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
Licensing Law
Katy Perry vs. Katie Perry: Pop Singer Wins Trademark Fight Over Fashion Designer
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The singer Katy Perry has won an appeal allowing her to use her own name in Australia, following a nine-year legal battle against loungewear designer Katie Perry. The similarity of the two names was at the heart of the acrimonious battle, which left the I Kissed a Girl singer triumphant, and the designer devastated. On Friday, November 22, … [Read more...] about Katy Perry vs. Katie Perry: Pop Singer Wins Trademark Fight Over Fashion Designer
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
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
Copyright Law: Beyoncé Blocks Trump Campaign From Use of Song ‘Freedom’
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Beyoncé has blocked Donald Trump from using her song "Freedom," after the song was used for a Trump campaign video on social media. The singer-songwriter previously agreed to the use of "Freedom" for the opposing Kamala Harris campaign, where it has become essentially the theme song for the Democratic Party for the 2024 presidential … [Read more...] about Copyright Law: Beyoncé Blocks Trump Campaign From Use of Song ‘Freedom’
Perry Ellis Secures 8.3 Million Following Breach of Contract by ULC
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Perry Ellis has received 8.3 million USD in damages from United Legwear Company for legal problems related to their 2020 Pro Player sales agreement. The trial centered on the fair market value of the Pro Player athletic brand which Perry Ellis International had sold to ULC IP Holdings in 2020. Perry Ellis began pursuing legal action against ULC … [Read more...] about Perry Ellis Secures 8.3 Million Following Breach of Contract by ULC
Must Read: Supreme Court Rules Against Warner Music in Copyright Case
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Photo by Sunira Moses The US Supreme Court found there is no time limit for damages in copyright cases, ruling against Warner Music in a precedent-setting lawsuit. The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favor of Miami-based music producer Sherman Nealy, who became embroiled in a legal battle with Warner Music over a song by the popular … [Read more...] about Must Read: Supreme Court Rules Against Warner Music in Copyright Case