Just about anything that helps distinguish a brand from competitors can function as a trademark — a name, a logo, a slogan, or even a color, a sound, or a shape. Brands can be so powerful that sometimes all it takes is a single letter...
Read MoreAs I detailed yesterday, I submitted a FOIA request to the USPTO for communications and comments regarding the “Trademark Litigation Tactics” study (a.k.a. “bullies study”). The contents of the box of materials provided by the USPTO was not entirely in order. I have pieced it...
Read MoreI recently made a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the USPTO for comments and communications related to the Trademark Litigation Tactics survey (a.k.a. “trademark bullies” study). The USPTO’s report, under the law passed last year, was recently due to Congress. To...
Read MoreOne potential way to deal with a refusal from the USPTO to register a trademark is to obtain consent from the owner of the registration (or application) that is blocking the path. In order to do so, the other party – the one that filed...
Read MoreZippo lighters apparently come with a lifetime guarantee. Zippo’s maker thus has extra incentive to prevent and recognize copycats – the copies are taking away sales potentially, and are cost Zippo time and money if they get sent in to be repaired. A cheap disposable...
Read More