Trademarkology

Brands, Trademarks, and Registration

Trademarkology

Registrability and Use of Immoral and Scandalous Marks

The U.S. Supreme Court has granted the U.S. government’s petition for a writ of certiorari in a case challenging provision of the federal trademark statute. In In re Brunetti, 877 F.3d 1330 (Fed. Cir. 2017), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found the portion of the Lanham Act that proscribes registration of trademarks comprised of “immoral and scandalous matter” unconstitutional.

by Alexandra MacKay February 15, 2019

Trademarkology

Benefits of Registration

At the beginning of this new year, it helps to remind ourselves why we engage in this work, why trademarks matter, and, more particularly, why registration matters. Trademarks symbolize the goodwill of a business; they are the emblems of the brand owner’s reputation. Registrations strengthen and protection those important symbols.

by Alexandra MacKay January 11, 2019

Trademarkology

Chuck Taylor Shows a Big Benefit of Registration

The iconic Chuck Taylor sneaker was involved in a recent case that has the attention of trademark watchers. The bone of contention was the familiar look of the Chuck Taylor sneaker worn by generations of American kids (and adults), and whether shoes imported by Skechers and others were infringing.

by John W. Scruton January 08, 2019

Trademarkology

Expedited Cancellation Procedures at the TTAB

Recently the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (the “TTAB”) decided TV Azteca, S.A.B. de C.V. v. Jeffrey E. Martin, Can. No. 92068042 (TTAB Dec. 7, 2018) using the expedited cancellation procedure that is the subject...

by Alexandra MacKay December 18, 2018

Trademarkology

Identity Issues: More on Rebranding and Brand Nicknames

Only three months ago we wrote about rebranding. Just two months ago we wrote about beloved brand nicknames. Then, last month, two companies announced plans to rebrand to abbreviations of their current marks. Coincidence? Probably, but we are going to take the opportunity to revisit those topics anyway.

by Alexandra MacKay October 15, 2018