Tis the season for festive T-shirts, ugly sweaters, and mugs that shout things like “Merry & Bright” or “Let’s Get Lit.” But behind some of those playful phrases are very real trademark disputes. In the second post of our December series, we’re looking at holiday slogans, when they can be protected, when they can’t, and […]
Category: Trademarks
Rudolph, the Grinch, and IP: Who Owns Our Favorite Holiday Characters?
Every December, familiar faces show up everywhere: Rudolph’s glowing nose, the Grinch’s sly grin, and that ever-watchful Elf on the Shelf. For most of us, they’re just part of the holiday magic. For brand owners and lawyers, they’re also valuable intellectual property. This post kicks off our December series on holiday trademarks, looking first at […]
Trademark Fundamentals for Entrepreneurs: Why Your Brand Needs Legal Protection
In today’s hyper-connected digital marketplace, your brand is more than just a name—it’s your identity. Entrepreneurs invest countless hours and resources into crafting a brand that resonates with their audience. A strong brand builds trust, fosters loyalty, and sets you apart from competitors. But as markets become saturated and new businesses launch daily, protecting that […]
TTAB for Dummies: A Beginner’s Guide to the Trademark Trial & Appeals Board
Navigating the world of trademarks can seem daunting, especially when it comes to protecting your brand or challenging someone else’s. One key player in this process is the Trademark Trial and Appeals Board (TTAB). If you’ve ever wondered what the TTAB is, what it does, or how to go about filing and participating in its […]
Trademark Law Stops at the Border: Ninth Circuit Enforces Abitron’s Limits
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently issued one of the first appellate decisions applying the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Abitron Austria GmbH v. Hetronic International, Inc. The July 15 decision in Doctor’s Best, Inc. v. Nature’s Way Products, LLC confirmed that the Lanham Act’s trademark infringement provisions “extend only to claims where the claimed […]
Trademark Law Case: Brunetti, the USPTO, and the F-Word
The intersection of trademark law and free speech is ever-evolving, and the Brunetti case is a prime example. As a top Dallas IP law firm, Griffith Barbee is following this case, which challenges the boundaries of what can be registered as a trademark. The First Brunetti Case: A Landmark in Trademark Law In the world […]
Registering a Trademark? Tips to Overcome Challenges and USPTO Office Actions
The Trademark Registration Process Ready to establish your brand by registering your trademark? Congratulations! Securing a trademark is a critical step for protecting your brand. However, if you are new to this pursuit, you should know that the USPTO registration process is complex and involves multiple stages, from filing an application through the Trademark Center […]
Litigating Trademark Infringement in the Social Media Era
In the digital age, trademark infringement has taken on new dimensions, particularly with the rise of social media, influencer marketing, and e-commerce. The widespread use of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube has made it easier for individuals and businesses to promote products, but it has also opened the door to significant trademark violations. Brands […]
DBA Headnotes: Understanding the Limitations of Federal Trademark Registration
Griffith Barbee attorneys Joshua Yun and Anjie Vichayanonda แอนจี้ วิชยานนท์ co-wrote an article for the Dallas Bar Association’s latest “Headnotes” feature focusing on Intellectual Property Law called “Understanding the Limitations of Federal Trademark Registration.” In the DBA’s official publication, Yun and Vichayanonda explain the limitations of federal trademark registration and outline common misconceptions about the process […]
Social Media and Trademarks: Navigating Username and Handle Disputes
The rise of social media has had a profound impact on many aspects of society, including the world of trademarks. With more and more businesses using social media to connect with customers and promote their brands, issues related to usernames and handle disputes have become increasingly common. Username and handle disputes arise when two or […]