The answer to this question might seem obvious that public health—and especially protecting the public from the coronavirus pandemic—should always take precedent. But, a recent dispute before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois highlights a conflict that judges likely did not contemplate when entering General Orders to protect public health.
a. Velcro
b. Escalator
c. Yo-Yo
d. Thermos
I will never forget the first time I heard it. It was in an information session hosted by my high school’s college counseling department. The college counselor was talking about finding the “right school for you” by evaluating criteria like school size and location. He suggested, for example, if we liked the big, midwestern feeling of the University of Michigan campus, that we also consider visiting the University of Iowa or Ohio State University. And then it happened. He stopped, and with a wry smile said, “oh I’m sorry, THE Ohio State University.” I didn’t end up attending OSU, as I chose the University of Wisconsin instead, but that memory resurfaced this summer after it was announced that OSU had decided to attempt to trademark the word “the.”
Continue reading “THE Ohio State University and THAT Trademark Application”
Having a trademark may provide business owners protection to create a unique brand for their company, but at what cost? Having and maintaining a trademark comes with financial burdens that may create a roadblock for entrepreneurs looking to build their brand.
Looking for a way to illicit immediate shock and interest from consumers? Why not have one of America’s most fascinating swear words be related to your product or business? A Los Angeles-based clothing company founded by designer Erik Brunetti uses the infamous brand name “FUCT.”
Continue reading “Colorful Vocabulary As A Topic In The Supreme Court”
A. The smell of Play-Doh
B. Harry Potter’s Marauder’s Map password, “I solemnly swear I’m up to no good”
C. The basketball sensation around Jeremy Lin, “Linsanity”
D. Paris Hilton’s catchphrase, “that’s hot”
IP Here, IP There…IP Everywhere
IP is everywhere and affects everyone. This principle was reinforced when I took Intellectual Property Law with Professor Ho during the Fall 2018 semester. We regularly had examples in class regarding the many ways IP intersects with everyday life, even including a copyright infringement case involving Kanye West. There were more examples at the end of the semester when students presented real and/or realistic applications of IP law. I especially enjoyed working on my final presentation with Jessica Fenton involving a local mom-and-pop donut shop called “Dunk Donuts.” If you’re thinking that sounds like Dunkin’ Donuts, so were we—and wondering whether this Oak Park donut shop might be liable to the national donut chain.
Continue reading “A Tale of Two Donut Shops: “Dunking” Into Trademark Troubles”
Chicago-based, fast-food powerhouse McDonald’s has locations in over 100 countries. Accordingly, it is difficult nowadays to find people in the world that are not familiar with the Big Mac, a McDonald’s staple since 1967. Regardless of which language a McDonald’s menu is displayed, consumers relate the word “Big Mac” to the burger’s signature structure: two all-beef patties, “special sauce,” American cheese, lettuce, pickles, and onion, all served in a three-part sesame seed bun.
Continue reading ““Big Mac” Trademark Gets Burned In Europe”
