Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com The European Commission slaps Nike with a €12.5 million ($14.14 million) fine for its decade-long violation of an EU law prohibiting "agreements between companies that prevent, restrict, or distort competition" within its 28-country Single Market. The sportswear giant's licensing agreements prevented European licensees from … [Read more...] about Legal Tracker: Anti-competition & Trademark Registration Edition
Licensing Law
On Notice: Sportswear, Organics & Bankruptcy Updates
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Puma's latest sneaker designs are coming under fire from In-N-Out Burger in a trademark lawsuit, with the fast-food restaurant alleging "essentially identical" elements like palm tree motifs as well as contrasting red and yellow accents in its Cali-0 Drive Thru and California Drive Thru CC shoes "causing consumers to … [Read more...] about On Notice: Sportswear, Organics & Bankruptcy Updates
Digital Deets: Retail, Social & Gaming Updates
Gen Z is shopping more frequently and spending more on fashion than Millennials are, according to a study from LIM College. Although the two generations tend to align in overall values, Gen Zers tend to appreciate the material things in life, including shopping at malls and physical stores. It's not only Gen Z—this last holiday season, everyone appreciated the convenience of … [Read more...] about Digital Deets: Retail, Social & Gaming Updates
Legal Updates: Netflix/Chooseco, Rihanna, Sears & More
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Indie publisher Chooseco files suit against Netflix in federal court alleging infringement of its "Choose Your Own Adventure" trademark, which is used on the classic interactive children’s book series. Chooseco alleges that Netflix failed to license its use in the streamer's latest interactive feature, Black Mirror: … [Read more...] about Legal Updates: Netflix/Chooseco, Rihanna, Sears & More
M&A & CSR
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Apple nabs the rights to the late Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts brand following a highly competitive bidding process. The deal will see Apple team with DHX, which already has a stake in the Peanuts franchise, to produce upcoming projects, including new specials and animated shorts, exclusively for Apple TV. Under the new … [Read more...] about M&A & CSR
M&A & Legal: Fashion, Trade & Counterfeit
Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. VF Corp. names the new independent, publicly traded company that has been spun off from its jeanswear organization as Kontoor Brands. The separation will be completed in the first half of 2019 and the entity will comprise the Wrangler, Lee, and Rock & Republic brands as well as the VF Outlet business. Marquee Brands … [Read more...] about M&A & Legal: Fashion, Trade & Counterfeit
Pioneering a Fresh Approach to IP Rights in China
By Yizan He, CEO of Alfilo Brands, yzh@alfilo.com. Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. Landmark Western cultural institutions are increasing their presence in the Middle Kingdom. Following the successful launch of its e-commerce initiative this summer, The British Museum recently opened its first physical shop in China with the help of its exclusive official … [Read more...] about Pioneering a Fresh Approach to IP Rights in China
Legal Watch: Sporting Goods & Apparel; Toys & Games
Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. CrossFit and Reebok settle their litigation-related licensing disputes and "look forward to continuing their work together as partners mutually dedicated to improving individual health and fitness globally." In 2010, the companies entered into a 10-yr. licensing and sponsorship agreement where Reebok would act as the title … [Read more...] about Legal Watch: Sporting Goods & Apparel; Toys & Games
Roundup: M&A & Legal
Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. Spanish soccer league LaLiga and Relevent, a multinational media, sports and entertainment group, craft a 15 year-long, equal joint venture to promote soccer in the U.S. and Canada. LaLiga will bring the first regular season clubs match to the U.S., dubbed LaLiga North America. LaLiga North America is LaLiga's exclusive … [Read more...] about Roundup: M&A & Legal
Retail & Legal Tracker
U.S. retailers are stocking up on merchandise in advance of potential tariffs on Chinese imports, according to the National Retail Federation’s latest monthly Global Tracker report. The number of cargo containers to be received at U.S. ports that are forecasted for July and August would each set new records for the number of containers imported in a single month; the first half … [Read more...] about Retail & Legal Tracker