By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you live in a country that celebrates Easter, you've seen them. Rank after rank after rank of sparkling golden bunnies, their gilt foil concealing the decadent Swiss chocolate underneath. What you may not have known is that Lindt's legendary Easter bunny confections have been involved in more than one pitched battle over copyright and … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Lindt Triumphs in Battle of the Bunnies
Licensing Law
Warner Music Investigating Subsidiary’s Actions in Russia
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Warner Music is investigating allegations that one of its subsidiaries continued to operate in Russia after the company suspended its operations. Those allegations were made in an exclusive investigative report by The Guardian newspaper. According to the report, at least one executive at the Warner subsidiary ADA Russia "... continued to try … [Read more...] about Warner Music Investigating Subsidiary’s Actions in Russia
Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West has abruptly ended his relationship with Gap Inc., accusing the company of failing to meet its obligations. West's lawyers sent a letter to Gap on Thursday notifying it of a termination of the partnership. West alleges Gap breached its agreement with West (also known as Ye) by not selling the Yeezy … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap
Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A California court has ruled against a man who claims the cover artwork on Nirvana's 1991 grunge rock album Nevermind is child pornography. The ruling comes after Spencer Elden, now 31, sued the band over allegations of "commercial child sexual exploitation," after his image was used on the album's cover. That cover is considered among the … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit
Licensing Law: Boutique Owner Wins Trademark Ruling in Battle with Zara
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A British boutique has won a David vs. Goliath battle in a trademark dispute with global fashion giant Zara. Amber Kotrri (seen in photo, above) is the owner of House of Zana, a boutique fashion outlet that sells clothing online and from a single store in the small city of Darlington in the UK. But the fashion conglomerate Inditex felt the … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Boutique Owner Wins Trademark Ruling in Battle with Zara
Commentary: Russia Reopens Former Starbucks Outlets With Familiar Logo
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It wasn't just Ukraine that was invaded by Russia in February, as Western brands exited the country only to see their former outlets and factories taken over by local operators. The latest 'invasion' saw a Russian restauranteur and a local rapper unveiling Russia's new 'Stars Coffee' franchise last Thursday, under an awfully familiar logo. The … [Read more...] about Commentary: Russia Reopens Former Starbucks Outlets With Familiar Logo
Licensing Law: Roblox Sues WowWee For Allegedly Selling Toys Based On Its IP
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The metaverse platform Roblox is suing the Hong Kong toy company WowWee for a line of toys it says were inspired by Roblox avatars. The suit is aimed at a new line of dolls called My Avastars (seen in above photo), scheduled for release in October through major retailers like Walmart, Target and Macy's. The case is among the first examples of … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Roblox Sues WowWee For Allegedly Selling Toys Based On Its IP
Licensing Law: Gibson Wins Landmark Trademark Ruling For Iconic Guitar Designs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Legendary guitar-maker Gibson has won a huge victory in a trademark case, aptly decided by a jury in Nashville, aka Music City. As a result, the court has ordered an injunction permanently prohibiting Armadillo (aka Dean Guitars) from using Gibson's classic designs and marks, including the ES, SG, the Flying V, Explorer Trademarks, and … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Gibson Wins Landmark Trademark Ruling For Iconic Guitar Designs
Feature Report: Bored Apes Lawsuit May Set Precedent for IP Protection in NFTs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Yuga Labs is suing a conceptual artist over allegations of copyright infringement of its Bored Ape Yacht Club line of NFTs. The case will be among the most hotly watched for legal experts in the nascent NFT sector, as courts struggle to establish clear copyright laws for non-fungible tokens. The dispute centers on Ryder Ripps, an artist … [Read more...] about Feature Report: Bored Apes Lawsuit May Set Precedent for IP Protection in NFTs
Licensing Law Shocker: Hawley Targets Disney With Bill To Limit Copyright Protection
If Passed, Law Would Impact All Licensors, Limiting Copyrights to 56 Years By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Senator Josh Hawley is introducing legislation targeting Disney that would have a devastating impact on the US licensing industry. The move comes as Hawley and other GOP leaders retaliate against The Walt Disney Company for its stated opposition to the so-called "Don't … [Read more...] about Licensing Law Shocker: Hawley Targets Disney With Bill To Limit Copyright Protection