Telegraph.co.uk is out with an article that there has been an over 300% increase in the number of TM disputes. The article equates the increase in disputes with the introduction of the new gtlds. From the article: The release of hundreds of new web address endings over the last eight months has contributed to a 313pc increase in the number of "cyber-squatting" disputes, it has … [Read more...]
Hollywood seeking the help of Domain Registrars in the battle against piracy
Jeremy Malcom and Maira Sutton wrote an article on the Electronic Frontier Foundation website that deals with Hollywood trying to influence domain registrars. The article is well written and gives a peek into the behind the scenes battles taking place on the IP front. Domain registrars actually became what was called a "New Issue Focus" by the United States Trade Representative (USTR). It looks … [Read more...]
The MPAA Would Like to Help ICANN set policy in targeting Pirate Domains
In an article on Torrent Freak it seems that the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) is in bed with ICANN and is trying to use that relationship to shape certain policies. These policies center on the handling of domain names used by sites that infringe intellectual property. From the article: The MPAA is one of the ICANN partners shaping future policy for the domain name system. … [Read more...]
Media Company Awarded $7million in Online Piracy Case
Torrent Freak reported that the largest media company in the Philippines was awarded $7million in damages and that several domains were forfeited in the process. From the article: In its ongoing crusade against sites said to infringe its copyrights, TV outfit ABS-CBN has just netted a couple of big wins. A pair of cases filed in a Florida district court have gone in the TV company's favor … [Read more...]
Under Armour Looking to Kick A Little Ass – Ass Armor That Is
The Baltimore Sun's Lorraine Mirabella published an article on local athletic apparel maker Under Armour. It seems that Under Armour has not taken kindly to a company started in 2013 called Ass Armor. The company also apparently did a play on the Under Armour tagline "Protect This House" with one of their own "Protect Your Assets". From the article: Snowboarder Casey Scherr started a company … [Read more...]
Philly Bike Share Program Picks A Name Already Trademarked
In my local news it seems that the city of Philadelphia may be infringing on a trademark. The city is rolling out a bike share program and named it Indego, the only problem is a company in Cleveland has that name trademarked. A representative from the Cleveland company said they will look into whethere or not they want to block the name. Kathleen Conlon, a spokeswoman for Independence Blue … [Read more...]
Major League Baseball in Trademark Battle over the letter W
Not sure what is going on over at the corporate offices of Major League Baseball, The Washington Post published an article on the trademark battle between Wallet Hub and MLB related to marks owned by both the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs. You might ask where is there a W in Chicago or Cubs ? After a victory the Cubs raise a flag with the letter W on it at Wrigley Field. The logo seems … [Read more...]