2049 Suing Tesla for Copyright Infringement
Gucci Claims $14 Million in Damages Over Lord & Taylor Counterfeits
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The iconic fashion house Gucci is seeking $14 million in damages, accusing retailer Lord & Taylor of "willfully" promoting and selling counterfeit goods. Gucci originally sued Lord & Taylor in 2023, but in its claim for damages, the company says Lord & Taylor has also failed to defend itself in court, leading the fashion … [Read more...] about Gucci Claims $14 Million in Damages Over Lord & Taylor Counterfeits
US Trademark Office Cancels Marvel and DC’s ‘Super Hero’ Marks
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Holy trademark battle, Batman! Marvel and DC have lost their exclusive right to the term 'super hero'. At least, for now. The stunning development came about when a U.S. Trademark Office tribunal canceled a set of 'Super Hero' trademarks that were jointly owned by comic giants Marvel and DC. The move came at the request of a … [Read more...] about US Trademark Office Cancels Marvel and DC’s ‘Super Hero’ Marks
Trump Loses Copyright Battle Over Use of Song ‘Electric Avenue’
Case Could Help Other Artists Prevent Politicians From Using Their Music Without Permission By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Presidential candidate Donald Trump lost his legal battle with singer Eddy Grant over his campaign's use of the 1983 hit song Electric Avenue. The conflict dates back to the 2020 presidential campaign, which Trump lost to current US President Joe … [Read more...] about Trump Loses Copyright Battle Over Use of Song ‘Electric Avenue’
Judge Orders Trump to Stop Using Isaac Hayes’ Song At His Rallies
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The estate of music legend Isaac Hayes won an initial victory in court, as an Atlanta judge ordered the Trump campaign to stop using the song Hold On, I'm Comin' at its events. The order came about as the result of an emergency injunction hearing in Atlanta federal court on Tuesday. The Hayes estate, headed by son Isaac Hayes III, asked the … [Read more...] about Judge Orders Trump to Stop Using Isaac Hayes’ Song At His Rallies