From Comerica to Fifth Third: The Intellectual Property Concerns Behind a Stadium Name
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 25
Comerica Park becomes Fifth Third Park in 2027. Here’s how stadium naming rights work as IP licensing and what Fifth Third gains beyond fan approval.
The Law Of Unintended Consequences
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 24
As any trademark lawyer will tell clients considering a rebrand, the adoption of any new trademark involves risk. A search can identify potentially conflicting trademarks that could pose problems for use and/or registration of a new trademark.
When Monopoly Promotes Progress
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 23
Why would the United States grant inventors exclusive rights to their creations while simultaneously seeking to promote competition and innovation? The answer lies in the Patent Act of 1790, which established a framework that still shapes patent law today.
What’s in a Name? Why Trademark Clearance Matters
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 22
Before a brand makes headlines for the right reasons, it helps to make sure someone else doesn’t already own the name. A recent dispute involving Tesla offers a timely reminder that a great brand name can become an expensive problem.
Tomorrow Never Dies, but 007’s Trademarks in Europe Might
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 25, Issue 17
Early this year, an Austrian property developer filed claims that several of the trademarks connected to the James Bond franchise have not been used as required to maintain trademark protections in these jurisdictions.
True Blue: The Monopolization Of Color And Why Using Another Brand’s Color Could Paint You Into A Legal Corner
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 25, Issue 11
As the story goes, Klein was so taken with the indescribable blue of the sky over the Mediterranean in Nice, France, that he dedicated his artistic talent developing a blue that would imbue the canvas with this color in its purest form.
Meghan (Markle) AKA the Duchess of Sussex goes from TV “Suits” to real life legal drama
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 25, Issue 10
Despite her pseudo-legal background in Suits, Meghan has been running into one issue after another in her efforts to register the trademark and logo for her new lifestyle company, for now, called “AS EVER”.
Don’t Stagnate, Collaborate: NikeSkims and The Importance of Brand Collaborations
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 25, Issue 9
In February, Nike and Skims announced that they will be working together on a new brand, NikeSkims. The co-brand will create a new line of training apparel, footwear, and accessories specifically designed to meet the unique needs of women athletes.
Innovation vs. Imitation: L.A.B. Golf’s Challenge Against Legacy Brands
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 25, Issue 7
L.A.B. Golf aims to protect its innovations, and therefore its market position, owning three patents for its zero-torque design. The question now is whether L.A.B. Golf can withstand the wave of copycat designs.
WHAT’S WHO’S IN A NAME?
Fish Tank: Newsletter Volume 25, Issue 6
Our latest article tackles three common trademark questions:
1. Can I trademark my own name?
2. Can I trademark the name of a fictional character?
3. Can I trademark the name of a U.S. president or British royal?