IP Basics: The Purpose of Copyright [ © ] and Trademark [ TM ] Symbols
[This post is part 3 of a 3 part IP Basics Series] In a recent series of IP Basics: Copyrights, Trademarks and Trade Secrets, Oh My!…
We’ve Got the Copyright, How ‘bout You? Supreme Court Protects Cheerleader Uniform Designs
We previously wrote about the copyright battle between two of the largest cheerleader uniform manufacturers. Plaintiff Varsity Brand, Inc. claimed that Star Athletica, LLC had…
We’ve Got the Copyright, How ‘bout You? Supreme Court Grapples with Cheerleader Uniforms
On Halloween, the highest court in the land heard oral argument on whether cheerleader uniform designs are subject to copyright protection. Varsity Brand, Inc. (“Varsity”), the…
A Tale of Two Stephens: Stephen Colbert and his Right to Use his Own Name
In a recent episode of CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the host lampooned an apparent cease and desist demand from lawyers contending that Colbert…
Corporate Logos and Copyright: Another Bite at the IP Apple
Can a corporation protect its logo by copyright as well as by trademark law? Traditionally, when one thinks of works protected by the law of copyright, one thinks…
All That Glitters Is Not Copyright Infringement
It’s been widely reported in the news and on this blog—a jury in a Federal copyright infringement case has reached a verdict favoring legendary rock band…
Jury Hands Zeppelin a Heavenly Victory
In Robert Plant’s world, all that glitters is not gold, and all that sounds like another artist’s work is not stolen from that artist. Fortunately for Plant and his Led Zeppelin bandmates, a Los Angeles jury agreed. That jury found on Thursday that the estate of Randy Craig Wolfe, the lead guitar player for a Zeppelin contemporary, Spirit, had not proved that the iconic opening guitar riff to “Stairway to Heaven” was lifted from Spirit’s “Taurus.”
