The Chatter We Make

Eminem Sues Spotify!  At least that’s what one might take away from headlines regarding a copyright case that could find its way to the Supreme Court next year.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently changed rules that significantly impact how trademark applications are submitted from foreign entities. Our firm has had recent inquiries from overseas attorneys wondering how to navigate these new laws.

If you wish to prevent others from using copyright-able subject matter in the future — from artistic endeavors to software — you must have a registration certificate from the U.S. Copyright Office before you can file a suit. It’s no longer enough to simply have the application on file.

Someone knocked off your product. Congratulations! You have a successful product that’s selling — so much so that other people have taken the time to copy it. However, you’re now losing money that should be in your pocket.

Just because someone else owns a domain with your trademark or brand name in it doesn’t mean it’s cybersquatting. Domain investing is permitted, so long is there is no bad faith intent, which can be a fine line.