trademark infringement News

Marilyn Monroe Is Still a Counterfeiter’s Best Friend

Nearly six decades after her death, Marilyn Monroe is still a popular choice for mugs, T-shirts, jewelry and other products using her name — even illegally. Authentic Brands Group LLC, which owns the rights to the late movie star’s name …

No Advertising Injury Coverage For Sale of Counterfeit Goods

Applying New York law, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held that there was no advertising injury indemnity insurance coverage for nearly $35 million in judgments against an off-price luxury goods vendor, insured Ashley Reed Trading, …

Utah Changes Ski Slogan to Settle Colorado Ski Resort Suit

Salt Lake City tourism officials and a Colorado ski resort have settled a legal fight over a marketing slogan targeted to tourists in the lucrative winter sports industry. Utah marketers dropped ‘USA’ from their new Ski City advertising campaign a …

Going Global Means IP Theft Risk for Louisiana Businesses

New Orleans sweet shop Sucré is in the initial stages of delving into international territory. Joel Dondis, the co-owner of Sucré, said the business is currently in discussions with potential buyers in China, Japan and Canada to sell and distribute …

Cronut Creator Demands Northern Louisiana Pastry Name-Change

A northwest Louisiana restaurant’s croissant-doughnut hybrid is getting a new name – Juggernut, Highlander or Steve. Lizz Bowen and her husband, Scott Roebuck, got a cease-and-desist letter last week from Cronut creator Dominique Ansel, telling them that their Sevendipity Cafe …

Big Winery Bullies North Carolina Company to Change its Name

A small Asheville, N.C., food company will be carrying a new name because a winery didn’t like the old one. The Asheville Citizen-Times reports husband-and-wife team Tom Gallo and Susan Devitt have been forced by E. & J. Gallo Winery …

Nationwide Mutual, Adjuster on Different Sides Over ‘On Your Side’ Slogan

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., which has used the “On Your Side” slogan in its marketing and advertising since 1966, is suing a small Tennessee public adjusting firm that goes by the name On Your Side Adjusters Inc. for trademark infringement. …

Nintendo Damages Reduction in Intellectual Property Suit

Nintendo Co. won a 50 percent reduction of the $30.2 million in damages a jury awarded to a former Sony Corp. employee who claimed the company’s 3DS game and video player infringed his 3-D technology patent. “The jury’s damages award …

Kohler Ordered to Pay $9.6M in Patent Suit

The Kohler Co. has been ordered in federal court to pay $9.6 million to a Massachusetts manufacturer for infringing on two of its patents for components that reduce exhaust emissions in marine generators. Jurors in U.S. District Court in Boston …

Vermont Hard Cider Company Takes Aim at Coffee Roaster

A Vermont company that makes hard cider is suing another Vermont company that roasts coffee for trademark infringement over the use of the word “woodchuck.” Vermont Hard Cider Co. filed a complaint against Woodchuck Coffee Roasters in U.S. District Court …