In today’s digital economy, a strong brand identity is one of an entrepreneur’s most valuable assets. Your business name, logo, or slogan is often the first thing customers notice, and it can make a lasting impression that builds loyalty, credibility, and competitive advantage. But strong branding isn’t just marketing: it’s also legal. Understanding trademarks and […]
Tag: GriffithBarbee
BMW’s Patented Roundel Tire Bolts: A New Frontier in Fastener Design and Automotive IP Strategy
In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive engineering, even the smallest components can reveal big trends. In late 2025, BMW garnered industry attention by filing a patent for a proprietary fastener design, a roundel-shaped screw head that would require a specialized tool for installation and removal. While headlines have simplified the discussion as “new tire bolts,” […]
The Battle of the Bunnies: Holiday Product Designs and Trade Dress
Some holiday products are instantly recognizable even without a logo, think a particular chocolate bunny, a signature ornament shape, or a distinctive holiday box. That “look” can be protected under trade dress and sometimes even as a shape trademark. In this third post, we’re talking about holiday product designs and one of the most famous […]
‘Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal’: Holiday Phrases, Slogans, and Trademarks
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 […]
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 […]
How the Government Shutdown Is Testing the Courts, and What It Means for Commercial and Intellectual Property Litigation
The federal government shutdown has once again placed the justice system and federal agencies under unusual strain. While the Supreme Court and most federal courts remain technically open, the ongoing funding lapse is beginning to slow critical operations that affect businesses, intellectual property owners, and litigants nationwide. For companies engaged in complex commercial or IP […]
Ashley Norton Named Among Best Lawyers Under 40 in 2025
Griffith Barbee is proud to announce that our Senior Associate, Ashley Norton, has been named one of the Best Lawyers Under 40 by D Magazine. Ashley was nominated by her peers as “one whose work they witnessed firsthand” and who they would rank “among the current best.” Ashley Norton’s practice focuses on commercial litigation. She recognizes that […]